This book describes mindfulness and meditation practices and programs for adolescents by situating the topic in a bio-psychosocial-cultural approach. Using this framework, the benefits of these practices and programs for adolescents— with an emphasis on evidence-based practices—are explored. In addition to programs based on mindfulness, meditation programs using Transcendental Meditation, Herbert Benson’s Relaxation Response, and the Center for Mind Body Medicine’s group programs are discussed. The book is targeted toward educators, mental health professionals, researchers, and graduate students interested in the application, development, and study of mindfulness and meditation practices and programs for adolescents.
Betsy Wisner taught adolescent psychology for nearly 20 years before earning her doctorate in social work from the University of Texas at Austin, USA. She currently teaches graduate social work courses. She also has over 25 years’ experience in the mental health field and specializes in helping children and adolescents and their families.
This book describes mindfulness and meditation practices and programs for adolescents by situating the topic in a bio-psychosocial-cultural approach. Using this framework, the benefits of these practices and programs for adolescents— with an emphasis on evidence-based practices—are explored. In addition to programs based on mindfulness, meditation programs using Transcendental Meditation, Herbert Benson’s Relaxation Response, and the Center for Mind Body Medicine’s group programs are discussed. The book is targeted toward educators, mental health professionals, researchers, and graduate students interested in the application, development, and study of mindfulness and meditation practices and programs for adolescents.
Synthesizes and interprets research in a burgeoning field of mindfulness programs for adolescents
“This is an important book for anyone working with adolescents in educational, counseling and behavioral health and medical settings. Betsy Wisner’s meticulous interdisciplinary research and case examples integrate theory and practice, and clearly demonstrate the rich benefits of mindfulness in the lives of adolescents. As a licensed clinical social worker and as a parent of teenagers, I find this book invaluable.” (Christine Lynn Norton, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Texas State University, San Marcos, USA)
“Wisner presents a clear, comprehensive exploration of the history and practices of adolescent mindfulness and meditation theory. The gap between theoretical considerations and practice applications is successfully bridged. The inclusion of “Adolescent Voices” confirms the necessity and benefits of this work. Evidenced-based tools are provided for the practitioner to engage adolescents with mindfulness programs, both innovative and theoretically sound.” (Lorraine Rogers, Licensed Master Social Worker and Mind-Body Practitioner)
“This is a very delightful collection, full of extremely valuable information for educators, practitioners, researchers, and graduate students seeking a theoretically and empirically informed understanding and application of mindfulness and meditation practices and programs for adolescents. Dr. Wisner knows the bio-psycho-social-cultural benefits for adolescents and passionately promotes the practice of mindfulness and meditation to help improve the healthy development and well-being of adolescents.” (Venus Tsui, PhD, Social Work Educator and Researcher with 14 years of clinical and community experience with children, youth, and families in Hong Kong and the US)
