How might Zen art therapy and mindfulness be usefully employed by counsellors in their own self-care?"
Author: Ai Kihara Institution: The University of Auckland Year: 2018
Summary of "How might Zen art therapy and mindfulness be usefully employed by counsellors in their own self-care?" by Ai Kihara
Introduction
The research explores the effectiveness of Zen mindfulness and art therapy as self-care tools for counsellors. Counsellors often face burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary trauma due to the emotional demands of their profession. Self-care is essential for maintaining their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, as well as their professional competence. Despite its importance, there are no clear guidelines for self-care in the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) Code of Ethics. This study aims to address this gap by introducing Zen mindfulness and art therapy as potential self-care strategies.
Research Methodology
The study employed a qualitative action research approach, which involved planning, implementing, and evaluating a half-day workshop on Zen art therapy and mindfulness. The workshop was held at the University of Auckland and attended by 18 participants, including counsellors, social workers, and community support workers. Participants were introduced to Zen concepts, art therapy, and mindfulness practices. They were encouraged to incorporate these techniques into their daily self-care routines for three months. Feedback was collected immediately after the workshop and through questionnaires three months later.
Literature Review
The literature review highlights the importance of self-care for counsellors, defining it as actions that enhance well-being across physical, mental, and social domains. It discusses the risks of neglecting self-care, such as burnout, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue. The review also explores the concept of mindfulness, which involves non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, and its benefits, including stress reduction, improved self-awareness, and enhanced relationships.
Zen mindfulness, rooted in Buddhist psychology, emphasizes living in harmony with nature and achieving a state of "emptiness." This concept fosters centeredness and harmony within oneself and with others. Zen practices like Zazen (sitting meditation) and Naikan therapy (self-reflection) have been shown to improve physical and mental health, reduce anxiety, and promote self-understanding.
Workshop Design and Implementation
The workshop was designed to introduce participants to Zen concepts and practices through interactive activities. The session included:
Zen Art Therapy: Participants engaged in calligraphy ("shodo") and a colored water exercise to understand Zen concepts like "hishiryo" (non-attachment to thoughts) and "fudoshin" (peaceful determination).
Naikan Therapy: Participants reflected on three questions: what they received from others, what they gave to others, and what they learned from these reflections.
Zazen Practice: Participants learned breathing techniques and meditation postures to experience mindfulness and centeredness.
The workshop emphasized the importance of self-care for counsellors, highlighting the risks of neglecting it, such as burnout and compassion fatigue. Participants were encouraged to use the techniques for their self-care and potentially with their clients.
Results
The study revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. All attendees found the workshop helpful, with most rating it as "very helpful." Participants appreciated the clear explanations, practical tools, and the calming atmosphere of the workshop. Many found the Zen concepts profound and applicable to their personal and professional lives. The Zen art therapy exercises, particularly the colored water and calligraphy activities, were highly valued for their ability to promote mindfulness and self-awareness.
Three months after the workshop, 17 participants provided feedback on their experiences. Many reported significant improvements in their physical well-being, mood, thoughts, and spirituality. They described feeling more relaxed, mindful, and appreciative of their surroundings. Some participants used the techniques to manage stress, anxiety, and grief, while others incorporated them into their counselling practice with clients.
Discussion
The study demonstrated the potential of Zen mindfulness and art therapy to enhance counsellors' self-care. Participants reported reduced stress and anxiety, improved physical health, and enhanced relationships. The practices also fostered self-awareness, spiritual growth, and appreciation for nature and life. These outcomes align with existing literature on the benefits of mindfulness, which include stress reduction, increased empathy, and improved therapeutic presence.
However, some participants found it challenging to fully understand Zen concepts, particularly "emptiness" and "zazen." The study suggests that these principles may require more time and practice to grasp fully. Additionally, the workshop's short duration limited the depth of understanding and practice for some participants.
Strengths
Novel Research: This study is the first of its kind in New Zealand to explore the use of Zen mindfulness and art therapy for counsellors' self-care.
Positive Outcomes: The research demonstrated the effectiveness of Zen practices in promoting self-care, reducing stress and anxiety, and enhancing physical and mental well-being.
Practical Tools: The workshop provided participants with creative and accessible self-care techniques, such as Zen art therapy and mindfulness practices.
Limitations
Subjectivity: The effectiveness of mindfulness is difficult to measure objectively, as it relies on personal experiences and perceptions.
Time Constraints: The short duration of the workshop limited participants' ability to fully understand and practice Zen concepts.
Prior Knowledge: The study did not account for participants' prior knowledge of Zen mindfulness, which may have influenced the results.
Future Research
Future studies could involve larger and more diverse participant groups, include pre-workshop assessments of prior knowledge, and use mixed methods to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Longer workshops and follow-up sessions could help participants gain a deeper understanding of Zen concepts and practices.
Conclusion
Zen mindfulness and art therapy offer valuable self-care tools for counsellors, promoting physical and mental well-being, reducing stress and anxiety, and enhancing self-awareness and relationships. While the study faced limitations, its positive outcomes highlight the potential of these practices for the counselling profession. Further research is needed to explore their effectiveness in greater depth and to develop more accessible and flexible self-care strategies for counsellors.
References
Ashby, E. (2012). Developing through visual imagery. In C. Rose (Ed. ), Self-awareness and personal development; resources for psychotherapists and counsellors. New York, NY: Palgrave.
Berger, E.M. (1962). Zen Buddhism, general psychology, and counseling psychology. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 9(2), 122-127.
Barnett, J. E., Baker, E. K., Elman, N.S., & Schoener, G.R. (2007). In pursuit of wellness: The self-care imperative. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 38(6), 603-612.
Bradley, N., Whisenhunt, J., Adamson, N., & Kress, V. E. (2013). Creative approaches for promoting counselor self-care. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 8(4), 456-469.
Brown, K. W., Ryan, R. M., & Creswell, J. D. (2007). Mindfulness: Theoretical foundations and evidence for its salutary effects. Psychological Inquiry, 18(4), 211-237.
Dorian, M., & Killebrew, J. E. (2014). A study of mindfulness and self-care: A path to self-compassion for female therapists in
