Chan, Sunny H. W.Sunny H. W.ChanProf. YU Kai Ching, CalvinCalvinProf. YU Kai ChingDr. LI Wang On, AlexAlexDr. LI Wang On2022-04-222022-04-222021Patient Education and Counseling, Feb. 2021, vol. 104(2), pp. 360-368.0738-3991http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11861/7053Objective To investigate the impact of a structured eight-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program on counseling self-efficacy among counseling trainees. Methods Undergraduate counseling trainees were randomized to an MBCT group (n = 25) or a waitlist control group (n = 25) with a crossover trial design. Psychological measurements regarding mindfulness, empathy, self-compassion, psychological distress, counseling self-efficacy as well as neuro-physiological measures including frontal midline theta activity, respiration rate, and skin conductance were taken at baseline (T1), after intervention (T2), and six-month follow-up (T3). Results Mindfulness training could make significant positive changes in empathy, self-compassion, stress reduction, and counseling self-efficacy with this being backed up by both psychological and neuro-physiological evidence at T2. However, such differences between the two groups had greatly subsided after crossover in which carry-over effect and marked improvement were noted in the study and control group, respectively, at T3. In addition, mindfulness was the most significant determinant that contributed to counseling self-efficacy, followed by psychological distress reduction and self-compassion according to the regression models. Conclusion Integrating mindfulness into counseling training is beneficial for helping profession trainees. Practice implication Incorporating mindfulness into counseling training can enhance the necessary “being mode” qualities in counseling and address self-care issues during training.enPeer Reviewed Journal Article10.1016/j.pec.2020.07.022