Mindfulness in the training of students attending psychotherapy specialization schools: an analysis of literature
Rosario Esposito, Francesco Gallizio, Stefania Prevete
The aim of this paper is to give a theoretical contribution to the subject through a review of studies that evaluate the effect of practical Mindfulness on the individual training of future therapists. It is hypothesized that Mindfulness can be introduced as an ideal solution to those training obligations concerning personal development, as set out by current regulations regarding training. This paper examined 8 studies concerning the usefulness of Mindfulness practices for clinicians in training, from 2000 to 2018, identified through a study on PsycINFO and Medline. Only studies using secular meditation techniques of contemplative awareness, such as MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) and similar have been considered. The studies reviewed showed positive results in reference to the individual training of the therapist and as a defence against burnout. The results regarding the fact that these individual benefits may produce positive outcomes on the improvement in patients are, however, more controversial. Therefore, further controlled and randomised research is necessary, especially in comparison with different alternatives.
Keywords
Mindfulness, Training, Psychotherapist, Trainee, Psychotherapy, MBSR.