A qualitative study on university counselors' application of mindfulness practices

• Main Authors: Bayot, Anna Marie S., Cataquis, Rosalie E., Ines, Jennifer V.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2024
• Subjects: Mindfulness (Psychology); Student counselors—Psychology; Counseling; Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/13728
• Institution: De La Salle University

The COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges to people’s lives. In the school setting, transitioning to online classes was challenging for educators, students, and their families. Reports on mental health issues brought about by uncertainties and financial difficulties emerged. University counselors faced challenges in supporting students’ mental health needs and managing their own personal needs. Due to heavy workload, counselors experience stress and burnout. Mindfulness is an evidence-based approach that has been found to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and other conditions, as well as pain management. Studies show that mental health professionals use mindfulness practices for personal use, which include health, religious practices, and stress reduction. This study investigates the potential effects of mindfulness practices on university counselors. Specifically, it seeks to answer how they use mindfulness practices in their personal and professional lives. Participants included male and female counselors from a private university in Manila who underwent Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction training from August to October 2021. Using qualitative design and a phenomenological approach, data were gathered through a Google form survey and were coded and themed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. Implications and recommendations are discussed.