Since the early 1990s, mindfulness has become a popular intervention for a wide range of mental health issues. In this workshop, we will explore the benefits of mindfulness, as well as how to introduce this concept to clients. You will also learn how clients can use mindfulness to address their psychological symptoms. This workshop will be highly experiential, featuring the practice of mindfulness activities as well as small group discussions.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Define Mindfulness
- Understand the core concepts that underlie mindfulness practice
- Identify when and how to most appropriately introduce mindfulness to clients
- Implement at least five clinical interventions based on mindfulness practices
Syllabus:
Introduction to Mindfulness
- Define mindfulness using Jon Kabat-Zinn’s definition
- Understand mindfulness as intentional, present-focused, and non-judgmental awareness
- Explore the Eastern roots (Buddhism and Zen) and Western contemplative traditions
Objective #1: Core Concepts of Mindfulness Practice
- Two essential components: attention regulation and experiential orientation
- Practicing anchoring in the present moment through physical, emotional, and cognitive awareness
- Importance of curiosity, openness, and acceptance without passivity
- Mindfulness and the prevention of experiential avoidance and emotional reactivity
- Use of attitudinal adjustments to support acceptance and wisdom
Objective #2: Practical Mindfulness Interventions
- Mindfulness activities integrated throughout the presentation:
- Orienting exercises and breath awareness
- 5-4-3-2-1 sensory grounding method
- Loving Kindness Meditation
- “Just Noticing” practice
- Holding emotions lightly
- Thought observation (e.g., “clouds in the sky”)
- Five-finger breathing
- Mindful doodling
- Calming through awareness of breath and body
Objective #3: Introducing Mindfulness to Clients
- Understanding the benefits: reduced stress, anxiety, and depression; improved attention, immunity, sleep, and emotional regulation
- Providing psychoeducation about the nervous system and its response to mindfulness
- Addressing common issues like depression, chronic pain, and automatic negative thoughts
- Helping clients form healthier relationships with pain, thoughts, and emotions
Objective #4: Addressing Client Resistance
- Exploring misconceptions (e.g., mindfulness as “hippy-dippy” or inherently religious)
- Framing mindfulness as mental fitness and focusing on science-based benefits
- Beginning with short, simple exercises to foster engagement
- Emphasizing experiential over performance outcomes
Objective #5: Mindfulness vs. Meditation
- Distinction between dedicated meditation practices and general mindful awareness
- Practicing mindfulness in everyday activities (e.g., walking, eating, doing chores)
Objective #6: Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness
- Understanding the potential dangers for trauma survivors
- Incorporating grounding, sensory awareness, and movement-based techniques
- Prioritizing client safety and checking in frequently during practices
- Adapting practices to reduce dissociation and overwhelm
Objective #7: Clinical Tools and Resources
- Sharing recommended mindfulness and meditation apps
- Offering curated book suggestions and video content for continued learning
- Reinforcing that each client will form a unique relationship with mindfulness
Objective #8: Conclusion and Integration
- Mindfulness enhances emotional regulation, focus, impulse control, and quality of life
Encouraging clinicians to foster mindfulness as a consistent, flexible tool - Supporting clients in becoming more responsive and present in their lives
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: October 4, 2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com