Teaching self-care to caregivers: Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the mental health of therapists in training.

Therapists in training who completed an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program reported significant declines in stress, negative affect, rumination, and both state and trait anxiety, along with significant increases in positive affect and self-compassion. The enhancement of mindfulness was linked to several of these benefits. The findings suggest that MBSR can be a useful complement to professional training for addressing the mental health needs of future therapists.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Preparation for the role of therapist can occur on both professional and personal levels. Research has found that therapists are at risk for occupationally related psychological problems. It follows that self-care may be a useful complement to the professional training of future therapists. The present study examined the effects of one approach to self-care, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), for therapists in training. Using a prospective, cohort-controlled design, the study found participants in the MBSR program reported significant declines in stress, negative affect, rumination, state and trait anxiety, and significant increases in positive affect and self-compassion. Further, MBSR participation was associated with increases in mindfulness, and this enhancement was related to several of the beneficial effects of MBSR participation. Discussion highlights the potential for future research addressing the mental health needs of therapists and therapist trainees.