Skip to main content
Top
Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness 6/2014

01-12-2014 | ORIGINAL PAPER

The Influence of Therapist Mindfulness Practice on Psychotherapeutic Work: A Mixed-Methods Study

Auteur: Anthony Keane

Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness | Uitgave 6/2014

Log in om toegang te krijgen
share
DELEN

Deel dit onderdeel of sectie (kopieer de link)

  • Optie A:
    Klik op de rechtermuisknop op de link en selecteer de optie “linkadres kopiëren”
  • Optie B:
    Deel de link per e-mail

Abstract

An increasing number of psychotherapists across therapeutic modalities are practising meditation. This two-phase study examined the influence of personal mindfulness meditation practice on psychotherapists and their work. In phase 1 of the study, 40 psychotherapists from a variety of theoretical backgrounds completed a postal survey. The survey included self-report measures of mindfulness and empathic capacity as well as open-ended questions on the influence of mindfulness practice on participants and their work. In phase 2, follow-up face-to-face interviews were conducted with a subsample of 12 participants. These interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Significant associations were found between meditation experience and self-reported mindfulness, and between levels of mindfulness and self-reported empathy. Specific themes were identified in therapists’ qualitative responses regarding the influence of mindfulness practice on their work. These included enhanced attention and self-awareness, and improved ability to be present and to attune to clients. Mindfulness practice helped internalise attitudes and qualities that have a positive influence on therapeutic work. It increased awareness of self-care needs and provided support in meeting them, and influenced perspectives on psychotherapy. Mindfulness practice also presented challenges for participants. The findings suggest that personal mindfulness practice can enhance key therapist abilities (e.g. attention) and qualities (e.g. empathy) that have a positive influence on therapeutic relating. Mindfulness practice could provide a useful adjunct to psychotherapy training and be an important resource in the continuing professional development of therapists across modalities.
Literatuur
go back to reference Baer, R. A., Smith, G. T., Hopkins, J., Krietemeyer, J., & Toney, L. (2006). Using self-report assessment methods to explore facets of mindfulness. Assessment, 13(3), 27–45.PubMedCrossRef Baer, R. A., Smith, G. T., Hopkins, J., Krietemeyer, J., & Toney, L. (2006). Using self-report assessment methods to explore facets of mindfulness. Assessment, 13(3), 27–45.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Baer, R. A., Smith, G. T., Lykins, E., Button, D., Krietemeyer, J., Sauer, S., et al. (2008). Construct validity of the five facet mindfulness questionnaire in meditating and nonmeditating samples. Assessment, 15(3), 329–342.PubMedCrossRef Baer, R. A., Smith, G. T., Lykins, E., Button, D., Krietemeyer, J., Sauer, S., et al. (2008). Construct validity of the five facet mindfulness questionnaire in meditating and nonmeditating samples. Assessment, 15(3), 329–342.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Bien, T. (2008). The four immeasurable minds: preparing to be present in psychotherapy. In S. F. Hick & T. Bien (Eds.), Mindfulness and the therapeutic relationship (pp. 37–54). New York, NY: Guilford. Bien, T. (2008). The four immeasurable minds: preparing to be present in psychotherapy. In S. F. Hick & T. Bien (Eds.), Mindfulness and the therapeutic relationship (pp. 37–54). New York, NY: Guilford.
go back to reference Biernacki, P., & Waldorf, D. (1981). Snowball sampling: problems and techniques of chain referral sampling. Sociological Methods and Research, 10, 141–163. Biernacki, P., & Waldorf, D. (1981). Snowball sampling: problems and techniques of chain referral sampling. Sociological Methods and Research, 10, 141–163.
go back to reference Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77–101.CrossRef Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77–101.CrossRef
