Impact of Mindfulness Training on Counseling Students' Perceptions of Stress

Abstract

Research continues to document the positive effects of mindfulness on physical and mental health. Mindfulness is beginning to be incorporated into the professional training of mental health practitioners; however, documentation of the effects of mindfulness training on trainees is still needed. This article uses qualitative research to explore whether a mindfulness class based on Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program may be a promising prophylactic for the stress that causes burnout among mental health workers. Forty-one students participated in this research study. Participants indicated that mindfulness increased (a) present-moment orientation and (b) increased their awareness and acceptance of feeling states and bodily states related to stress. Participants described that through this acceptance and awareness, they increased their ability to preempt stress, increased their confidence in ameliorating stress, and increased self-compassion. Students also indicated greater confidence regarding their ability to prevent burnout and their future as mental health workers.