Instructor-Led Mindfulness, Buddhism & Working with Distinct Populations in Practice

Held April 9, 2026 via Zoom

6 pm - 9 pm CST (3 CEUs)

Therapists increasingly encounter mindfulness in practice, yet without cultural context it risks appropriation. This course provides therapists with an introduction to mindfulness’s history and core concepts—and their connection to Buddhism. Participants will gain appreciation of distinct populations by learning to contextualize mindfulness within its authentic roots, avoiding cultural appropriation and strengthening therapeutic ethics. The session includes experiential meditation practices alongside discussion of practical applications for diverse spiritual backgrounds of clients. Designed to meet the CEU requirement of working with distinct populations, this course supports clinicians in integrating mindfulness and Buddhist-informed perspectives into practice respectfully and skillfully.

Upon concluding this course, fully engaged participants will be able to:

• Learn the cultural and historical context of mindfulness and its relevance for therapy.
• Identify at least three core concepts of Buddhism relevant to mindfulness practice.
• Explain how to integrate Buddhist-informed concepts into therapy with cultural appreciation.
• Experience at least three mindfulness practices.

Nhu-Mai Nguyen, LCSW-S, is an ordained student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh with more than 15 years of mindfulness training, including a year of monastery residency and nationwide teaching tours. She integrates authentic, culturally grounded mindfulness into clinical practice and education. Nhu Mai currently works as a clinical counselor at Rice University, where she helps students work through issues of perfectionism, shame, and belonging. She trained extensively in DBT at The PRISM Center, has experience treating severe depression, trauma, and anxiety, and is pursuing EMDR certification. As a board-approved supervisor, she mentors LMSWs in developing clinical expertise.