Using Mindfulness Meditation to Teach Beginning Therapists Therapeutic Presence: A Qualitative Study
Journal of Marital and Family Therapy May 27, 2010 Eric E. McCollum, Diane R. Gehart 158 citations
Learning mindfulness meditation helps beginning therapy trainees develop therapeutic presence, acceptance, and compassion for themselves and their clients. A thematic analysis of practicum students' journal entries revealed themes such as the effects of meditation practice, the ability to be present, balancing being and doing modes in therapy, and self-compassion. The findings suggest that mindfulness meditation may be a useful addition to clinical training.