Mindfulness in psychotherapy derives its power from a set of particular skills. Therapists use these skills to help clients  tolerate difficulty and regain perspective, so they can take wise actions.

The skill set of MBCT has been empirically validated several times over.  In England thousands of therapists are studying them as the result of national policy. In the US MBCT is the basis for numerous new therapies including some for chronic pain, binge eating, relapse prevention, parenting, self-compassion, at-risk adolescents, college student drinkers, and aggressive youth.

The core skills taught in this workshop are the body scan, breath meditation,  emotional  awareness,  and awareness of thoughts. These skills taken together enable clients to practice the 3-Minute Breathing Space, the single most significant element of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). 

Donald Fleck, LCSW, DCSW  trained at the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (1995-2006), working as a Psychotherapist and Supervisor for students. Mr. Fleck was awarded the Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) by the National Association of Clinical Social Workers in 2007. He has a private practice that includes individual work and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), an empirically-validated 8-week group treatment for those with long histories with depression or generalized anxiety.  Mr. Fleck has completed both 5-day intensive trainings in MBCT, in 2008 and 2011. He introduced mindfulness into his psychotherapy practice in 1996 as part of a treatment for panic disorder, and continues to explore additional ways it can supplement traditional therapies.  That understanding is the basis for his book, Working the Present, Mindfully-Based.  Through the NASW he has taught Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Enhancing Therapeutic Presence and Effectiveness with Mindfulness.

3 CE Contact Hours