Mindfulness

What is Mindfulness?

‘Mindfulness’ is a hot topic in Western psychology: increasingly recognised as an effective way to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, enhance emotional intelligence, and undermine destructive emotive, cognitive, and behavioural processes.

Although mindfulness has only recently been embraced by Western psychology, it is an ancient practice found in a wide range of Eastern philosophies, including Buddhism, Taoism and Yoga. Mindfulness involves consciously bringing awareness to your here-and-now experience with openness, interest, and receptiveness. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a world authority on the use of mindfulness training in the management of clinical problems, defines it as: "Paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally."

Mindfulness is about waking up, connecting with ourselves, and appreciating the fullness of each moment of life. Kabat-Zinn calls it, "The art of conscious living." It is a profound way to enhance psychological and emotional resilience, and increase life satisfaction.

To download Ruth Baer's paper on Mindfulness Training As A Clinical intervention, click here

Definitions of Mindfulness

“Bringing one’s complete attention to the present experience on a moment-to-moment basis.” (Marlatt & Kristeller)

“Paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally” (Kabat-Zinn).

“The non-judgmental observation of the ongoing stream of internal and external stimuli as they arise.” (Baer)

“Awareness of present experience with acceptance.” (Germer, Segal, Fulton)

My own personal definition is: “Consciously bringing awareness to your here-and-now experience, with openness, interest and receptiveness.”

The Benefits of Mindfulness

Practising mindfulness helps you:

to be fully present, here and now
to experience unpleasant thoughts and feelings safely
to become aware of what you’re avoiding
to become more connected to yourself, to others and to the world around you
to become less judgmental
to increase self-awareness
to become less disturbed by and less reactive to unpleasant experiences
to learn the distinction between you and your thoughts
to have more direct contact with the world, rather than living through your thoughts
to learn that everything changes; that thoughts and feelings come and go like the weather
to have more balance, less emotional volatility
to experience more calm and peacefulness
to develop self-acceptance and self-compassion

Mindfulness and Psychotherapy

Mindfulness training has emerged as a powerful, evidence-based tool for enhancing psychological health. It is empirically supported as an effective intervention in a wide range of clinical disorders, including chronic pain, anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, OCD, substance abuse, and borderline personality disorder.

The 'third wave' of behavioural therapies started in the late eighties with Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and now includes therapies such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). These 'third wave' therapies all emphasise mindfulness as a core principle in undermining destructive cognitive, emotional and behavioural patterns. Since the first publications in 1984, ACT has seen more published studies, more randomised controlled studies, and more participants in outcome studies than DBT, MBCT, or any of the other 'Third Wave Therapies'.

To download Ruth Baer's paper on Mindfulness Training As A Clinical intervention, click here

The Benefits of Mindfulness for Therapists

Facilitates empathy, compassion, and unconditional positive regard.
Allows you to stay focused and present, even when your client is not.
Helps you stay grounded, centred and composed, even in the midst of clients’ emotional turmoil
Enables a healthy attitude to therapeutic outcomes: neither complacent nor overly-attached.
Helps you maintain direction and focus for therapy.
Increases your skills at observing your clients’ responses.