From autopilot to aligned: Mindfulness as a clinical and leadership tool in behavioral health

Behavioral health professionals often operate in high-stress environments where performance and productivity are prioritized over presence and alignment. This pressure can lead to emotional burnout, disconnection from values, and “autopilot” behavior that undermines both clinical outcomes and leadership effectiveness. In this session, Dr. Andrea Gleim, a bilingual psychologist and empowerment coach, reframes mindfulness not as a luxury but as a core leadership and therapeutic tool. Drawing from over a decade of clinical, academic, and executive coaching experience, she introduces a trauma-informed and culturally inclusive framework to help professionals reconnect with their purpose and lead from a grounded, intentional place.

Attendees will explore the role of identity in emotional regulation, and learn practical mindfulness tools to improve clarity, reduce reactivity, and foster resilience both in themselves and those they serve. The session also emphasizes cultural identity as a leadership asset, offering insights for creating inclusive, emotionally safe clinical and organizational spaces.

Ideal Audiences:

• Behavioral health clinicians
• Addiction counselors and therapists
• DEI leaders in mental health organizations
• First-generation or BIPOC professionals in clinical leadership roles
• Healthcare educators and graduate students in psychology or psychiatry

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify signs of autopilot behavior and its impact on clinical and leadership functioning
2. Apply at least three mindfulness-based tools to increase emotional clarity and reduce burnout
3. Understand the role of cultural identity in leadership and therapeutic presence
4. Develop personalized strategies for leading and practicing from a place of alignment and authenticity
5. Cultivate emotionally safe and inclusive spaces through mindfulness-informed practices