What is mindfulness?
“Paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally, to the unfolding of experience moment-to-moment.”
- John Kabat-Zinn
What is mindfulness based psychotherapy?
Mindfulness has been used in many therapy programs including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)
In therapy, mindfulness meditation can be used to decrease attachment to thoughts allowing for greater flexibility and change.
Mindfulness allows individuals to notice when automatic thoughts are occurring and provides a greater ability to observe and make new choices, rather than react automatically.
By developing nonjudgmental attention through mindfulness practice, individuals become more adept at tolerating distress and making wise decisions in difficult situations.
Mindfulness can help individuals gain greater clarity about their most important values so that they can make meaningful life choices.
How can mindfulness based psychotherapy help?
Reduce repetitive negative thoughts, anxiety, and depressive symptoms
Reduce emotional reactivity
Boost working memory and increase mental focus
Increase cognitive flexibility
Improve communication and relationship satisfaction
Reduce pain symptoms