Counseling: Mindfulness in Counseling

Special issues in counseling, administration and planning, social work or higher education not appropriate to content of existing courses. Courses reflect the social services orientation of the Department of Integrated Professional Studies.

In-person Thursdays 9-12:45, otherwise asynchronous. Open to CNSL & SW students, Education & Psych students with instructor permission.

This course is designed to deepen students’ capacity for embodied presence, connection, and care within the counseling relationship. Although modern mindfulness primarily focuses on how individuals can cultivate mindfulness skills, this course will help students to understand the profound benefits of engaging with mindfulness in a relational context. Through exploring experiential activities, collaborative dialogue, course materials and reflection, students will emerge with a nuanced understanding of how mindfulness and compassion can enrich both their personal lives and professional practice. Emphasis will be placed on supporting students to access an increasingly sustainable source of compassion to prevent burnout and foster fulfillment as a counselor. For the asynchronous coursework, students will have the chance to learn from therapists and various other mindfulness practitioners and teachers, who integrate mindfulness into their personal and professional lives in diverse and meaningful ways. These opportunities will provide multiple perspectives to inspire students’ journey and inform one’s evolving counselor identity.

In class time will consist primarily of experiential learning and collaborative dialogue, with occasionally short lectures. Class meets in-person twice a week for 3.75 hours over the course of 4 weeks. There will be 15 hours of out-of-class activities that include viewing recorded interviews, attending a community meditation, and establishing a regular mindfulness practice.

Grades are based on attendance and participation, Brightspace posts, and a Final Refection paper/project.