Theory

Mindfulness and meditation have been present in wisdom traditions for many centuries but have only recently been integrated into the field of psychotherapy. Research has since emerged that supports the effectiveness of mindfulness for a range of different concerns, ranging from anxiety to addiction. The practice of mindfulness involves intentional awareness of one’s inner world in a way that is non-judgemental and accepting of whatever arises. The practice of doing this helps develop greater mental and emotional flexibility by allowing you to identify less with your thoughts and feelings themselves, instead taking the position of an observer as mental phenomena arise and fall away. Often when we experience negative thoughts, we have a tendency to want to change or fix them right away. It is a natural human tendency to want to minimize pain but sometimes in our efforts to do so we paradoxically become even more entrenched in our suffering. By developing the capacity to be with all dimensions of experience, even those that aren’t pleasant, we can build greater resilience and acceptance.  

Techniques

Mindfulness is central to the theory and practice of certain therapeutic modalities such as Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) but can also be integrated into almost any theory. Some of the ways mindfulness can be practiced include guided or non-guided meditation, body awareness and mindful body scans, or breathing exercises. The goal of all of these techniques is to bring awareness into the present moment and allow experience to unfold just as it is, without judgement or efforts to change it.   Counsellors who use mindfulness: Alishia, Ariel, Avi, Azi, Bettina, Bryan, Celeste, Chen, Corey, Cory, Erik, Ershad, Gurjit, Jennifer, Karyna, Katya, Lima, Magdelena, Ofir, Polly, Shahla, Sophia, Trudy, Vicki

^References:

^{Germer, C. K., Siegel, R. D., & Fulton, P. R. (2005). Mindfulness and psychotherapy.}

^{New York: The Guildford Press.}

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