Cultivating Mindfulness in the Therapeutic Space

Mindfulness-based therapies are gaining more traction in research and treatment settings due to the ample evidence supporting their efficacy for symptom relief, focused awareness, and stress management. While the spiritual practice of mindfulness has been around for thousands of centuries, clinical application has only been popularized for the past several decades. It has stepped into mainstream Western culture as a secular practice and scientific technique. It has demonstrated adaptability as a complementary intervention that can cut across diagnosis and theoretical orientation, and promote cultural awareness and sensitivity to diversity. Not only can this be incorporated as a healing tool for clients, but it can also benefit the therapist by enhancing emotional well-being, improving beneficial therapeutic qualities, and enriching the clinical work to minimize burnout. A discussion regarding ethical considerations and practice tools will be reviewed to provide the clinician an essential understanding of utilizing mindfulness in their practice.