Mindfulness

Mindfulness involves existing in the present moment, non-judgmentally with awareness and acceptance, as though we are experiencing each event for the first time.

When practicing mindfulness a person is focused on being intensely aware of what they are sensing and feeling in the present moment without interpretation or judgment of the experience. We say that a person is practicing mindfulness because it is a journey where an end goal is never achieved. We simply aim to be better. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other meditative practices to relax the body and mind. Therapy will consist of engaging in formal practices of mindfulness, as well as engaging in informal practices of mindfulness in session and independently at home.

The mental health benefits of mindfulness can include increased self-control, decreased symptoms of depression, improvements in sleep, increased emotion regulation and affect tolerance, enhanced flexibility and objectivity, improved concentration and memory, emotional intelligence, reductions in stress and anxiety, cognitive improvements, and enhanced interpersonal relationships.