Abstract
Research regarding the use of mindfulness by human services practitioners is lacking. The purpose of this study is to explore the use of mindfulness by human services practitioners in terms of their work with clients and as part of self-care practices. Eleven human services practitioners who had attended a retreat which focused on Zen principles were interviewed regarding their practice of mindfulness since the retreat. Results of the study suggest that the use of mindfulness fosters such qualities in the practitioner as: empathy, acceptance, non-judgment, and improved listening skills. Further, the study indicates that mindfulness may serve as a way to improve self-care, thus improving the practitioner's ability to work effectively with clients.