Self-awareness: being aware of how your mind works and understanding the typical patterns of your mind. Increased connection to self and others.
Mindfulness is a superpower. It is a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. It is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you’re mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience. There are many benefits of learning and practicing this mental state. In my practice, I often combine it with other types of therapy as I have found it can enhance and help the overall counseling process. Below you will find more information on the benefits of mindfulness and what to expect in a session if you would like to explore this type of therapy.
I have also included information and resources for mindfulness exercises at the bottom of the page. I have personally practiced this for 15 years. I have attended mindfulness mediation retreats in Thailand, New Zealand, California, and India. I have participated in several 10 day silent meditations and studied the art of mindfulness as a personal and professional interest. I have been able to access my own education and experiences in this field to assist others in developing their own mindfulness practice.
Benefits of Mindfulness
You can increase the strength of your mind by training and exercising, just like other aspects of your being. You can benefit from practicing mindfulness in the following ways:
A Mindfulness Session
Possible ways we might use mindfulness in therapy is to establish a daily practice using it. We will discuss areas or situations that you find to be problematic, with the goal being to create a more intentional awareness of the situations. There is no attempt to change your thinking, but simply to become more aware of the unhelpfulness of some thoughts. You may be encouraged to reflect on a difficult situation as it is happening or soon after, to practice how you react to an uncomfortable scenario. The aim is to allow you to have a different, easier relationship with problematical thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations that are holding you back. The result of this is an increase in wellbeing, more control over your own mind as you spend less time dealing with difficulties and more resources for important activities.
Informational videos, to learn more about this type of therapy, can be found at the bottom of this page. Please contact me for a free 15 minute phone consultation. I look forward to speaking with you.