Mindfulness and Social Work: Paying Attention to Ourselves, Our Clients, and Society
Mindfulness and Social Work June 1, 2009 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9781933478609.003.0001 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | Proposes that mindfulness can help social workers by fostering understanding of psychological and sociological experiences, enabling more thoughtful responses, and reducing habitual reactions. Identifies three applications: self-care, direct practice intervention across micro, mezzo, and macro levels, and improving the therapeutic relationship. |
Abstract
Abstract What is mindfulness? What are its foundations, and how can it help social workers in their practice? Mindfulness is an orientation to our everyday experiences that can be cultivated by means of various exercises and practices. By opening up in a particular way to their internal and external experiences, social workers and clients are better able to understand what is happening to them in both a psychological and sociological sense. With this understanding, people are better able to see the variety of ways in which they can respond. Habitual reactions are more easily avoided, and inner peace and balance are developed. Social workers are increasingly using aspects of mindfulness in three ways: (1) as a means of self-care, looking inward, and cultivating mindfulness within themselves; (2) directly in their practice as an intervention within micro-practice (direct intervention with individuals, families, and groups) and in mezzo- and macro-practice (community work and policy); and (3) as a means to positively affect the helping or therapeutic relationship between social worker and client.