Date of Paper

5-2016

Type of Paper

Clinical research paper

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Catherine Marrs Fuchsel

Department/School

Social Work

Abstract

This study explored the meaning of mindful practice and the influences practitioner's personal use and training had in the therapeutic setting, as well as with client outcomes. Qualitative methods were used to recruit and interview licensed practitioners with a personal practice of mindfulness. Six participants responded to interview questions in person, over the phone, or by email. Using grounded theory and open coding, six themes were identified: (a) Definitions of Mindful Practice; (b) Practitioner's Training and Personal Use of Mindful Practice: The Effects on Client Outcome; (c) Practitioner's Personal Mindful Practice: The Effects on Client-Centered Presence; (d) Practitioner's Support of Client in Mindful Practice; (e) Positive Effects of Therapeutic Mindful Practice; and (f) Insights and Concerns. A discussion of how these themes relate back to literature is presented. The implications for social work practice, research, and social policy are: (a) Mindful practice training and education for social work students, (b) Insight into the uses and benefits of therapeutic mindful practice, (c) Preservation of the integrity of mindful practice, (d) Upholding ethical principles of mindful practice, (e) Understanding the significance mindful practice has with the practitioner and client, and (f) Requiring mindfulness skills to be taught in health and physical education classes from preschool through high school.

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