Therapeutic Presence via the Mindful Communication Sequence (MCS): A Mindfulness-Based Communication Method for Clinicians
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Research is clear that experience or techniques are not the best predictors of client outcomes in psychotherapy. The best therapy outcomes come for clinicians who cultivate and maintain high quality therapeutic alliances with their clients. These clinicians are more present, engaged, flexible, accepting of experience and integrated in their processing of moment-to-moment information, and therefore develop the presence and timing to deliver the most effective interventions. In a word, these clinicians learn the skills of “mindful truth-telling” relative to their moment-to-moment experience and how to intervene and communicate authentically, compassionately and directly - even when things are less than comfortable. The Mindful Communication Sequence (MCS) fosters the therapeutic alliance, enhances treatment, and is a model and method for building mindful, flexible management of experience for clients themselves.
Many clinicians are looking to bring mindfulness techniques into their practices, but there are few resources for integrating mindfulness into one’s general communication stance with all clients - this seminar introduces a simple, comprehensive method (MCS) for understanding, managing and enhancing the authenticity of therapeutic communication with clients. MCS integrates components from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other mindfulness interventions and family / systems therapies and is a helpful companion to therapists of diverse technical and theoretical backgrounds. MCS enhances the quality of therapeutic alliances with clients, manages “ruptures” in the alliance, and develops accurate timing of interventions. Altogether, the skills covered in this method build the the “presence” of the clinician, maximizing positive therapeutic outcomes.
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Mitch Abblett, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, author, consultant, and national/international speaker. He has published various books and card decks on topics such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and resilience, including Prizeworthy: How to Meaningfully Connect, Build Character, and Unlock the Potential of Every Child. You can find him at www.drmitchabblett.com.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Mitch Abblett maintains a private practice and has employment relationships with The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy, Hanover Public Schools, and Wareham Public Schools. He receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Abblett receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Mitch Abblett is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, and the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy.