Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness involves a state of active attention rooted in the present moment where one observes their thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. The individual is encouraged to maintain an attitude of openness and curiosity to whatever arises in their experience. Popular techniques that emphasize the practice of mindfulness include activities such as breath work, meditation, guided imagery and body scan exercises.

​

While mindfulness is rooted in Buddhist teachings and traditions, it has been integrated within a variety of therapeutic approaches that are widely used, namely Mindfulness-Based Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Research has indicated that mindfulness approaches such as MBT can be effective for helping individuals who have experienced ongoing depression or multiple episodes. It has also been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder. Similarly, DBT treatment and application of mindfulness has been known to be effective in treating individuals with emotional regulation difficulties, post-traumatic stress disorder, self-harming behaviors, eating disorders, and depression and anxiety.

 

MBT understands that thoughts and emotions are interconnected and encourages the use of mindfulness to gain awareness of one’s internal narrative and feelings, then using this awareness to challenge your assumptions with more objective alternatives. In treatment, mindfulness is used as a foundation to live a life that is more skillful and intentional rather than one that is driven by impulse or emotion. It emphasizes observing, describing,and participating in the moment in a nonjudgmental way while applying present-focused awareness.

​

Mindfulness is an expansive and useful concept that serves as a foundation for a variety of approaches and techniques. It is important to work with your therapist to gain understandings on which mindfulness-based treatment would be most appropriate for your presenting concerns. Regardless of what you may experiencing, mindfulness is an effective tool and philosophy that can better guide you to living a more fulfilling and peaceful way of being.