Changes in body awareness and self-compassion in clinical psychology trainees through a mindfulness program.

A mindfulness program for eight clinical psychologist trainees produced changes in body awareness and self-compassion over eight weekly sessions. Participants first reported awareness of physical sensations, well-being, and sharpening and integration of senses, then increased body awareness of unpleasant sensations and self-compassion. By the end, they reported synchronicity with others, more self-compassion, deepening body awareness, and changes in habits and daily patterns. The authors conclude that mindfulness can improve body awareness and self-compassion and that addressing self-care in future health professionals may help prevent stress and burnout.

Study at a glance

Abstract

BACKGROUND and purpose: Health professional trainees can experience the costs of caring, thus the importance of the teaching self-care. The aim of the present study is to analyze the changes in body awareness and self-compassion in clinical psychologists in training through a mindfulness program. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight clinical psychologist trainees received eight weekly sessions; qualitative analysis of participants' personal journal was conducted. RESULTS First, participants experienced four changes: awareness in physical sensations, well-being, and the sharpening and integration of senses. Then, they relayed an increase in body awareness of unpleasant sensations and self-compassion. On completion of the eight sessions, participants reported synchronicity with others, more compassion for themselves, deepening of body awareness and changes of habits and daily patterns. CONCLUSION Mindfulness can help improve body awareness and self-compassion. It is important to address self-care in future health professionals to prevent stress and burnout, improving self-knowledge and self-consciousness.