Sharing our edges : the mindfulness influence on therapist\u27s formulation of insight

This inductive qualitative research study explored therapist\u27s experiences of using Mindfulness in session with patients. Through 12 semi-structured interviews with therapists who self-identified as Mindfulness practitioners with a psychodynamic orientation, narrative data was gathered on participant\u27s explicit and implicit uses of Mindfulness within the therapeutic encounter. Major findings revealed that Mindfulness first and foremost attunes the therapist\u27s attention to the body. Therapist\u27s awareness of personal bodily sensations then initiated the therapist\u27s process of understanding disavowed content from the patient. Upon pinpointing the therapist\u27s own bodily sensation, participants then discussed how tenets of Mindfulness informed their therapeutic presence. Qualities of this presence included a spirit of inquiry and staying with the immediate experience with openness, nonjudgment, and compassion. In addition, findings showed how Mindfulness and Buddhist philosophy informed the therapeutic frame overall through the therapist\u27s use of language and sense of being with instead of taking away patient suffering. Lastly, this study presents a framework for how therapists can use a Mindfulness practice to aid in the formulation of insight and reminds clinicians that the use of Mindfulness is a deeply personal choice to be used discerningly with clients