The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study was to gain a better understanding of the integration of mindfulness techniques into psychodynamic therapy. Research was conducted through a two-phased study which consisted of an Internet survey in Phase One and in-depth interviews in Phase Two. Once the Phase One surveys were completed and analyzed, 10 participants, from two distinct sub-groups of five, were selected to be interviewed in Phase Two. Participants shared their experiences of integrating mindfulness techniques and what that meant to them and their psychodynamic theory or orientation.

The findings in this study indicated that the overall belief of the participants was that integrating mindfulness techniques into sessions enhanced the therapeutic process for clients; however, psychodynamic theories have not endorsed this integration. The study also identified barriers, which included the lack of a standard definition of mindfulness in therapeutic practice, and the uncertainty of how to integrate these techniques into the therapy sessions. Mindfulness-based practices have had sufficient research supporting the benefits of using these techniques, but limited research has been done on integrating these techniques into psychodynamic therapy. Thus, the study revealed that the integration of mindfulness techniques into psychodynamic therapy is beneficial, but further research is needed to fully develop an evidence-based integrative practice.