Inger Burnett-Zeigler

Inger Burnett-Zeigler joins us to speak about her teaching of mindfulness to socioeconomically disadvantaged women suffering from clinical depression in Chicago.

You may have noticed that there is a particular challenge faced by teachers of mindfulness programs, and those they teach. The problem is this: much as we may want to offer our programs for free, such open hearted generosity may result in not being able to offer programs at all. Teachers have the same needs as everyone else in contemporary society, including food, clothing, shelter, and perhaps supporting a family. These difficulties are also faced by potential participants, even more so as child care, transportation, and other limiting factors may make it impossible to attend mindfulness programming.

There are programs, however, available and helping those who may be disadvantaged in many ways in our society. One such program is helping women suffering from clinical depression in Chicago.

Dr. Inger Burnett-Zeigler treats patients at the Asher Center for the Study and Treatment of Depressive Disorders. Her clinical interests are in mood and anxiety disorders, comorbid substance use disorders, stress management, wellness and interpersonal relationships. She is has training and experience in several psychotherapy interventions including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, behavioral activation, and mindfulness meditation. Dr. Burnett-Zeigler’s research focuses on examining the factors associated with mental health service utilization. She is specifically interested in attitudes and beliefs about mental health, access to mental health treatment, engagement in mental health treatment, and barriers to mental health treatment among disadvantaged populations including racial/ethnic minorities and those with low income, limited education, and limited access to resources. She is currently the Principal Investigator for the “Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Depressed Women in a Federally Qualified Health Center” study which examines the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a mindfulness based treatment for depression delivered to women in a community primary care setting.

Thanks to Carly Maletich for her introductions, making this episode possible.

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Web Links

• Inger Burnett-Zeigler
• Ted Talk, Lessons from Yoga on Living with Intention

Music for This Episode Courtesy of Rodrigo Rodriguez

The music heard in this podcast is from Rodrigo Rodriguez. You can visit his website to hear more of his music, get the full discography, and view his upcoming tour dates.