Promoting mindfulness in training psychotherapists in a university setting: A pilot study

Abstract

To respond to external and internal demands during a therapeutic session, psychotherapists must monitor their attention. Research shows that mindfulness practice is beneficial in promoting this ability and acts as a protective agent against adverse states. However, its implementation in psychotherapist training has been limited. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the influence of mindfulness training on stress, anxiety, depression, and the mindfulness construct in trainee psychotherapists, and to examine its feasibility as part of their training. Fifty-one university students participated in the study and were divided into experimental and control groups. Pre- and post-training measures of mindfulness were considered. Both groups completed a battery of questionnaires related to adverse states and mindfulness before the training. Subsequently, the experimental group underwent nine weeks of mindfulness training. After the training, both groups completed the questionnaire battery again. The results showed that the group that underwent mindfulness training exhibited a decrease in adverse symptoms and an increase in mindfulness scores compared with the control group. These findings highlight not only the viability of incorporating mindfulness practice into the academic training of future therapists, but also its utility as a tool for personal development and the necessary skills to effectively face and develop their professional practice.