EXPLORING MINDFULNESS EXERCISE EXPERIENCES DURING INTERNSHIP AMONG TRAINEE COUNSELORS

Abstract

The integration aimed to enhance the trainees' competency and confidence to employ mindfulness practices in client interactions. This investigation delves into the firsthand encounters of trainee counselors who incorporated mindfulness exercises during their internships. Six trainee counselors from UNIMAS engaged in internship attended a mindfulness briefing program and embarked on a month-long journey of practicing mindfulness exercises such as journal reflection, mindfulness breathing, mindful eating, and mindfulness communication as assigned homework. Through individual semi-structured interviews, the trainee counselors' experiences with mindfulness during their internship were explored. Thematic analysis of the recorded data revealed three overarching themes: "Process," "Experience," and "Outcome" which encompass subthemes including the initial process, time constraints, environmental considerations, anxiety, evolving experiences, heightened awareness, habituation, enhanced counseling competency, and the role of mindfulness as a client-oriented tool. The resulting themes provide a comprehensive view of this experience, paving the way for a better understanding of the role of mindfulness in counselor development and client support. Further research and ongoing exploration of mindfulness in counseling contexts could provide valuable insights for refining training programs and optimizing the use of mindfulness as a tool for counselor development.