A Comprehensive Approach to Clinical Mindfulness

• Overview

Learn to train the mind to work more wisely with thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations with mindfulness.Much attention has been given in recent literature to the concept of mindfulness and mindfulness-based interventions. But what is mindfulness? What are the scientific mechanisms that makes it useful? How can it be used in clinical practice? This information will provide an overview of mindfulness-based interventions, review the clinical and neurological research, and provide a short mindfulness exercise that can be taught to clients. Mindfulness can also be used for clinician self-care. Basically, mindfulness involves training the mind to work more wisely with thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. For the therapist, this means being more fully present and aware of what is going on in the therapy session. For the client, this means being more consciously aware of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors within the session and throughout the day. Use of mindfulness helps to discard old, unconscious, maladaptive patterns.

Authors

Richard W. Sears, Psy.D., Ph.D., MBA, ABPP, Center for Clinical Mindfulness & Meditation

Agenda

Definition of Mindfulness

Clinical Mechanisms

• Exposure

• Decentering

• Filling Attentional Channels

• Self-Compassion

Neurological Findings

Interventions Utilizing Mindfulness

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

• Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

• Other Interventions

3-Minute Breathing Space

Mindfulness for Providers