The Essence and Mechanisms of Mindfulness In Therapeutic Context

Authors

  • Wendy L. Charters Master of Counselling: Counselling Psych, Athabasca University Employer: School District 46, Sunshine Coast, British Columbia

Keywords:

Mindfulness, MBSR, Applied Practice, Depression, Trauma

Abstract

Based on classic Buddhist practices that do not assume pathology, mindfulness facilitates a shift in clients’ relationship with suffering that mediates beneficial change. Neurological studies have demonstrated that this shift is both psychological and structural. In the 30 years since mindfulness first entered the lexicon of modern psychology, mindfulness-based interventions have emerged that depart from its historical, experiential roots. Such differ­ences have led to uncertainty and confusion about the efficacy and essence of mindfulness, and its conceptualization. Unresolved, this confusion has implications for professional training, research, and therapeutic practice.

Author Biography

Wendy L. Charters, Master of Counselling: Counselling Psych, Athabasca University Employer: School District 46, Sunshine Coast, British Columbia

Wendy Charters is a teacher and counsellor on BC's Sunshine Coast and is actively involved in social justice.  She is also a mindfulness practitioner.

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Published

2013-07-29

How to Cite

Charters, W. L. (2013). The Essence and Mechanisms of Mindfulness In Therapeutic Context. Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 47(3). Retrieved from https://dev.journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/rcc/article/view/60950

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Section

Articles/ Articles