SW 485 Mindfulness and Social Work Practice
There is a growing interest in psychotherapists of all theoretical orientations, for information about "Mindfulness", the cultivation of intentional, present focused awareness. Mindfulness is a core healing process in psychotherapy and has become a significant influence on contemporary Psychotherapy over the past decade. It has been shown to be a key component in many empirically validated interventions like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based cognitive therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. In this course we will examine the application of mindfulness to a wide range of clinical populations and conditions as well as the current neuroscience findings of its effects and the history of its development in the west. The course will ask participants to participate in experiential exercises of mindfulness and meditation and practice what they've learned each week between classes. They will also be asked to embody mindfulness as they learn, ensuring the essential qualities of compassion for self and others in the learning.
Prerequisite
None