Treating trauma with mindfulness: Integrating alternative approaches into clinical and social service practice

• In Event: Trauma and Victimization among Offenders with Mental Illness

Abstract

Research has begun to demonstrate the benefit of integrating alternative approaches and methodology, including yoga, meditation and mindfulness into clinical mental health and social service practices, particularly in addressing the impact of traumatic stress. Yoga and meditation programs have been successfully introduced into correctional settings and have also been used effectively in ameliorating the impacts of trauma. The current presentation will discuss the impact of integrating trauma-informed mindfulness approaches based on an evidence-based trauma-informed mindfulness curriculum into traditional clinical mental health practices. Focus is placed on clinical practices serving women who are trauma survivors, and will highlight work conducted within correctional practices. Feedback from clinicians who have been trained and have subsequently integrated mindfulness strategies will be reviewed and challenges surrounding the integration of mindfulness tools will be addressed.

Authors

• Danielle Rousseau, Boston University

• Elizabeth Jackson, Portland Community Health Center