Mindfulness in Forensic Mental Health: Does It Have a Role?

Abstract

Treatment and rehabilitation in forensic settings have been largely based on cognitive behavioural models and therapies. In the past decade, "third wave" approaches have developed in cognitive behavioural therapy, strongly influenced by spiritual and contemplative traditions such as Buddhism. Mindfulness is the most analysed and researched of such approaches. In this paper, we ask whether mindfulness is relevant to therapeutic work with offenders in forensic mental health and criminal justice services. We review the known criminogenic and other needs of offender groups and discuss whether the psychological processes affected by mindfulness are relevant to reducing risk, alleviating distress and facilitating coping. We conclude that they are. Finally, we address some of the problems that may arise in implementing mindfulness interventions in forensic settings.

The emerging role of Buddhism in clinical psychology: Toward effective integration.

“…Many of the issues in this debate relate to the extent to which Western psychological depictions of mindfulness are consistent with traditional Buddhist perspectives. Given that it is common for MBIs to proclaim a certain 'grounding' in Buddhist practice, this may be potentially confusing (or even misleading) for service-users because it is questionable whether mindfulness meditation, as used in MBIs, continues to resemble the faculty of 'right mindfulness' as it is construed by the Buddhist teachings (Shonin et al, 2013a whether MBIs lack 'foundational congruence' and whether the 'spiritual essence' and full potential treatment efficacy of mindfulness has remained intact in its clinically orientated and Westernized form (Howells, Tennant, Day, & Elmer, 2010;McWilliams, 2011;Rosch, 2007;Singh, Lancioni, Wahler, Winton, & Singh, 2008;Shonin et al, 2013d;Van Gordon et al, 2013). Thus, there is an urgent need for Western psychologists to determine and clarify whether, in addition to alleviating psycholgical and/or somatic distress, MBIs are also primarliy intended (and provide the necessary infrastructure) to spiritually empower their participants.…”

Meditation Awareness Training (MAT) for Improved Psychological Well-being: A Qualitative Examination of Participant Experiences

“…Singh, Lancioni, Wahler, Winton, and Singh (2008) refer to the dangers of reducing mindfulness into a technical or psychotherapeutic construct as opposed to a means for lasting spiritual growth. Concerns have therefore arisen relating to whether the 'spiritual 5 essence' and full potential treatment efficacy of mindfulness have remained intact in its clinically orientated and Westernized form (Singh, et al, 2008;Howells, Tennant, Day, & Elmer, 2010;McWilliams, 2011).…”

Mindfulness as a treatment for gambling disorder: Current directions and issues

“…In addition to other therapeutic approaches, certain Buddhist principles have been integrated into what have been termed ''third-wave'' cognitive behavioral approaches (Howells et al 2010). Rather than a deliberate attempt to control and modify individual cognitions (i.e.…”