Mindfulness and Psychotherapy

by Christopher K. Germer (Editor), Ronald D. Siegel (Editor), Paul R. Fulton (Editor)

Responding to growing interest among psychotherapists of all theoretical orientations, this practical book provides a comprehensive introduction to mindfulness and its clinical applications. The authors, who have been practicing both mindfulness and psychotherapy for decades, present a range of clear-cut procedures for implementing mindfulness techniques and teaching them to patients experiencing depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and other problems. Also addressed are ways that mindfulness practices can increase acceptance and empathy in the therapeutic relationship. The book reviews the philosophical underpinnings of mindfulness and presents compelling empirical findings. User-friendly features include illustrative case examples, practice exercises, and resource listings.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Meditation, Mental Health, Self Help, Research, Social Work

333 pages, Hardcover

Published March 9, 2005

About the author

Chris Germer, PhD is a clinical psychologist, author, and lecturer on psychiatry (part-time) at Harvard Medical School. He co-developed the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program with Kristin Neff in 2010. They co-authored three books on MSC, The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook, Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program, and Mindful Self-Compassion for
Burnout. He is also the author of The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion and Self-Compassion for Shame.

Reviews

[Tom]

As a psychotherapist for over 30 years and a mindfulness practitioner for over 15 years, I have read a lot of good books and articles on both subjects. "Mindfulness and Psychotherapy" is as clear and helpful in both disciplines as any I have encounted. The editors have done a 'mindful' job in selecting from an array of perspectives. Mindfulness is defined and contextualized for our western psychotherapeutic practice, while also placed in an historical and cultural framework that informs and enlightens our understanding. Indeed the more philosophical essays are perhaps the strongest pieces in this marvelous compendium. We are reminded that the Buddha saw himself as a physician who sought to diagnose and find a cure for human suffering. Out of his own intimate encounter with suffering, he devised and revised a program that we in western psychological science are just now testing and finding curative-both for our clients and for ourselves.

There is much here to be considered by all schools of psychotherapy. Paul Fulton presents an intriguing chapter on Mindfulness as Clinical Training. There are concise chapters on teaching mindfulness skills to clients (even children)with varying disorders, including panic,anxiety, depression, and psychophysiological problems. There is a comprehensive while manageable 'Resources for the Clinician" appendix.

Andrew Olendzki deserves special mention for his piece on "The Roots of Mindfulness." I had to stop highlighting as each page was yellowed with brightness.

If you are a psychotherapist, a meditator, or thinking of practicing either, you will do well to read this wonderful book.

[stephanie]

there are brilliant essays in this book. i am still working my way through the whole thing, but i love what i have read so far.

[Amy]

Awesome. In my opinion every nurse should read this book.

[Richard]

This compilation is written mainly for practicing therapists, but, IMO, it would be perfect for any and all introspective people who have an interest in self-knowledge.

[Teodora]

The best book about mindfulness for a psychoterapist. It is complex when it comes to theory and explaining how mindfulness works, it also has exercises to use in therapy, with adults, childrenn dependencies and self use. The book has a neat structure. At the end you have a glossary and an interesting chapter about the changes made in the brain by meditation and mindfulness technique.

[Justin]

Practical but readable and enjoyable, I read this on my own in response to mindfulness practice in class and my job as a mental health therapist, plus my own interest in mindfulness and meditation. Can’t wait to work with my clients on these skills :)

[Cheryl]

expert survey of a range of applications of mindfulness practices for psychotherapy

In this book, we have an opportunity to read, in a relatively condensed way, the writings of a large group of our experts on applying mindfulness practices to a range of psychological challenges. Offers theoretical background information as well as practical guidance. Highly recommend.

[Sarah Walsh]

10000000/10. mindfulness is a cheat code we absolutely don’t talk enough about.

[Alyson]

I learned how to apply mindfulness in treating depression and anxiety, most specifically. It was also validating to my own mindfulness practice, and illustrated well the difference between mindfulness and meditation.

[Joseph Harriott]

excellent stuff

[Claire]

Had an immediate impact on my work. Gave valuable guidance for enriching the therapy.

[Bjorn Hardarson]

great book on the power of Mindfulness in psychotherapy

[Ruth]

Mindfulness defined as (1) attention (2) to the present (3) with acceptance.
Depression defined as "turning away."
Good examples of informal mindfulness practices and benefits

[David]

Great resource for mental health professionals looking to integrate mindfulness into their practice. Well worth the read.

[Juletta Gilge]

Presents a great comprehensive look at mindfulness and the history of it, along with how to integrate it into psychotherapy.