Mindfulness and Therapeutic Practice

With increasing empirical support, the helping professions are incorporating mindfulness into their work with patients and clients. Clinical trials have demonstrated, among other things, that mindfulness significantly: decreases suffering from chronic pain, regulates disordered eating, improves sleep, enhances concentration, prevents relapse in substance abuse, increases immune activity, and reduces depression and anxiety. Furthermore, compelling neuroimaging research suggests that mindfulness, practiced regularly, makes measurable changes in brain regions associated with memory, sense of self, empathy and stress.

This experiential, highly interactive 4-day program is designed to introduce participants to the cultivation of both formal and informal dimensions of mindfulness practice, as well as teach participants how to incorporate these techniques into their own lives and therapeutic practice. A distinction will be made between mindfulness-informed therapy and mindfulness-based therapy, with particular attention to the role of mindfulness in treating trauma. The certificate program is composed of two (2) modules: Module 1 will focus on self-care by developing one's own mindfulness practice through yoga, meditation, and other mindfulness exercises. Module 2 will focus on incorporating mindfulness into a clinician's therapeutic practice. Upon completion of both modules, a Certificate in Mindfulness Therapeutic Practice will be issued from Barry University's School of Social Work. Florida social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors: Barry University's School of Social Work is an approved provider with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. 16.5 CEU hours will be given upon completion of both modules.

Dr. Ed Tucker

Dr. Ed Tucker is an Assistant Professor at Barry University School of Social Work. He received his B.A. at Emory University; his J.D. at Southern Methodist University, where he was Leading Articles Editor for the SMU Law Review; and his M.S.W. and Ph.D. from Florida International University, where he received the Outstanding Graduate Scholar Award. Dr. Tucker teaches practice, research, and human development courses. He has several years of social work practice experience, primarily in community behavioral health. His research and community service interests include LGBTQ social disparities, vicarious trauma, therapeutic jurisprudence, mindfulness practices, and community behavioral health. Dr. Tucker is also a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Florida.

Ms. Jennifer Williams

Ms. Jennifer Williams is the Undergraduate Program Director for the School of Social Work at Barry University. Ms. Williams is an LCSW with over 17 years of experience and also a doctoral student in the School of Social Work. She has received training from Dr. Herbert Benson and associates of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Harvard Medical School. In her practice she combines traditional counseling techniques with complementary modalities that rely upon the connections between body, mind, and spirit. Her areas of interest include holistic approaches to stress reduction and wellness, mindfulness, and neuroscience and psychotherapy.

There are no upcoming dates for this event. If you are interested on-site training at your agency, please contact Dr. Jennifer Williams at JWilliams@barry.edu.

If you have any additional questions, please email SSW-ContinuingEd@barry.edu.