The Lived Experience of Mental Health Professionals who Practice Mindfulness and Work with Trauma Survivors

The purpose of the current phenomenological study is to investigate the lived experience of mindfulness for mental health professionals who conduct trauma work. This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach and interviewed seven mental health professionals. The semi-structured interviews included five questions: 1) Tell me about your work and your clients. 2) How has your work with trauma survivors impacted you personally and professionally? 3) How do you describe mindfulness? 4) How do you practice mindfulness 5) How does mindfulness impact you personally and professionally? The researcher collected data via audio recorder and then transcribed the information to a Word document. Interview transcripts were then analyzed and seven themes were pulled from the data. These themes are: 1) A greater capacity to sit with trauma 2) Living intentionally and nonjudgmentally, 3) Living in the moment and being present 4) Mindfulness as a form of self care, 5) Increased awareness of the mind-body connection 6) An increased sense of being grounded or centered 7) Increased awareness of the therapeutic relationship. These seven themes best explained the concept and impact of mindfulness in the lives of seven mental health professionals who have extensive experience working with trauma survivors and practicing mindfulness. Results suggested that mindfulness is a multi-faceted concept that has a profound impact on the physical and mental health of the participants in both their personal and professional lives. Directions for the future, limitations, and clinical implications were also discussed.