go back to reference Bruce, N., Shapiro, S. L., Constantino, M. J., & Manber, R. (2010). Psychotherapy mindfulness and the psychotherapy process. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 47(1), 83–97.CrossRef Bruce, N., Shapiro, S. L., Constantino, M. J., & Manber, R. (2010). Psychotherapy mindfulness and the psychotherapy process. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 47(1), 83–97.CrossRef
go back to reference Buber, M. (1996). I and thou. (translated by W. Kaufmann). New York, NY: Touchstone (Original work published 1923). Buber, M. (1996). I and thou. (translated by W. Kaufmann). New York, NY: Touchstone (Original work published 1923).
go back to reference Chödrön, P. (2001). The places that scare you: a guide to fearlessness in difficult times. Boston, MA: Shambala. Chödrön, P. (2001). The places that scare you: a guide to fearlessness in difficult times. Boston, MA: Shambala.
go back to reference Christopher, J. C., Chrisman, J. A., Trotter-Mathison, M. J., Schure, M. B., Dahlen, P., & Christopher, S. B. (2011). Perceptions of the long-term influence of mindfulness training on counselors and psychotherapists: a qualitative inquiry. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 51(3), 318–349.CrossRef Christopher, J. C., Chrisman, J. A., Trotter-Mathison, M. J., Schure, M. B., Dahlen, P., & Christopher, S. B. (2011). Perceptions of the long-term influence of mindfulness training on counselors and psychotherapists: a qualitative inquiry. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 51(3), 318–349.CrossRef
go back to reference Christopher, M. S., Charoensuk, S., Brennan, G. D., Neary, T. J., & Pearce, K. L. (2009). Mindfulness in Thailand and the United States: a case of apples versus oranges? Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(6), 590–612.PubMedCrossRef Christopher, M. S., Charoensuk, S., Brennan, G. D., Neary, T. J., & Pearce, K. L. (2009). Mindfulness in Thailand and the United States: a case of apples versus oranges? Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(6), 590–612.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Cigolla, F., & Brown, D. (2011). A way of being: bringing mindfulness into individual therapy. Psychotherapy Research, 21(6), 709–721.PubMedCrossRef Cigolla, F., & Brown, D. (2011). A way of being: bringing mindfulness into individual therapy. Psychotherapy Research, 21(6), 709–721.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Crane, R., & Elias, D. (2006). Being with what is: mindfulness practice for counsellors and psychotherapists. Therapy Today, 17(10), 31–39. Crane, R., & Elias, D. (2006). Being with what is: mindfulness practice for counsellors and psychotherapists. Therapy Today, 17(10), 31–39.
go back to reference Creswell, J. W. (2007). Qualitative inquiry and research design: choosing among five approaches (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Creswell, J. W. (2007). Qualitative inquiry and research design: choosing among five approaches (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
go back to reference Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2007). Designing and conducting mixed methods research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2007). Designing and conducting mixed methods research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
go back to reference Davis, D. M., & Hayes, J. A. (2011). What are the benefits of mindfulness? A practice review of psychotherapy-related research. Psychotherapy, 48(2), 198–208.PubMedCrossRef Davis, D. M., & Hayes, J. A. (2011). What are the benefits of mindfulness? A practice review of psychotherapy-related research. Psychotherapy, 48(2), 198–208.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Davis, M. H. (1983). Measuring individual differences in empathy: evidence for a multidimensional approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44(1), 113–126.CrossRef Davis, M. H. (1983). Measuring individual differences in empathy: evidence for a multidimensional approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44(1), 113–126.CrossRef
