A405 Mindfulness in Psychotherapy

Weekly conversations with the leading thinkers and teachers in the field of mindfulness and therapy. You'll learn the relationship between mindfulness and brain functioning, techniques that support mindfulness, and interventions for integrating mindfulness into your therapy practice. The importance of compassion and loving kindness to mindfulness will also be discussed.

Meet The Instructor

Daniel Siegel, M.D. is an associate clinical professor at UCLA and author of The Developing Mind, about the neurobiology of human emotion and interpersonal connection. His most recent book, Parenting from the Inside Out, provides a practical guide to what the latest findings of neuroscience can teach us about how best to raise children.

Helen Palmer is director of the Center for Enneagram Studies and the author of numerous books, including the bestselling The Enneagram and The Enneagram in Love and Work.

Steven Hayes, Ph.D., is Nevada Foundation Professor at the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada and an author of 27 books and more than 360 scientific articles, including his most recent book, Get Out of Your Mind and Into your Life, which was among the top 10 self-help books in the nation.

Jack Kornfield, Ph.D., the cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, is a reknowned meditation teacher, author, and psychologist. His books include A Path with a Heart, Seeking the Heart of Wisdom, and The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness and Peace.

Tara Brach, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and the founder and senior teacher of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. A meditation practitioner for more than 30 years, has led workshops and Buddhist retreats throughout North America. She is the author of Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha.

Course Contents

Session 1: Mindfulness and the brain • Effects of mindfulness on interpersonal neurobiology • The mindful therapist

Session 2: Understanding psychological and spiritual types with the Enneagram • Using spiritual practice to avoid problems • Understanding blocks to meditation and spiritual development

Session 3: The cause of emotional suffering from the Buddhist perspective • The trap of self-esteem • Everyday narcissism

Session 4: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy • Acceptance, mindfulness, and cognitive diffusion • Learning only occurs in the present moment • The problem with experiential avoidance

Session 5: Radial Acceptance • Loving kindness as a meditative practice • Psychological healing vs. spiritual tansformation • When and how to practice mindfulness

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss the effect of a mindfulness practice on brain functioning
2. Identify three techniques to increase mindfulness
3. Describe ways to integrate mindfulness techniques in work with clients
4. Identify three clinical issues positively influenced by the client practicing mindfulness