The Ethical Space of Mindfulness in Clinical Practice

…what we find here is a sparkling and highly innovative addition to both the history of ethical thought and an action-relevant contribution to both a particular community of practice, and its broader potentials. These are estimable accomplishments indeed, and they furnish a compelling model for other communities to explore the forms of ethics they implicitly embrace, and their place in the world more generally. I am enveloped by appreciation and admiration for this fine work. – from the foreword by Kenneth J. Gergen, Ph.D., President, The Taos Institute, and Senior Research Professor, Swarthmore CollegeWith tremendous attention to detail, Donald McCown brings to life and names the ethical space that is created through the pedagogy of mindfulness-based courses. This is a wonderful contribution, offered in the spirit of starting a conversation. Given the current context of widening interest in the integration of mindfulness into the mainstream, it is an important and much-needed conversation. – Rebecca Crane, Director, Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice, School of Psychology, Bangor University, UKThe Ethical Space of Mindfulness in Clinical Practice provides valuable lessons for both educators and clinicians in the fast-growing MBI community. It is an insightful exploration, rich in discerning dialogue about a relational view of the ethical in the mindful profession. The author brings alive the dialogue in a practical and accessible way. – Dr. Heyoung Ahn, Executive Director, The Korea Center for MBSRJust as you cannot put the sky in a box, the teachings and learnings in McCown’s latest book extend far beyond its title! This self-described ‘essay’ is an offering to everyone risking the excitement of exposure to new perspectives and opportunities to re-imagine ways of Being. – Darlyne Bailey, Ph.D, LISW, Dean and Professor, Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, PA

Donald McCown is Assistant Professor of Integrative Health at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and has held positions as Lecturer at Thomas Jefferson University, and Director of Mindfulness at Work programs at Jefferson’s Mindfulness Institute. He holds a PhD from Tilburg University, a Master of Social Service degree from Bryn Mawr College, and a Master of Applied Meditation Studies from the Won Institute of Graduate Studies. He has completed the advanced Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) trainings through the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He is the primary author of Teaching Mindfulness: A Practical Guide for Clinicians and Educators, the first text of its kind.