Course overview
This course provides an introduction to several important treatment modalities suitable for use in counselling and psychotherapy: including mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT). Students will learn about the background, theoretical bases, evidence bases, and indications and contraindications for these therapies, and will develop knowledge, skills, and confidence in the use of these techniques and processes in the counselling setting.
Course learning outcomes
- Explain the theoretical backgrounds for mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), positive psychology and hope in counselling
- Compare and contrast research studies related to the clinical application of mindfulness, ACT, MBCT, positive psychology and hope in counselling
- Evaluate the similarities and differences between mindfulness, ACT, MBCT, and other common approaches to counselling and psychotherapy
- Discriminate between the indications and contraindications related to use of mindfulness, ACT, and MBCT
- Discuss and provide psycho-education for counselling clients regarding the nature of mindfulness, ACT, and MBCT
- Demonstrate increased knowledge, skills, and confidence to use the techniques and processes of mindfulness in counselling practice, through written assignments and class presentations
- Apply their ability to use of a range of related resources, including websites, apps, books and articles, through class presentations.
- Evaluate the evidence base of mindfulness, ACT and MBCT in relation to different presenting issues, as well as the strengths and limitations of these approaches in practice.