Clinicians are discovering that mindfulness and compassion practices can enlighten and enliven their lives, both inside and outside the therapy hour. These techniques hold great promise for personal development and as a powerful method to enhance virtually all forms of psychotherapy. To incorporate these practices, we need an intellectual and intuitive understanding of them. In this symposium, a solid theoretical understanding of mindfulness from Buddhist and western perspectives will be developed. Instruction in meditation and the opportunity for personal practice in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere will be given.

Through lecture, demonstration, experiential exercise, and small group discussion, we will examine how mindfulness practice can enhance therapeutic presence and transform our understanding of psychological suffering across the diagnostic spectrum. Optional non-CME guided meditation practice will be offered Tuesday through Friday morning and on Wednesday afternoon at no extra charge. While this course is suitable for seasoned mindfulness practitioners, no prior experience with meditation is required.

Monday Mindfulness and compassion; Narcissism, relationships, and deconstructing the self

Tuesday The meditating therapist: Bearing witness to pain; Happiness: Lessons from science and Buddhist psychology

Wednesday Mindfulness and compassion retreat (with optional afternoon extension)

Thursday Tailoring techniques to the client; Depression; Mindfulness and compassion for parents and their children

Friday Befriending anxiety; Beyond symptom management: Treating stress-related disorders; Overcoming obstacles