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Jamie Kostek, PhD, is a 2026 graduate of the PhD program in Counselor Education & Supervision, Antioch University, Seattle.

Keiko Sano, PhD, Committee Chair

Stephanie Thorson-Olesen, PhD, Committee Member

Shawn Patrick, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

meditation, mindfulness, compassion, cultural humility, mental health professionals

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a brief, secular, Buddhist-inspired meditation program on self-compassion, compassion for others, and cultural humility on mental health professionals. Using a single-group pretest-posttest design, licensed clinicians (N = 13) participated in a five-week Anytime Anywhere Meditation (Tergar International, 2024) program. Results indicated statistically significant increases in mindfulness, self-compassion, and cultural humility. Additionally, strong positive correlations were found between mindfulness and self-compassion, and between self-compassion and compassion for others. Findings suggest that brief, secular meditation programs rooted in traditional Buddhist practices may support both clinician well-being and culturally responsive practice.

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Jamie Kostek, PhD, 2026

ORCID iD  0009-0009-1998-0604

Dr. Jamie Kostek (she/her) is a Seattle-based licensed mental health counselor whose clinical approach integrates culturally responsive, evidence-based interventions with Buddhist-informed practices. She holds a Master of Arts in Applied Child and Adolescent Psychology from the University of Washington and a PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision from Antioch University. In her clinical practice, Dr. Kostek specializes in OCD and related anxiety disorders, ADHD, and parenting concerns. Additionally, she serves as adjunct faculty at Seattle University and Heritage University and regularly leads meditation groups in her local community. With more than 25 years of experience as a Tibetan Buddhist practitioner and extensive training in both secular and non-secular meditation and mindfulness traditions, Dr. Kostek brings a blend of Eastern and Western approaches to her work with clients, graduate students, and colleagues. 

Citations:

Smestad, L., & Kostek, J. (2025) Student perceptions of how obsessive compulsive disorder is taught in counseling programs. Journal of Counselor Practice, 16(1), 83-110. https://doi.org/10.22229/alt6017849

Recommended Citations:

Kostek, J. (2026). The effects of meditation on compassion and cultural humility in mental health professionals

 

 

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