Mindfulness as a way of addressing the deficits in clinical psychology training programmes: A review

Abstract

Research suggests that there is a lack of focus on developing trainees’ intrapersonal skills or adequately fostering self-care. Mindfulness training may help address the gaps in training programmes. Quantitative and qualitative studies involving mindfulness training for postgraduate trainees were reviewed. There is a need to explore different designs of mindfulness training groups to ascertain what would be feasible and effective, given the trainees’ existing time constraints. Furthermore, the current understanding is limited due to the difficulties defining and operationalisingmindfulness. Qualitative research would help to explore what mindfulness training means to trainees and how it impacts on their lives

A qualitative study of trainee school psychologists’ experiences of an online mindfulness-based intervention

“…being grateful). They also identified beneficial outcomes such as enhanced wellbeing and enrichment of their professional development (Baker, 2016; Hemanth & Fisher, 2015b; Solhaug et al, 2016; Tarrasch, 2015). Such findings are encouraging as they indicate the current study’s online intervention appears to be teaching the same core facets, and processes of mindfulness as face-to-face programmes (reported in prior studies that use a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction framework) and supports the programme’s capacity for experiential learning delivered online.…”

How can a 6-week training course shape mental healthcare professionals’ understanding of mindfulness? Experiences at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital

“…Similar questions have been posed regarding the use of mindfulness training in clinical psychology programmes. 17 A study focused upon the use of mindfulness practice by potential teachers of mindfulness-based interventions emphasised the importance of such teachers to ‘embody the practice’ of mindfulness and develop ‘pedagogical competencies’. 18 However, with the training still underway at the time that study was published, little is mentioned about the resulting development of such competencies.…”