"A breath of fresh air": mindfulness training for early-career mental health social workers in Israel during COVID-19. (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Segev, Einav
• Is Part Of: Social work in health care. Volume 62:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 40
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: Mindfulness -- early-career social workers -- mental health -- social work -- psychosocial intervention -- social support; Medical social work -- Periodicals; 362.10425
• DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2023.2165597
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0098-1389

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The present study examined the effectiveness of participation in a mindfulness group for Israeli early career social workers during the COVID-19 period. Eleven participants conducting fieldwork in a mental health rehabilitation center were interviewed. The participants described a variety of benefits from their mindfulness training, in three main areas: (1) Personal: applying mindfulness in their daily life; (2) Family: improved work-life balance and family relationships; and (3) Professional: applying mindfulness in their work with mental health clients. Mental support and self-care tools provided to early-career social workers were perceived by the participants as helping them overcome uncertainty, fatigue, and overwork.