go back to reference Dekeyser, M., Raes, F., Leijssen, M., Leysen, S., & Dewulf, D. (2008). Mindfulness skills and interpersonal behaviour. Personality and Individual Differences, 44, 1235–1245.CrossRef Dekeyser, M., Raes, F., Leijssen, M., Leysen, S., & Dewulf, D. (2008). Mindfulness skills and interpersonal behaviour. Personality and Individual Differences, 44, 1235–1245.CrossRef
go back to reference Epstein, M. (1995). Thoughts without a thinker. New York, NY: Basic Books. Epstein, M. (1995). Thoughts without a thinker. New York, NY: Basic Books.
go back to reference Fulton, P. R. (2005). Mindfulness as clinical training. In C. K. Germer, R. Siegel, & P. R. Fulton (Eds.), Mindfulness and psychotherapy (pp. 55–72). New York, NY: Guilford. Fulton, P. R. (2005). Mindfulness as clinical training. In C. K. Germer, R. Siegel, & P. R. Fulton (Eds.), Mindfulness and psychotherapy (pp. 55–72). New York, NY: Guilford.
go back to reference Grabovac, A. D., Lau, M. A., & Willet, B. R. (2011). Mechanisms of mindfulness: a Buddhist psychological model. Mindfulness, 2, 154–166.CrossRef Grabovac, A. D., Lau, M. A., & Willet, B. R. (2011). Mechanisms of mindfulness: a Buddhist psychological model. Mindfulness, 2, 154–166.CrossRef
go back to reference Greason, P. B., & Cashwell, C. S. (2009). Mindfulness and counselling self-efficacy: the mediating role of attention and empathy. Counsellor Education and Supervision, 49, 2–19.CrossRef Greason, P. B., & Cashwell, C. S. (2009). Mindfulness and counselling self-efficacy: the mediating role of attention and empathy. Counsellor Education and Supervision, 49, 2–19.CrossRef
go back to reference Grepmair, L., Mitterlehner, F., Loew, T., Bachler, E., Rother, W., & Nickel, M. (2007). Promoting mindfulness in psychotherapists in training influences the treatment results of their patients: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 76(6), 332–338.PubMedCrossRef Grepmair, L., Mitterlehner, F., Loew, T., Bachler, E., Rother, W., & Nickel, M. (2007). Promoting mindfulness in psychotherapists in training influences the treatment results of their patients: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 76(6), 332–338.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Grossman, P. (2008). On measuring mindfulness in psychosomatic and psychological research. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 64, 405–408.PubMedCrossRef Grossman, P. (2008). On measuring mindfulness in psychosomatic and psychological research. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 64, 405–408.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Grossman, P. (2011). Defining mindfulness by how poorly I think I pay attention during everyday awareness and other intractable problems for psychology’s (re)invention of mindfulness: comment on Brown et al. (2011). Psychological Assessment, 23(4), 1034–1040.PubMedCrossRef Grossman, P. (2011). Defining mindfulness by how poorly I think I pay attention during everyday awareness and other intractable problems for psychology’s (re)invention of mindfulness: comment on Brown et al. (2011). Psychological Assessment, 23(4), 1034–1040.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Grossman, P., & Van Dam, N. T. (2011). Mindfulness, by any other name…: trials and tribulations of Sati in Western psychology and science. Contemporary Buddhism, 12(1), 219–239.CrossRef Grossman, P., & Van Dam, N. T. (2011). Mindfulness, by any other name…: trials and tribulations of Sati in Western psychology and science. Contemporary Buddhism, 12(1), 219–239.CrossRef
go back to reference Hick, S. F. (2008). Cultivating therapeutic relationships: the role of mindfulness. In S. F. Hick & T. Bien (Eds.), Mindfulness and the therapeutic relationship (pp. 3–18). New York, NY: Guilford. Hick, S. F. (2008). Cultivating therapeutic relationships: the role of mindfulness. In S. F. Hick & T. Bien (Eds.), Mindfulness and the therapeutic relationship (pp. 3–18). New York, NY: Guilford.
go back to reference Hick, S. F., & Bien, T. (Eds.). (2008). Mindfulness and the therapeutic relationship. New York, NY: Guilford. Hick, S. F., & Bien, T. (Eds.). (2008). Mindfulness and the therapeutic relationship. New York, NY: Guilford.
