Introducing the Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Teaching and Learning Companion (The TLC)

Abstract

Background: Reflective practice is a key skill which can enable the development of teaching competence among Mindfulness-Based Program (MBP) teachers. Purpose: In this article, the Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Teaching and Learning Companion (TLC) is introduced. This new tool is based upon the established teaching competence assessment tool, the Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI:TAC). The MBI:TAC has enabled benchmarking of international standards of MBP teaching which helps ensure high fidelity to MBP curricula and contributes to the overall integrity of the field. This in turn, underpins the potential of MBPs to be effective interventions for the enhancement of participants’ mental health and wellbeing. Conclusions: The TLC aims to facilitate MBP teachers’ development by enabling active reflection focused on the key features of MBP teaching skills.