Overview

This module is suitable for therapists who are learning and practising DBT within a comprehensive DBT programme. A core component of DBT skills training and of working with clients in individual therapy in DBT is to understand and be able to teach and model mindfulness to clients. This module offers a framework for exploration and development of knowledge about the teaching and practice of mindfulness enhancing students capacities to teach mindfulness within DBT and to sustain mindful awareness during individual therapy. Mindfulness offers a rich methodology for systematically exploring our inner world and developing an attitudinal stance characterised by kindly curiosity and acceptance. Together these can lead to increased congruence, insight and acceptance, offering a supportive process for therapists within their therapeutic practice and personal life. The module will enable participants to explore and enquire into the ways in which mindful awareness impacts upon their clinical work with clients.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Pass 50-59%Material is lacking in depth and sustained insight, but gives some evidence of the student’s learning through mindful reflection, and demonstrates some ability to describe internal experiences and processes. Shows some evidence of mindful awareness within and about the student’s therapeutic work, and regular reflection on this. Gives some useful information, with some personal reflection and exploration, on the effect of formal and informal mindfulness practice on the student’s therapeutic practice, and on their therapeutic relationships with clients.Shows some insight into the student’s personal process within therapy, especially regarding working with difficulty, and the effects on this of mindful awareness and acceptance. Gives evidence that the student understands and is modelling some of the attitudinal foundations of mindfulness in their therapeutic work -good -Good 60-69%Material has depth and insight, and shows clearly that the student is learning through mindful reflection, and has the ability to describe internal experiences and processes. Shows clear evidence of mindful awareness within and about the student’s therapeutic work, and regular reflection on this.Mostly comprehensive and detailed information given, on the effect of formal and informal mindfulness practice on the student’s therapeutic practice, and on their therapeutic relationships with clients.Describes with insight the student’s personal process within therapy, especially regarding working with difficulty, and the effects on this of mindful awareness and acceptance.Gives definite evidence that the student understands and is modelling the attitudinal foundations of mindfulness in their therapeutic work -excellent -Excellent 70%+Material has great depth and insight, and shows an advanced ability to use mindful reflection, and to describe internal experiences and processes. Shows strong evidence of mindful awareness within and about the student’s therapeutic work, and regular reflection on this. Gives comprehensive and detailed information on the effect of formal and informal mindfulness practice on the student’s therapeutic practice, and on their therapeutic relationships with clients.Shows exceptional insight and understanding of the student’s personal process within therapy, especially regarding working with difficulty, and the effects on these of mindful awareness and acceptance. Gives widespread or in-depth evidence that the student understands and is modelling the attitudinal foundations of mindfulness in their therapeutic work

Learning Outcomes

• Communicate comprehensive experiential understanding of the attitudinal foundations to mindfulness practice and how to model these during therapeutic work.

• Communicate detailed experiential understanding of the relevance of bringing mindful awareness to the therapist’s attitude and behaviour within the therapeutic encounter with the client.

• Critically appraise, explore and evaluate the ways in which mindfulness can be used within the different therapeutic modalities of DBT

• Demonstrate experiential understanding of the effects of bringing mindful qualities of awareness and acceptance to therapeutic interaction.