| Summary: | The aim of this study was to investigate how counselors at BUP describe their experiences of mindfulness training in the workplace. Using a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews, we interviewed six social workers employed as counselors and therapists at a child and youth psychiatric center in south Sweden. The analysis was based on Antonovsky’s salutogenic approach and three key elements of his Sense of Coherence concept: comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. The social workers’ descriptions indicate that they describe that mindfulness training has strengthened all three elements of Sense of Coherence, in their professional roles. This was expressed as follows: 1) A strengthened awareness of thoughts and mental states increased comprehensibility, experienced as a heightened sense of focus and structure in performing work tasks. 2) The ability to stay present and relax improved manageability as a tool to cope with stress in challenging situations. 3) Focusing on the positive aspects of the work and the appreciation of small steps of progress increased meaningfulness.
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