Mindfulness is often misunderstood. It is not a state that results only from meditation, nor does it necessarily lead to a happy state of mind. Learn more about what it is, its theoretical underpinnings, and research findings for its effects.
As a result of this learning activity, the participant will be able to:
Mindfulness Training: Introduction, Attention, and the Present Moment is one in a series of online mindfulness training courses developed to help mental health professionals understand and apply mindfulness training in clinical practice. This mindfulness basics course discusses what mindfulness is, its theoretical basis, the roles of attention and the present moment, and research findings for its benefits.
Mindfulness is not simply a meditation exercise that leads to a peaceful, happy state of mind. In fact, it is a complex state, which encompasses much more than meditation practices alone, and does not have as its goal short-term happiness. What defines a mindfulness mindset? What distinguishes mindfulness meditation from other forms of meditation? Is mindfulness a rare state that requires special training? Is it a state that anyone can achieve? This mindfulness basics course addresses these questions.
Long-practiced in the far east, mindfulness entered the mainstream of western medicine in the 1970s with the work of scientist, writer, and meditation teacher, Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn. Considerable scientific research continues today and supports many emotional, cognitive, physical, and interpersonal benefits of mindfulness. This course reviews the long-term benefits of mindfulness, including life satisfaction, a sense of autonomy and competence, self-control, self-esteem, vitality, emotional regulation, academic performance, and reductions in depression and anxiety.
Finally, attention on the present moment is discussed as it plays a key role in mindfulness. Learning from past experience and planning for the future are important for a productive life. But it is common to lose site of the present moment and become trapped in ruminations about past disappointments and anxiety about what the future holds. Mindfulness training teaches one how to draw attention back to the present moment, to achieve a healthy balance in focus on past, present, and future.
This course provides theory and supportive research so that psychologists may increase their understanding of the process, have accurate information to share with their clients, and/or become knowledgeable so that they may continue scientific research in the area, thereby benefitting the public and the profession.
The instructor is Dr. Marylie W. Gerson. Dr. Gerson received her PhD in Psychology from Princeton University and is both a social psychologist and clinical psychologist. She is currently a Psychology Professor at California Lutheran University and combines teaching and research with an active clinical practice. Dr. Gerson became increasingly interested in the research on mindfulness-based interventions through her own academic research on resilience, which as led to peer-reviewed publications (e.g., Gerson, 2018; Gerson & Fernandez, 2013) and numerous conference presentations. This research has led her to study the benefits of mindfulness practices as well.
There is no commercial support or other potential conflicts of interest for this program, presentation, or instructor.
We are committed to respecting diversity in all of its forms, including age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, language, socioeconomic status, religion, and disability. We also strive to make all of our activities accessible to individuals with special needs or disabilities. Please contact the Director at mgersonphd@psychstudies.net if you ever have any questions or concerns regarding any of our programs.
Our programs and teaching methods are supported by current, empirically-based scientific literature, and are designed to provide continuing education that is relevant to psychological practice, education, and/or research, so that psychologists may maintain and expand their ability to serve the public and contribute to the profession.
Our courses are designed for postdoctoral-level psychologists; this course is an introductory-level course. All mental health professionals, educators, and researchers have a variety of educational backgrounds and needs—if you have any questions about whether this course could benefit you and/or would be appropriate for your level of training, please do not hesitate to contact us. You may contact the Director directly at mgersonphd@psychstudies.net with any questions or concerns.
This course will be available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you will be able pace yourself in a manner that is comfortable for you.
The cost of the course is noted below and there are no additional fees. Your satisfaction is important to us. If you are not satisfied with a course, please let us know immediately—we will cancel your order and gladly offer you a full refund.
This course consists of a PowerPoint video presentation with audio narrative by Dr. Gerson and a 1-hour recorded webinar. Dr. Gerson’s presentations are accompanied by full text to allow for review in either modality. An online multiple choice test and Certificate of Completion follow the course for 2 CE credits. Introductory level. $29. (This course provides a good foundation for the applied techniques provided in Mindfulness Training: Body Scan Meditation and Informal Mindfulness Practices.)
Listed with Psych Central.
