Exploring the Applicability of Reflected Image Meditation in Adolescent Counseling

Abstract

This study explored the applicability of Reflected Image Meditation in adolescent counseling. The participants were 15 graduate students majoring in psychotherapy, enrolled in the course Adolescent Counseling. After conducting group Reflected Image Meditation sessions, six of these students voluntarily submitted written reflections on (1) their experiences with Reflected Image Meditation and (2) the potential applicability of this meditation in adolescent counseling. These reflections were analyzed using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method. The analysis revealed four main themes for (1) experiences with Reflected Image Meditation: ① emotional insight and acceptance, ② self-awareness and the beginning of change, ③ emotional relaxation and stability, and ④ challenges and progress in emotion regulation. Additionally, four main themes emerged for (2) the applicability of Reflected Image Meditation in adolescent counseling: ① self-awareness and confronting emotions, ② enhanced emotional regulation and coping skills, ③ improved understanding of relationships and contextual awareness, and ④ exploration and correction of cognitive distortions. Each main theme was further divided into several subthemes. Based on these findings, the study discusses the positive potential of Reflected Image Meditation in adolescent counseling and suggests its use as a new counseling approach. The implications and directions for future research are also discussed.