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Mindfulness: The Present Moment in Clinical Social Work

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Abstract

Mindfulness-based psychotherapies are increasingly found in the evidence-based practice realm of clinical social work. This paper provides an understanding of the concept of mindfulness as well as the research into the neurological and behavioral benefits of mindfulness skills training. Mindfulness skills training is explored as both the foundation of specific therapy protocols and as a method to foster clinician attention, affect regulation, attunement and empathy. Clinical case examples are provided to demonstrate the impact of mindfulness skills training on both clients and on the helping relationship.

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank the professors and students of the 2007 cohort of the DSW program at the University of Pennsylvania for their assistance on this article. Special thanks to Karen Blomain for personal assistance with the manuscript preparation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, RR#2, P.O. Box 3153, Union Dale, PA, 18470, USA

    Kielty Turner

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  1. Kielty Turner
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Correspondence to Kielty Turner.

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Turner, K. Mindfulness: The Present Moment in Clinical Social Work. Clin Soc Work J 37, 95–103 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-008-0182-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-008-0182-0

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