A Mindfulness-Based Compassion Workshop and Pre-Session Preparation to Enhance Therapist Effectiveness in Psychotherapy: A Pilot Study.
Carly Hunt, Rachael D Goodman, Alexander J Hilert, Wilson Hurley, Clara E Hill
Counselling Psychology Quarterly 2022 DOI: 10.1080/09515070.2021.1895724 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized pilot study with focus group Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 6 |
| Population | Doctoral student therapists |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based compassion practices (MBCP) self-supervision preparation-as-usual |
| Duration | 1.5-hour workshop followed by 1-month pre-session preparation period |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Compassion meditation Compassion training Pre-session centering Psychotherapy process Therapeutic presence Therapist training |
| Key points | A brief MBCP workshop increased therapists' state mindfulness and meditation self-efficacy, and therapists rated sessions as more effective after pre-session meditation than after preparation-as-usual, though clients reported no differences in session outcome. Therapists found the practices helpful but felt rushed and suggested longer at-home practice may be more beneficial. |
Abstract
We investigated the impact of a 1.5 hr workshop based on mindfulness-based compassion practices (MBCP) for 6 doctoral student therapists, followed by these therapists engaging in pre-session preparation for each of their clients in one of 3 randomly assigned conditions (MBCP, self-supervision, preparation-as-usual) over a 1-month period. State mindfulness and meditation self-efficacy increased following the workshop. Therapist ratings of session effectiveness were higher following pre-session meditation relative to preparation-as-usual, although there were no client-rated differences in session outcome. In a focus group, therapists reported that the workshop was generally helpful, and noted that pre-session MBCP led to a positive state of being and increased selfcare. However, they felt rushed to fit in the exercises and some doubted their meditation self-efficacy. They suggested that longer, at-home practice might be more beneficial than pre-session exercises. We encourage replication in larger samples varying the amount and format of meditation training for improving outcomes.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Mindfulness skills in trainee child and adolescent psychotherapists: Exploring the effects of mindfulness‐based workshops in a mixed‐methods study Counselling and Psychotherapy Research February 7, 2023
- The Impact of Morning Meditation and Sleep Quality on Affective and Health Outcomes in Healthcare Workers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health April 9, 2025
- The Impact of Mindfulness as a Session‐Introduction on Symptoms and Alliance in Individual Cognitive‐Behavioral Therapy With Children and Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial Journal of Clinical Psychology August 29, 2026
Cites 15
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- Loving-kindness meditation: a tool to improve healthcare provider compassion, resilience, and patient care Journal of Compassionate Health Care September 26, 2014
and 10 more in the library