Clinical Strategies for Mindfulness and Stress Reduction

Presenter

Allison Kirsch, MSW, MS

Description

Mindfulness has become one of the most widely researched and effective approaches for reducing stress, improving emotional regulation, and supporting mental health. However, many clinicians struggle with knowing when, why, and how to integrate mindfulness into psychotherapy beyond simple breathing exercises or meditation.

This experiential workshop provides social workers with practical, evidence-based strategies for incorporating mindfulness into clinical practice with diverse populations. Participants will explore the neuroscience of mindfulness, stress physiology, attention regulation, compassion, and nervous system functioning while learning interventions that can be immediately integrated into therapy sessions.

Drawing from mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), stress reduction research, somatic approaches, and contemporary neuroscience, this workshop emphasizes practical application rather than meditation instruction alone. Participants will leave with a toolbox of adaptable techniques suitable for clients experiencing anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, burnout, chronic pain, and emotional dysregulation.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the neurobiological mechanisms through which mindfulness influences stress, attention, emotional regulation, and resilience.
2. Differentiate among mindfulness interventions and determine when each is clinically appropriate.
3. Utilize experiential mindfulness practices to improve clients' emotional awareness and self-regulation.
4. Adapt mindfulness interventions for clients with trauma histories while recognizing common contraindications and challenges.
5. Integrate mindfulness-based strategies into treatment planning across a range of clinical presentations.

Recommended Reading

Treleaven, D. A. (2018). Trauma-sensitive mindfulness: Practices for safe and transformative healing. W. W. Norton & Company.

Segal, Z. V., Williams, J. M. G., & Teasdale, J. D. (2018). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

Registration Fees

Member Pricing: Please log in to your GWSCSW account before registering to receive the applicable member rate. State Affiliate Members require a registration code.

DC, VA, MD Social Work -- Category 1 | 6.5 CEUs

Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work is authorized by the Board of Social Work Examiners in is DC, Maryland, and Virginia to sponsor social work continuing education learning activities and maintains full responsibility for this program.

NBCC Approved Continuing Education Provider -- 6.5 Credit Hours

Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7880. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Clinical Education. Professional Community. Stronger Practice.

Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work

PO Box 711 | Garrisonville, VA 22463 | 202-478-7638

www.gwscsw.org