Expected Discomfort vs Adverse Effects of Mindfulness: A Guide for Therapists

In this course, Dr. Bruno Cayoun, Founder and Director of the Mindfulness-Integrated Cognitive Behavior Institute, observes that normal yet uncomfortable effects of meditation are poorly differentiated in research from emergent trauma symptoms. He identifies the common types of adverse effects and differentiates these from normal, expected discomfort felt during meditation. Cayoun shows, through the Co-emergent Model of Reinforcement, how the equanimity of mindfulness meditation can alter (reconsolidate) traumatic memories so that traumatised clients can be de-sensitised to the traumatic stimuli. He explains what to do if trauma symptoms emerge in meditation, and offers precautions for minimising harm. He lists client conditions for which clinicians should not use mindfulness.