Dancing With Difficulty: A Qualitative Study on Management of Emergent Difficulties in Mindfulness Group Sessions

Abstract

In the last decade, research has highlighted the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in treating psychiatric and physical conditions. Moments of difficulty during sessions are known to occur and can serve as opportunities for therapeutic growth. However, while research has concentrated on mindfulness’s impact on clients, the role of the facilitator remains underexplored. This qualitative study examined how mindfulness facilitators manage emergent difficulties during group MBCT/MBSR courses. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with MBCT/MBSR facilitators (n=15) to discuss how they defined and managed emergent difficulty. Emergent difficulty, as derived from the interview data, is defined by dysregulation that impedes engagement, unsettles the group container, and necessitates intervention. Using thematic analysis, three key themes emerged: (a) when common difficulty becomes emergent, (b) the facilitators’ embodiment of mindfulness principles plays a pivotal role in effectively managing emergent difficulties, and (c) participants and facilitators engage in a dynamic process of “dancing with difficulty,” wherein turning toward challenges with curiosity and compassion enhances participants’ ability to remain present. The findings underscore the importance of embodiment in recognizing and addressing emergent challenges, fostering better attunement. Effective facilitation benefits individual participants and enriches the entire group’s experience by extending strategies for approaching obstacles with acceptance, compassion, and equanimity.