About the Presentation:
Mindfulness has gained increased attention for its efficacy in multiple clinical contexts. Recent research demonstrates its usefulness in addressing critical functions such as attention, self-awareness, fatigue, and emotional regulation in rehabilitation populations. This versatile therapeutic modality has shown increasing value in its ability to foster the emotional, cognitive, and medical recovery of rehabilitation patients, including those with cognitive impairment. Moreover, the adaptability of mindfulness strategies makes them suitable for modification to meet the unique needs of rehabilitation populations. This presentation will introduce participants to a range of mindfulness strategies tailored for adult rehabilitation patients. The session encompasses diverse approaches, including meditation, therapeutic methods, case examples, and foundational mindfulness principles. Participants will be guided through active practice of different mindfulness techniques, allowing participants to familiarize themselves with these skills. Participants will learn to teach these techniques to their patients, promoting the development of individualized mindfulness practices. Participants will also gain insights into navigating potential barriers that may impede patients' engagement in mindfulness activities. Participants will leave the session equipped with basic knowledge on integrating mindfulness into their professional practice. Additionally, they will be provided with meditation scripts for use with rehabilitation patients.

Learning Objectives:

1. Obtain a basic understanding of how to integrate mindfulness into a rehabilitation setting

2. Learn how to apply a variety of mindfulness strategies tailored for adult rehabilitation patients.

3. Discover effective ways to engage rehabilitation patients in mindfulness practices, overcoming typical barriers to practice and fostering successful integration of these skills into their recovery journey

About the Presenter:

Sari Roth-Roemer, PhD, currently practices as a Rehabilitation Psychologist at the Center for Transitional Neuro-Rehabilitation at Barrow Neurological Institute, Dignity Health, in Phoenix, Arizona, since 2021. Prior to her work at Barrow Neurological Institute, Dr. Roth-Roemer spent over 20 years in private practice in Scottsdale, Arizona, first as the Director of Arizona Medical Psychology, PLC and then as Director of Intuitive Psychology, PLC. During that time she was also the Director of Neuropsychology Services at Encompass Health Scottsdale Rehabilitation Hospital, as well as an adjunct faculty member in the Departments of Clinical and Counseling Psychology at Arizona State University. She has been a research council member for ASU’s Center for Mindfulness, Compassion, and Resiliency since the Center’s inception in 2017. She trained at Harvard University (M.Ed.), Arizona State University (Ph.D.) and University of Washington School of Medicine (post-doctoral residency), with specialization in psychology, behavioral medicine, pain management, and the cognitive assessment of medical patients. Her clinical work, research, and publications have focused on psychosocial adjustment to illness and injury. She lectures and presents at conferences and health care facilities across the country, discussing the role of mindfulness in assisting cognitive and emotional recovery from illness and injury, including giving an invited TEDx talk on the healing power of compassion in 2015.