CBT Training Program - Workshop Mind

Mindfulness in the therapeutic context

 

 

 

Mindfulness is a recent addition to the tools of cognitive behavioural therapists. Many of the mindfulness methods used in CBT are derived from the wisdom traditions, primarily Buddhism. The other theoretical framework from which mindfulness is utilised in the therapeutic context is associated with ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).  Both approaches are empirical and this workshop will clarify the Buddhist framework.

The first day of the workshop (Wednesday) will focus on both a theoretical framework for using mindfulness in the clinical setting and how mindfulness can be taught as a skill to clients.  During this day reference will be given to the first four sessions of a 12 session empirically validated mindfulness-based program for stress, anxiety and depression.

The second day, which is a half day (as Thursday afternoon is free) will provide an opportunity for personal practise and guidance in meditation.  It will include general instruction in mindfulness meditation, mindfulness movements such as yoga/tai chi, both guided and silent meditation sessions and some opportunities for questions and discussion.   This half day is an essential requirement for considering using mindfulness in a therapeutic setting and will provide a personal experiential base to make the rest of the workshop more meaningful.

The third day will focus on how mindfulness is used as a therapeutic stance and will include reference to how a personal mindfulness practice can help to cultivate therapist qualities that are essential for the therapeutic relationship and successful therapeutic encounters. Such qualities include presence, empathy, kindness, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity.

Though the workshop will be largely experiential, the theoretical framework from which mindfulness is utilised will also be addressed. This framework will be emphasised on the first day and will also be incorporated into the second and third days as a way to provide meaning to experiential exercises.

The aims and objectives of this workshop include:

1. Knowledge:

• To enhance skills and understanding for therapists/program leaders who are already familiar with mindfulness and to introduce it to therapists who are relatively new to this practice
• Gain an understanding of the contextual basis of mindfulness by referring to Buddhist psychology/philosophy
• Gain an understanding of clinical applications by referring to a mindfulness-based program for stress, anxiety and depression

2. Skills:

• To explore how mindfulness is used as a therapeutic stance
• To provide some strategies for teaching mindfulness to clientele by referring to some of the sessions of a 12 session mindfulness-based program for stress, anxiety and depression
• To practise using some of the practical resources available for use with clients
• To provide the opportunity to develop a personal mindfulness practice

3. Attitudes:

• To work on cultivating valuable therapist qualities such as: kindness, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity

Applicants will be encouraged to develop their own mindfulness skills post-workshop, as a means to further their confidence in using mindfulness professionally.

 

Reference:
Germer, C.K. (2005). Mindfulness: What is it? What does it matter? In C.K. Germer,
R.D. Siegel, & P.R. Fulton (Eds.), Mindfulness and psychotherapy (pp. 3-27). New York: The Guilford Press.

 

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