Abstract
ObjectivesMindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) like mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) teach mindfulness in a group-based format. Empirical research has shown that many therapists working in individual therapy integrate mindfulness practices (e.g., body scan, sitting meditation) into their treatments. However, research on this topic is in its infancy. The purpose of this paper is to present recommendations for a responsible use of mindfulness in individual therapy.MethodsInformed by a literature review, an expert group developed guidelines for a responsible use of mindfulness in individual therapy.ResultsRecommendations for the following issues were developed: (a) different types of integration; (b) diagnoses/clinical problems for which integration of mindfulness in individual therapy could be useful; (c) qualification of therapists; (d) case formulation; (e) the inquiry process; (f) types and optimal duration of mindfulness practices in individual therapy; (g) managing difficult experiences; (h) integration of mindfulness into individual therapy training programs. Finally, we formulate important topics for research on the integration of mindfulness into individual therapy.ConclusionsBy formulating recommendations for the most important issues of the integration of mindfulness into individual therapy, we want to stimulate the discussion on a responsible use of mindfulness in this setting. Since research on this topic is scarce, our recommendations can only be tentative.
Highlights
Most therapists in this study reported that they do not deliver mindfulness in a group format (i.e., mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)), but instead used mindfulness in a much more eclectic way by incorporating isolated practices from MBSR or MBCT with practice times that are usually much shorter than in MBSR/MBCT
Integration rates were high among cognitive behavioral as well as in psychodynamic-oriented therapists. These numbers have to be interpreted with some caution considering the low response rate in this study (16%), the results show that a considerable number of patients have contact with mindfulness in individual therapy settings and not in the established structured group formats
This paper presents the consensus of the expert group on principles of a responsible integration of mindfulness into individual therapy
Summary
In response to this need for guiding principles and standards, we formed a group of experts in research on and training in mindfulness-based interventions to discuss important facets of the integration of mindfulness in individual therapy. Recommendation Because current research on mindfulness in individual therapy is too limited to allow strong suggestions, we recommend considering integrating mindfulness practices for disorders/clinical problems that are shown to be responsive to group-based mindfulness interventions.
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