go back to reference Kabat-Zinn, J. (2005). Coming to our senses. New York, NY: Hyperion. Kabat-Zinn, J. (2005). Coming to our senses. New York, NY: Hyperion.
go back to reference Kholocci, H. (2007). An examination of the relationship between countertransference and mindfulness and its potential role in limiting therapist abuse. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 68, 6312. Kholocci, H. (2007). An examination of the relationship between countertransference and mindfulness and its potential role in limiting therapist abuse. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 68, 6312.
go back to reference Kornfield, J. (1993). A path with heart: a guide through the perils and promises of spiritual life. New York, NY: Bantam. Kornfield, J. (1993). A path with heart: a guide through the perils and promises of spiritual life. New York, NY: Bantam.
go back to reference Lambert, M. J., & Ogles, B. M. (2004). The efficacy and effectiveness of psychotherapy. In M. J. Lambert (Ed.), Bergin and Garfield’s handbook of psychotherapy and behaviour change (5th ed., pp. 139–193). New York, NY: Wiley. Lambert, M. J., & Ogles, B. M. (2004). The efficacy and effectiveness of psychotherapy. In M. J. Lambert (Ed.), Bergin and Garfield’s handbook of psychotherapy and behaviour change (5th ed., pp. 139–193). New York, NY: Wiley.
go back to reference Lambert, M. J., & Simon, W. (2008). The therapeutic relationship: central and essential in psychotherapy outcome. In S. F. Hick & T. Bien (Eds.), Mindfulness and the therapeutic relationship (pp. 19–34). New York, NY: Guilford. Lambert, M. J., & Simon, W. (2008). The therapeutic relationship: central and essential in psychotherapy outcome. In S. F. Hick & T. Bien (Eds.), Mindfulness and the therapeutic relationship (pp. 19–34). New York, NY: Guilford.
go back to reference Landis, J. R., & Koch, G. G. (1977). The measurement of observer agreement for categorical data. Biometrics, 33, 159–174.PubMedCrossRef Landis, J. R., & Koch, G. G. (1977). The measurement of observer agreement for categorical data. Biometrics, 33, 159–174.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Lilja, J. L., Lundh, L.-G., Josefsson, T., & Falkenström, F. (2012). Observing as an essential facet of mindfulness: a comparison of FFMQ patterns in meditating and non-meditating individuals. Mindfulness. doi:10.1007/s12671-012-0111-8. Lilja, J. L., Lundh, L.-G., Josefsson, T., & Falkenström, F. (2012). Observing as an essential facet of mindfulness: a comparison of FFMQ patterns in meditating and non-meditating individuals. Mindfulness. doi:10.​1007/​s12671-012-0111-8.
go back to reference Mace, C. (2008). Mindfulness and mental health: therapy, theory and science. London: Routledge. Mace, C. (2008). Mindfulness and mental health: therapy, theory and science. London: Routledge.
go back to reference May, S., & O’Donovan, A. (2007). The advantages of the mindful therapist. Psychotherapy in Australia, 13(4), 46–53. May, S., & O’Donovan, A. (2007). The advantages of the mindful therapist. Psychotherapy in Australia, 13(4), 46–53.
go back to reference Mor, N., & Winquist, J. (2002). Self-focused attention and negative affect: a meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 128, 638–662.PubMedCrossRef Mor, N., & Winquist, J. (2002). Self-focused attention and negative affect: a meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 128, 638–662.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (3rd ed.). London: Sage. Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (3rd ed.). London: Sage.
go back to reference Pulos, S., Elison, J., & Lennon, R. (2004). The hierarchical structure of the interpersonal reactivity index. Social Behavior and Personality, 32(4), 355–360.CrossRef Pulos, S., Elison, J., & Lennon, R. (2004). The hierarchical structure of the interpersonal reactivity index. Social Behavior and Personality, 32(4), 355–360.CrossRef
go back to reference Rubin, H. J., & Rubin, I. S. (2004). Qualitative interviewing: the art of hearing data (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Rubin, H. J., & Rubin, I. S. (2004). Qualitative interviewing: the art of hearing data (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
