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The Clinician as Neuroarchitect: The Importance of Mindfulness and Presence in Clinical Practice

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Abstract

Interpersonal neurobiology provides a framework from which to examine the incorporation of mindsight and mindfulness into clinical practice, employing the brain’s capacity for neuroplasticity to move oneself and one’s clients toward greater well-being. Through the lens of interpersonal neurobiology, this article will examine the benefits of mindfulness for clinicians, clients, and the therapeutic relationship. Lasting changes associated with mindfulness practices, including the hypothesized potential to alter one’s previously insecure attachment patterns, will also be discussed. An explanation of how to cultivate mindfulness by starting with presence and sustaining the practice with compassion will then be presented. Finally, practices that cultivate growth within the therapist–client relationship will be explained, along with clinical applications and recent research demonstrating the neural correlates of these practices and how they are effective at the level of the brain itself.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Health Care Evaluation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road (152-MPD), Menlo Park, CA, USA

    Lisa L. Baldini

  2. University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA

    Suzanne C. Parker

  3. UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Benjamin W. Nelson

  4. Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA

    Benjamin W. Nelson

  5. Mindsight Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Daniel J. Siegel

  6. UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Daniel J. Siegel

  7. UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Daniel J. Siegel

  8. Foundation for Psychocultural Research-UCLA Center for Culture, Brain, and Development, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Daniel J. Siegel

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  1. Lisa L. Baldini
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  2. Suzanne C. Parker
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  3. Benjamin W. Nelson
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  4. Daniel J. Siegel
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Correspondence to Lisa L. Baldini.

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Baldini, L.L., Parker, S.C., Nelson, B.W. et al. The Clinician as Neuroarchitect: The Importance of Mindfulness and Presence in Clinical Practice. Clin Soc Work J 42, 218–227 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-014-0476-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-014-0476-3

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