ERIC Number: ED659850
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 135
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3836-3755-5
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Somatic Wellness Training for Marriage and Family Therapy Students: A Mixed Methods Pilot Approach
Edna Abney
ProQuest LLC, D.M.F.T. Dissertation, National University
This study evaluated the impact of a somatic wellness training pilot program specifically designed for marriage and family therapy (MFT) students. Anchored in mindfulness and the person of the therapist (POTT) model, the program aimed to cultivate heightened self-awareness, emotional regulation, and self-care practices, incorporating respect for cultural diversity. This pilot addressed a notable gap in existing MFT literature, drawing inspiration from the observed benefits of similar training in disciplines such as psychology and social work. Participants included 10 clinically active MFT students who were currently enrolled in master's or doctoral programs. The participants took part in a pilot somatic wellness training program that incorporated experiential exercises, ethical considerations, practical application of tools and resources, and discussions about self-care and wellness. Quantitative outcomes were measured using pre- and post-training Likert assessments, which demonstrated significant improvements in interoceptive awareness and body awareness. Qualitative data gathered from participant feedback highlighted the value of self-care practices, shared narratives, and the practical application of training concepts in enhancing personal and professional wellness. The study's findings indicate that somatic wellness training can benefit MFT students by improving key therapeutic skills and personal well-being. These improvements suggest that such training should be integrated into MFT curricula to better equip therapists for the multifaceted challenges of their profession and to support their sustainability in the field. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the necessity of holistic training approaches in mental health education and underscores the potential for future studies to explore broader applications and long-term effects of somatic wellness training. The integration of these findings into educational policies could foster a new generation of therapists who are better prepared both personally and professionally. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Mental Health, Health Education, Graduate Students, Wellness, Marriage Counseling, Family Counseling, Self Concept, Affective Behavior, Cultural Differences, Experiential Learning, Self Management, Holistic Approach
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A