Mindfulness

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness has become very popular in the last decade and is often discussed in news and magazine articles.  The most widely used definition of mindfulness is provided by Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of mindfulness-based programmes within physical and mental health contexts. Mindfulness means deliberately paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental way.  Within psychology it is the focus on the present moment with acceptance.

Mindfulness can be helpful for several mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression and stress. As the individual focuses more on the present, they focus less on the past and the future and this leads to a reduction in rumination (negative focus on the past resulting in emotional distress) and worry.

There is a strong evidence base for mindfulness being beneficial for preventing the reoccurrence of depression and being beneficial for both physical and mental health.

What to expect?

Individuals may choose to have mindfulness therapy sessions on its own, for example in an 8-week mindfulness group workshop. In my current practice I integrate mindfulness as an addition to whichever form of therapy the individual chooses to have. We will have a short practice in the session then I will recommend resources to assist you in your mindfulness practice outside of the sessions. 

What is mindfulness helpful for?

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Stress
• Burnout
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Depression