The Psychology of Enhancing Human Performance by Gardner Frank L.;Moore Zella E.;

Author:Gardner, Frank L.;Moore, Zella E.;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company, Incorporated
Published: 2011-05-24T00:00:00+00:00

Mindfulness Becomes Associated With Relaxation and Affect Reduction or the Client Does Not “Buy” That It Is Okay To Experience Affect

We have stressed throughout the text that mindfulness must be presented in the context of describing and noticing the full range of thoughts, sensations, and emotions that are a natural part of the human experience. However, some clients have a difficult time accepting this concept. If this concern arises, we suggest that the consultant patiently move more slowly through the protocol and extend the seven-module format. Rather than viewing the MAC’s seven modules as consisting of 7 sessions, the consultant should approach the MAC as consisting of seven distinct segments to be achieved as the client’s acceptance and understanding of the concepts permit. This may result in 8, 12, or 16 sessions, and a new module should begin only after the previous module is successfully completed. Some clients will require more time to fully embrace acceptance as an alternative to control. This is especially true for those who enter the MAC program strongly believing that emotions and negative thoughts are bad and must be eliminated or controlled. These clients occasionally have a difficult time understanding and using mindfulness, understanding values-directed versus emotion-directed behavior, and developing a willingness to engage in activities that require a reconsideration of the role of emotion. Helping these clients see that the struggle against thinking negatively and against being angry, stressed, or anxious is actually the problem is critical for ultimate success with the MAC program.

We have previously discussed the issue of the consultant’s comfort with and understanding of the basic acceptance model. This issue sometimes is related to a client’s unwillingness to let go of the need to control and embrace an acceptance approach. If the client seems inconsistent in understanding or embracing the acceptance model inherent in the MAC program, the consultant should consider his or her personal understanding of the approach and how he or she communicates the messages contained in the MAC program. Watch for signs that a mixed or double message may inadvertently be communicated to clients. An example of this is provided in the following vignette:

CONSULTANT: Tell me about your experience with the performance-related mindfulness activity.

CLIENT: I really enjoyed it. When I got to work I was stressed out about the trial that was supposed to begin the next day, so I did my centering exercise, and then lined up my case notes mindfully.

CONSULTANT: How did that work for you?

CLIENT: Actually quite well. I became way more relaxed, which then allowed me to get my notes organized well.

CONSULTANT: I’m happy to hear that the mindfulness exercise worked for you.

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