Mindfulness in 2013 : a study on its current state of use by therapists in Ireland
Authors
Raphenne, Sophie
Issue Date
2013
Degree
BA Counselling and Psychotherapy
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
Background – Mindfulness, the process of 'paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally' (Kabat-Zinn, 2012:1), has been taking a more and more important place in the work of therapists in Ireland during the past ten years. Numerous studies have already demonstrated the benefits of mindfulness for the therapist's well-being as well as for the patients and outcome of therapy. A study of the state of use of mindfulness within the therapy setting in Ireland in 2013 is reported here. Results – All six participants interviewed for the purpose of the study gave a clear yet multifaceted definition of mindfulness. They all reported many benefits of mindfulness on their own personal well-being as well as on their therapeutic skills. They also strongly agreed on the fact that mindfulness improves the therapy outcome. They did not consider the question of the combination of mindfulness and psychotherapy – in regards to the ego – as a relevant one for their work with patients. Finally, most of them did not have any issue concerning the new acceptance-based therapies that integrate cognitive behavioural principles – changed based approach – while placing mindfulness at the centre of their model. Conclusions – The findings confirmed the previous literature that highlighted the many benefits of mindfulness on therapists, patients and the therapy outcome. However, they discredited the view raised by some authors that psychotherapy and mindfulness cannot be compatible because of the question of the ego. Finally, they contradicted some previous literature that discredits the new acceptance-based therapies which integrate cognitive behavioural principles – changed based approach – while placing mindfulness at the centre of their model.