What is Mindfulness?

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.