Mindfulness meditation as used by clinical psychologists in cognitive therapy : an existential-phenomenological analysis of how such practitioners describe their experiences with special reference to underpinning theory and professional issues

Abstract

Clinical applications of mindfulness training (MT) in cognitive-behavioural therapies are becoming ever more widely adopted. A literature review was conducted that considered possible tensions and commonalities arising from the importation of an ancient meditative, spiritual practice into modernist scientific, psychotherapeutic technology. Efficacy evidence for key therapeutic approaches in the field was reviewed and critically evaluated, together with basic research into the effects of meditation on neurological and immune functioning. Evaluation was informed by two closely linked perspectives: selected aspects of historical Buddhist teachings relevant to MT; and contemporary debate centred around empirically-supported treatments (EST). The evidence showed encouraging early support for MT as a clinical intervention, although many key questions required further empirical investigation. The richly complex experiential nature of MT, and its inherently relational emphasis, risked being overlooked within a predominantly EST research agenda. The literature review argues for additional qualitative research that explores phenomenologically the contribution of MT to therapeutic change, and particularly how clinical psychologists who practice cognitive therapy are experiencing the use of mindfulness meditation. An empirical study using a descriptive phenomenological psychological methodology was then carried out. A small sample of clinical psychologists were interviewed in depth and the resulting transcripts analysed within the phenomenological perspective. A general psychological reduction was drawn up which captured the most common invariant themes arising across the participants. Conclusions for the clinical practice of mindfulness were drawn, and tensions highlighted between the spiritual and the secular, and between personal authority and published evidence.

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