go back to reference Schure, M. B., Christopher, J., & Christopher, S. (2008). Mind–body medicine and the art of self-care: teaching mindfulness to counselling students through yoga, meditation and qigong. Journal of Counselling and Development, 86, 47–56.CrossRef Schure, M. B., Christopher, J., & Christopher, S. (2008). Mind–body medicine and the art of self-care: teaching mindfulness to counselling students through yoga, meditation and qigong. Journal of Counselling and Development, 86, 47–56.CrossRef
go back to reference Sears, S. R., Kraus, S., Carlough, K., & Treat, E. (2011). Perceived benefits and doubts of participants in a weekly meditation study. Mindfulness, 2, 167–174.CrossRef Sears, S. R., Kraus, S., Carlough, K., & Treat, E. (2011). Perceived benefits and doubts of participants in a weekly meditation study. Mindfulness, 2, 167–174.CrossRef
go back to reference Shapiro, S. L., Brown, K. W., & Biegel, G. M. (2007). Teaching self-care to caregivers: effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the mental health of therapists in training. Training and Education in Professional Psychology, 1(2), 105–115.CrossRef Shapiro, S. L., Brown, K. W., & Biegel, G. M. (2007). Teaching self-care to caregivers: effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the mental health of therapists in training. Training and Education in Professional Psychology, 1(2), 105–115.CrossRef
go back to reference Shapiro, S. L., & Carlson, L. E. (2009). The art and science of mindfulness: integrating mindfulness into psychology and the helping professions. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Shapiro, S. L., & Carlson, L. E. (2009). The art and science of mindfulness: integrating mindfulness into psychology and the helping professions. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
go back to reference Shapiro, S. L., & Izzet, C. D. (2008). Meditation: a universal tool for cultivating empathy. In S. F. Hick & T. Bien (Eds.), Mindfulness and the therapeutic relationship (pp. 161–175). New York, NY: Guilford. Shapiro, S. L., & Izzet, C. D. (2008). Meditation: a universal tool for cultivating empathy. In S. F. Hick & T. Bien (Eds.), Mindfulness and the therapeutic relationship (pp. 161–175). New York, NY: Guilford.
go back to reference Siegel, D. J. (2007). The mindful brain: reflection and attunement in the cultivation of well-being. New York, NY: Norton. Siegel, D. J. (2007). The mindful brain: reflection and attunement in the cultivation of well-being. New York, NY: Norton.
go back to reference Teyber, E. (2006). Interpersonal process in psychotherapy: an integrative approach. New York, NY: Thompson Higher Education. Teyber, E. (2006). Interpersonal process in psychotherapy: an integrative approach. New York, NY: Thompson Higher Education.
go back to reference Walsh, R. A. (2008). Mindfulness and empathy: a hermeneutic circle. In S. F. Hick & T. Bien (Eds.), Mindfulness and the therapeutic relationship (pp. 72–86). New York, NY: Guilford. Walsh, R. A. (2008). Mindfulness and empathy: a hermeneutic circle. In S. F. Hick & T. Bien (Eds.), Mindfulness and the therapeutic relationship (pp. 72–86). New York, NY: Guilford.
go back to reference Watkins, E., & Teasdale, J. D. (2004). Adaptive and maladaptive self-focus in depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, 82, 1–8.PubMedCrossRef Watkins, E., & Teasdale, J. D. (2004). Adaptive and maladaptive self-focus in depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, 82, 1–8.PubMedCrossRef
go back to reference Welwood, J. (2000). Toward a psychology of awakening. Boston, MA: Shambala. Welwood, J. (2000). Toward a psychology of awakening. Boston, MA: Shambala.
Metagegevens
Titel
The Influence of Therapist Mindfulness Practice on Psychotherapeutic Work: A Mixed-Methods Study
Auteur
Anthony Keane
Publicatiedatum
01-12-2014
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Mindfulness / Uitgave 6/2014
Print ISSN: 1868-8527
Elektronisch ISSN: 1868-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-013-0223-9

Andere artikelen Uitgave 6/2014

Mindfulness 6/2014 Naar de uitgave

ORTHOGONAL ROTATION IN CONSCIOUSNESS

The Origin of Shoes: a Tale