Mindfulness
As a life-long practitioner of mindfulness meditation, I draw heavily upon mindfulness-based approaches in my work with clients. Mindfulness can be defined as loving, non-judgmental attention to whatever is occurring in the present moment. In the past decade or two, much research has been devoted to the effects of mindfulness meditation on the brain. Results from this body of research suggest that mindfulness meditation can have powerful effects on people's experience of happiness and wellbeing, strengthen the immune system, and decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and chronic physical pain. Brain imaging studies indicate that training in mindfulness can produce measurable changes in the brain in areas related to attention and wellbeing (the left prefrontal cortex). Mindfulness is not something foreign, but is a natural function of our brain (it is a form of attention). Just like any other skill, mindfulness can be strengthened through practice and training. In therapy I use meditation and relaxation techniques using breathing and loving attention to sensations in the body to assist clients in developing their mindfulness.
A very important component of mindfulness is loving-kindness and self-compassion. Notice that the definition of mindfulness is non-judgmental attention. This means that when you practice mindfulness you give loving attention to whatever is occurring right now, this very moment, without beating yourself up about it. Much of the suffering we experience is the result of harsh self-judgment, guilt, and shame. When you lovingly attend to whatever it is you are experiencing, you learn to make friends with yourself, just who are, in this very moment. This act of loving, non-judgmental attention can be healing in and of itself. As your therapist, it is my intention to provide you with loving, non-judgmental attention throughout every session.
If you are interested in learning more about mindfulness meditation, check out this video:
