GSU offer new certificate program

The Mindfulness and Psychotherapy Certificate Program is a new 18-credit hour multidisciplinary program offered by the College of Health and Human Services and the College of Education. It's also the first program of its kind in the Midwest.

Four professors and clinicians were involved in the creation of the program, including Dr. Maristela Zell.  It was created with an enormous body of research. It will prepare post-master's level practitioners and advanced graduate students to integrate mindfulness practice and theory into their clinical practice, she said.

Dr. Zell said the program is unique in the Midwest and is committed to teaching those in the fields of social work, psychology and addictions counseling how to use mindfulness and meditation techniques to help their clients.

Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness and meditation has many benefits including lowering blood pressure, stabilizing emotions, and strengthening the immune system.  

"Being mindful is being present with the decisions we make.  Mindfulness helps us to be in the present." Dr. Zell says.

She said mindfulness practices have a long history. The Buddhists have been using mindfulness techniques for more 2500 years. But it has only been used in the United States for about 40 years.

According to Dr. Zell, the certificate in mindfulness studies will enable students to "implement mindfulness practices in clinical work."  It is applicable in all settings, she said, noting, "It will enhance [your] set of skills.  It is another tool to help with what they already do." 

Dr. Zell explained what social workers can do with a certificate in mindfulness studies. "Social workers can use mindfulness-based studies to help with problems, relationships, working with kids with special problems like ADHD," she said. "It can help kids become more attentive, and many problems can be alleviated."  She also added, "Research shows mindfulness can be used for that and social workers who work with people who are on drugs." 

Current master's level GSU students enrolled in clinical programs in their final year of advanced practicum are eligible to enroll. In addition, those already working in the fields of social work, psychotherapy, addictions counseling, family therapy, and other health professional may also apply.

The deadline for applications is Feb. 22. For more information about mindfulness studies, e-mail Dr. Maristela Zell at mzell@govst.edu.