Information about the research project

2022: Our research project began in a jointly-conceived literature review and BSc dissertation project, which addressed an identified gap in APS Mindfulness’s research base for therapeutic offering. 

The question set was: ‘Can mindfulness-based interventions improve recovery outcomes for secondary care service-users with diagnoses of schizophrenia or psychosis?’

The literature review was of high quality RCTs and systematic reviews, and it found that a) existing research indicates significant beneficial effects of MBIs for recovery for this patient group and b) that MBIs are safe for use amongst this patient group. 

*It is important to note however that the quantity of research is small, and more high-quality research is required.

2023: On the basis of this research (which was awarded a distinction), the adult psychology service backed the development of a pilot protocol and a preliminary trial of this. 

This protocol was coproduced by Domenica, Ian and Lori, based on research and Ian’s experiential expertise about adaptations of Mindfulness and other therapies for this patient group.  Based on Ian’s brilliant idea, we called the new protocol ‘Pocket-Sized Mindfulness for People Living with Unusual Experiences’.  Key adaptations included: fully integrated trauma sensitivity; all practices are ‘pocket-sized’ – i.e. short, accessible, and easily-integrable into everyday life; shorter sessions (45 minutes). 

2023-2025: Informal trial of this protocol in group and 1:1 formats making continuous adaptations and improvements based on client feedback.  Supervision provided throughout by Andy Phee.

2025: Successful application for NIHR funding to undertake some formal research into patient experience of the course. 

The planned research project will:

  • be a co-produced qualitative study of patient experience
  • evaluate and compare 1:1, group, in-person and online formats
  • be conducted over a 12-month period.

Our team

Domenica Lopane: I was trained in Mindfulness Based Approaches at Exeter University by Willem Kuyken and Alison Evans.  This brought together my long-term meditation practice and mental health training.

Following this, I set up the mindfulness service in Dorset HealthCare to provide MBCT to appropriate clinical populations, based within the adult psychology services (APS, Secondary Care).  As MBCT became available within IAPT, this enabled a greater focus on providing accessible mindfulness provision for secondary care clients under the care of APS and community mental health teams. 

I am a mindfulness network supervisor.

Lori Shelbourn: I’m a mindfulness-trained (Oxford Mindfulness Foundation) mental health nurse, who currently works as part of the adult psychology service of Dorset HealthCare.  I started my career in academia studying postcolonial literature, working up to PhD level, but ultimately decided to retrain as a Mental Health Nurse, and was lucky enough to win a place on our Trust’s apprenticeship scheme.  I am delighted that my current work allows me to combine three core vocational passions: mindfulness, mental health nursing and research.

Ian Warrington: I have been a Peer with the Dorset Mental Health Forum for nearly eight years, using my lived experience of Mental Health differences to help others on their Journeys. I have worked in many different settings over my time with the Mental Health Forum from acute hospital services, community mental health teams and the early intervention service (psychosis) to the Dorset Recovery Education Centre and the crisis out-of-hours cafe, and the Retreat in Dorchester.

Andy Phee: I’m a mindfulness teacher, trainer and supervisor with a background in community mental health nursing.  I teach Mindfulness for Life and Deeper Mindfulness courses on behalf of Oxford Mindfulness, and I train people to teach the various Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy programmes. I have a long term interest in practising and teaching mindfulness with people who may not be able to access conventional eight-week mindfulness based programmes.