Module Details

Module Code: COUN6021
Title: Introduction to Mindfulness
Long Title: Introduction to Mindfulness
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 7620 - Counselling
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: Mindfulness involves paying attention to each event experienced from moment to moment without evaluation or judgment. It is a core competency for self regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. It is also now recognised as an important ingredient of effective counselling and psychotherapy. This module is designed to introduce the student to principles and practices of mindfulness. The module has a strongly experiential focus which will provide students with an introductory guided training in the regular practice of mindfulness.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the principles and practices of mindfulness
LO2 Carry out regular sessions of mindfulness meditation
LO3 Describe and analyse the need for mindfulness in his/her personal life
LO4 Apply the principles and practices of mindfulness in his/her life experience
LO5 Describe and evaluate the impact of the mindfulness in his/her personal life.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to Mindfulness
1. Awareness of body sensations, thoughts and feelings from moment to moment 2. Mindful acknowledgment and acceptance of challenging thoughts, feelings and inner states 3. Skills for responding to challenging thoughts, feelings and body states. 4 Core mindfulness skills - Automatic Pilot, Body Scan, Mindfulness of the Breath, Staying present, Thoughts are not facts, Self regulation, Applying the learning.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 40
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 2,3,5
Assessment Description
Weekly mindfulness log
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Mindfulness practice debrief and review (500 words)
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Experiential Lecture Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Daily mindfulness practice Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Learning Non Contact Recording and journalling Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Experiential lecture Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Daily mindfulness practice Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Learning Non Contact Recording and Journalling Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Christopher K. Germer, Ronald D. Siegel, Paul R. Fulto. (2013), Mindfulness and Psychotherapy, 2nd Edition. Guilford Press, p.401, [ISBN: 9781462511372].
  • Andy Puddicombe. (2016), The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness, St. Martin's Griffin, p.224, [ISBN: 9781250104908].
  • Christine Dunkley,Maggie Stanton. (2013), Teaching Clients to Use Mindfulness Skills, Routledge, p.103, [ISBN: 9781135017651].
  • Mark Williams,Danny Penman. (2011), Mindfulness, Hachette UK, p.206, [ISBN: 9780748126514].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Thich Nhat Hanh. (1992), Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life, Bantam Books, New York, [ISBN: 978055335139].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Chris Mace. (2007), Mindfulness in Psychotherapy : An Introduction, Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, vol. 13, 147–154.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HCOUI_6 Certificate in Counselling Skills 1 Mandatory
CR_HCOUN_6 Higher Certificate in Arts in Counselling Skills 1 Mandatory