Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description Most approaches to psychotherapy promote change by facilitating new cognitive, emotional and/or relational experiences, primarily by the means of verbal interactions between client and therapist. In contrast, psychotherapeutic approaches based on mindfulness, compassion and embodiment bring about change by cultivating awareness of inner experience in the present moment, by working with non-verbal aspects of subjective experience, such as sensations, images, movement impulses, bodily expressions of emotion, and non-verbal communication. Contemporary theory and research show the value and necessity of including mindfulness, compassion and embodiment skills in psychotherapy. These techniques can be especially effective for clients with complex presentations and are a central aspect of trauma-informed practice. They also facilitate the clinician’s self-reflection, ethical awareness, self-care, and prevention of vicarious trauma and burnout. These approaches can be used flexibly, depending on the needs of the individual client, and can be integrated with verbal approaches within the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship. This module provides students with a theoretical and experiential knowledge of mindfulness, compassion and embodiment skills and techniques, and understanding of when and how to safely and effectively use these approaches in their psychotherapy practice. The module introduces the key concepts of these approaches, and theories of the roles of mindfulness, compassion and embodiment in psychotherapeutic processes, the therapeutic relationship and therapist self-care and professional development. Students are facilitated in critically evaluating relevant theories and research evidence. Contemporary applications of mindfulness, compassion and embodiment are presented, including specific interventions and tools. Experiential exercises support students in deepening their understanding of theory, and applied skills sessions provide practice in techniques which students can use in their psychotherapeutic work. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
History and key concepts; historical, philosophical and practical perspectives. Mindfulness and psychotherapy; experiential approaches to psychotherapy. Compassion and psychotherapy; empathy, attunement and attachment. Embodiment and psychotherapy; somatic approaches. Integration of mindfulness, compassion and embodiment practices into psychotherapeutic process. Ethical issues in using mindfulness, compassion and embodiment in psychotherapy. Debates, controversies and future directions in mindfulness, compassion and embodiment in psychotherapy. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||