Overview
If you look closely, a great deal of people’s distress comes from busy-ness and noise. We have so many things going on; our minds are already racing to the next demand before we finish the first one. Problems pile on top of one another, it’s easy to get lost in the fray. It can get so overwhelming that your capacity to cope breaks down.
Focus, at first, seems, unimpressive. But studies have shown that focused individuals are happiest, most productive, and least likely to suffer from mental health disorders. The situation doesn’t matter. Mindful individuals can zero in on the essentials and proceed with a clear mind.
If you want to live a centred life, engage the assistance of a Mindfulness-Based therapist.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches bring your full attention to the present. You’re encouraged to be accepting and non-judgmental of your thoughts and emotions. Instead of being defensive, you’re taught how to observe and accept the present experience, regardless of whether it feels positive or negative, good or bad. Mindfulness involves intentionally directing your focus away from any particular state of mind, such as stressful or anxious thoughts.
Mindfulness is rooted in Eastern philosophy, in particular Buddhist meditation, but it’s non-denominational. Mindfulness Based/Contemplative Based Approaches were developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Zindel Segal, John Teasdale and Mark Williams. Approaches include Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, (MBCT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reductions (MBSR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). These approaches are widely accepted for relieving symptoms related to many issues and are endorsed by the NHS.
How does it work?
Your therapist can guide you towards mindfulness during one-on-one sessions or within group therapy. You can also practice mindfulness on your own.
Mindfulness meditation, often walking or sitting down, is at the core of this approach. You’re asked to direct your focus to the present moment, and when you become aware that your thoughts are wandering, you’re taught how to take note of your distractions – with acceptance and open awareness. Your attention will then be directed again to the present.
Your therapist will help you recognise the emotions that meandering thoughts create as well as the physical sensations or urges associated with these thoughts. There is a lot of focus on the breath, especially in the beginning.
Once the skill of mindfulness has been learned, you can apply the technique into virtually any situation, helping you maintain a sense of control in what otherwise would be an overwhelming experience. Psychological insight and emotional healing occur over time through regular practice. Eventually, you’ll appreciate daily practice of mindfulness for the greatest benefits.
What issues does it treat?
Mindfulness-based approaches can relieve symptoms of psychological stress, negative/unproductive mental states and physical pain.
Practicing mindfulness outside of therapy sessions helps you experience and explore mindfulness in a non-clinical environment. You and your therapist can evaluate and examine the effects and challenges you encounter in daily life, and use this as catalyst for positive change.
About Rachel Cooke
When was the last time you felt calm and content in the here and now? If you are living in the past or worrying about the future, you can't be present. I can help. Once we base the relationship between you and I on honesty, openness, realness... you will start seeing positive changes.
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mindfulness, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, physical pain, stress
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