Mindfulness

What is Mindfulness?

In recent years there has been an explosion of interest in the use of mindfulness meditation to improve physical and mental health. There is good reason for this. A vast body of research now supports the benefits of mindfulness practice.

Mindfulness has been defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn as:
“Awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally in the service of self-understanding and wisdom”

Mindfulness techniques are an important part of Third Wave CBT therapies, but can be combined with any CBT approach.

Mindfulness can be approached as a way to help reduce your symptoms.  It can also be approached as an on-going practice that has the potential to profoundly alter how you experience your life, increasing your experiences of connection and joy.  

Mindfulness is an option, but not a requirement, for successful therapy.  Mindfulness is just one of many CBT techniques that have been proven to be effective.  People who are interested in mindfulness practice can incorporate it into their treatment plan.  People who are not can focus on other research-proven CBT techniques.

Whatever your goals for mindfulness, if you are interested we are happy to help you begin this journey.  If you are an experienced meditator, we can also help you focus your practice in ways that can help reduce specific symptoms.