Contributions of Mindfulness-Based Practices for Critical Reflexivity

1. Contributions of Mindfulness-Based Practices for Critical Reflexivity By: Kirsten Ainsworth-Vincze

2. Agenda • Overview of PRP • Highlights from the Literature Review • Methodology: Research Method & Paradigm • Data Collection/Data Analysis Methods • Findings: Themes • Suggestions

3. Overview of PRP • Critical reflexivity is becoming a central component of critical social work practice • Poststructuralism offers a theoretical frame for understanding the ways in which power/knowledge, discourses and subjectivity intersect • Engaging in critical reflexivity can catalyze a shift towards cultivating more ethical and just relations

4. Overview Critical reflexivity can work to: • Trouble normalizing and hegemonic discourses • Open up spaces for the emergence of subjugated narratives • Foster more equitable and ethical relations of power

5. Overview • Engaging in critical reflexivity typically engenders difficult emotional experiences • Social workers require tools and/or supports • Research Question: How can mindfulness-based practices support social worker’s capacity to engage in critical reflexivity?

6. Highlights from the Literature Review • Juxtaposed traditional forms of reflexivity to critical forms of reflexivity to highlight the ‘critical difference’ • Opening up to uncertainty and including more can effectively mitigate harm in client-worker relations

7. Highlights from the Literature Review • Discuss the effects of affects engendered through engaging in critical reflexivity • Identify the need to support workers practicing critical reflexivity • Propose and discuss the ways mindfulness-based/meditation practices may be able to offer vital support

8. Methodology • The personal motivation to conduct this research study was multifold • Overall approach: qualitative & exploratory • Research Method: Phenomenology • Research Paradigm: Constructivist • Method of Data Analysis: “Identifying the regularity of theme” (Tesch, 1990).

9. Choosing a method & a paradigm: • Identify your research goals/interests and then focus these • From these research goals/interests I was then able to choose a method that was best suited to my overall aim: phenomenology • I then chose a paradigm that would offer congruency and compatibility with the research method: constructivist paradigm

10. Data Collection & Data Analysis • Recruited and interviewed four participants • Used semi-structured interviews to facilitate and encourage descriptive stories • Drew on Tesch’s (1990) approach to data analysis: “The discovery of the regularity of themes”

11. Findings • The transformative effects of awareness and curiosity in social work • Linking compassion, ethical social work practice and social justice • Connecting mindfulness-based practices to critical social work practice • Working with difficult emotions: Being able to stay with what is

12. Findings All participants spoke passionately about their experiences and their sense of the potential far-reaching implications of combining mindfulness-based practices with critical social work practices such as critical reflexivity .

13. Suggestions: Take the time to choose a topic that you feel passionate about and focus your study/question To reduce anxiety and stress: • Do not isolate yourself: use colleagues, staff, friends, family to talk about and synthesize your ideas • Try to be disciplined and organized with your time: use the first semester • Note: This is a special process but reminding yourself that this is not your magnum opus will mitigate getting stumped by perfectionism • YOU CAN DO THIS…Enjoy! Thank you for your attention and best wishes!