Mindfulness is "paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in
the present moment, and nonjudgmentally." (Jon Kabat Zinn)
A mindful approach in psychotherapy can help clients to notice and
appreciate each moment as it happens, to regulate emotion, and to
expand awareness and aliveness. The mindfulness-based approaches we
use aim to help our clients to reduce anxiety and depression, to
become more interpersonally effective, and to reduce the impact of
stress. Careful observation of thoughts, emotions, behaviors and
sensations helps to move the brain towards new, preferred patterns.
Mindfulness skills and concepts have long been used in an effort to
alleviate suffering and to lessen the sting of life's difficulties,
especially those that may be self-imposed.
Turning toward a problem (paying attention to its presence), rather
than turning away (denying its presence) helps to develop a
relationship with the problem, which increases a feeling of
effectiveness and the possibility that a problem can change.
Mindfulness helps clients to develop skills that can support them in
functioning and feeling better. These skills help our clients to
move through the subtle processes that lead to an exploration of
core beliefs that interfere with achieving an authentic existence.
Each of us has a practice devoted to helping people to achieve their
goals and a happier life. The mindfulness stance that is shared by
Mindfulness Therapy Associates aims to help our clients develop a
life imbued with aliveness, hope and beauty.
