Incorporating and adapting shared experience of mindfulness into a service for men who have committed serious offences and who have significant personality difficulties

Abstract

This article describes an ongoing mindfulness group offered as part of an intensive sociotherapeutic programme for men with personality difficulties, all of whom are subject to Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). A mindfulness group was incorporated into the programme following service user feedback and has been creatively adapted to suit this complex client group. Attention is drawn to the flexible and trauma-focused nature of the group which offers tailored opportunities to develop an appreciation of the mind−body connection. Insight obtained through this service innovation is shared to inform future applications of mindfulness approaches to therapeutic intervention and risk management in the community.