The Art and Science of Mindfulness: Integrating Mindfulness into Psychology and the Helping Professions

by Shauna L. Shapiro, Linda E. Carlson

Intention is fundamental to any project, endeavor, or journey. Related to intention is the concept of mindfulness - the awareness that arises through intentionally attending to oneself and others in an open, caring, and nonjudgmental way. Authors Shapiro and Carlson draw from Eastern wisdom and practices as well as Western psychological theory and science to explore why mindful awareness is integral to the therapeutic healing process and to show clinicians how to connect with this deeper awareness. This second edition is an accessible discussion of the fundamentals and also contains new sections describing the latest research on the neuroscience of mindfulness and mechanisms of change. Integrating the art and science of mindfulness to inspire greater well-being in both clinicians and their patients, this volume bridges a gap between therapist and patient, reminding us that we are all human beings wanting health, happiness, and freedom from suffering.
 

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Meditation

194 pages, Hardcover

First published June 15, 2009

About the author

Shauna Shapiro, PhD, is a professor at Santa Clara University, a clinical psychologist, an internationally recognized expert in mindfulness, and a mother. With twenty years of meditation experience studying in Thailand and Nepal, as well as in the West, Shapiro brings an embodied sense of mindfulness to her scientific work. She has published over one hundred journal articles and chapters, and coauthored the critically acclaimed book, The Art and Science of Mindfulness. Shapiro is the recipient of the American Council of Learned Societies teaching award, acknowledging her outstanding contributions to education, and has been invited to lecture for the King of Thailand, the Danish government, and the World Council for Psychotherapy in Beijing, China. Her work has been featured in Wired, USA Today, Oxygen, The Yoga Journal, and the American Psychologist. Shapiro lives in Mill Valley, California, with her eight-year-old son, Jackson.

Reviews

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear and helpful review of mindfulness in clinical practice. It outlined differing ways to integrate mindfulness in practice depending on the therapist and client's interest and exposure level.

[Simon · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book explains the art of mindfulness, but not the science. Instead it asserts how certain studies show beneficial outcomes or that they may be useful—-which is not the same thing. That this passes for science has long been a fatal flaw of many a thesis. Also, in that vein, the book will be loved by many therapists because it asserts quite early that all therapies have been shown to work. The Dodo Bird Verdict from Alice in Wonderland is used to emphasise the point (“everybody has won, so all shall have prizes”). There’s an interesting and unintentionally pertinent analogy there. It’s a fairy story that will make therapists happy, but it just ain’t true. That all therapies work is supposedly proven by studies that show a reduction in symptoms. Yet that is wholly inadequate. For one thing, such studies take as gospel a patient saying that they’re feeling better (when they actually may simply being polite). Also, a reduction in symptoms does not mean that the underlying causes of those symptoms are healed. In short, it’s standard PR for the “helping professions”, but lousy science.

Interestingly, since reading the book I have discovered that there are numerous psychology studies that adhere to the Dodo Bird Verdict. Some others are notably critical of it.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its very good. I like Ms. Shapiro. I was able to spend a few minutes with her at a convention last year, and she is very engaging and sweet. I wish the book was more affordable, because I really want to add it to my collection, but can't pay those prices. It's well written, informative, and helpful as a psychotherapist.

[Diane Dreher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of mindfulness studies and use in counseling and life.
Carefully researched, combining scientific information with personal insight and wisdom (both of the authors are longtime mindfulness meditators).

[Lil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best psychology book that I'be read on mindfulness. The organization of the book is perfectly written.

[Judith Tutin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful book for therapists. Easy reading and ce credits available.