Using Mindfulness Meditation to Teach Beginning Therapists Therapeutic Presence: A Qualitative Study

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Some of the more difficult to define aspects of the therapeutic process (empathy, compassion, presence) remain some of the most important. Teaching them presents a challenge for therapist trainees and educators alike. In this study, we examine our beginning practicum students' experience of learning mindfulness meditation as a way to help them develop therapeutic presence. Through thematic analysis of their journal entries a variety of themes emerged, including the effects of meditation practice, the ability to be present, balancing being and doing modes in therapy, and the development of acceptance and compassion for themselves and for their clients. Our findings suggest that mindfulness meditation may be a useful addition to clinical training.