Treating others as we treat ourselves: A qualitative study of the influence of psychotherapists’ mindfulness meditation practice on their psychotherapeutic work

Objectives: Research exploring how mindfulness is conceptualized and applied in Western psychotherapeutic settings is in its early stages. The current study examines the influence of psychotherapists’ personal practice of mindfulness meditation on their professional work. Methods: Psychotherapists who identify as mindfulness teachers were interviewed about their motivation to practice mindfulness practice and how they apply it in both their personal lives and professional psychotherapeutic practice. Grounded theory was used to collect and analyze the data. Results: The study's findings revealed themes relating to motivation, practices, and therapeutic application of mindfulness which differed among the therapists. Participants were motivated to practice mindfulness meditation based on a utilitarian approach or based on a wider approach, which comprised both a utilitarian and a more contemplative motivation to practice. Importantly, we found that how psychotherapists practiced mindfulness meditation, whether from a utilitarian or contemplative approach, was related to how they used and taught it in their psychotherapeutic practices. Conclusions: The study's findings suggest a link between the personal and professional practice of mindfulness meditation by psychotherapists. Future research is needed to further investigate this link and to determine its impact on client outcomes.