What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is present-moment, non-judgmental awareness of what ever you experience. While mindfulness has been practiced for thousands of years in different traditions such as Buddhist or yogic meditation, it has become increasingly utilized in psychotherapy over the past few decades. Even though mindfulness is a simple concept, it can be a difficult practice to master. From moment to moment starting right now, see if you can stay aware of your experience without any judgements and with total acceptance. Because being mindful involves staying non-reactive and having more self-control, it is an important therapeutic skill. Instead of reacting out of habit, you make more intentional and well-balanced choices in thought and action. In addition, it can create a healthy distance from difficult emotions, memories, or external events. In session, Stephen teaches you how to use mindfulness to reduce your anxiety, manage your mood, and feel more present with others.
As you practice mindfulness, you simply notice and observe body sensations, breath, thoughts, feelings, images, sounds, smells, tastes, and energy. Your repetitive thought patterns and emotional habits can become strikingly clear, giving you opportunities to make changes that will serve you best. Opening the window to the psyche in a direct way, mindfulness invites healing, growth, and lasting positive change. Scientific research on mindfulness has shown that it relaxes our nervous systems and is helpful in treating a variety of emotional and behavioral conditions. With mindfulness exploring and processing difficult experiences become less frightening or overwhelming. When practicing mindfulness, you may be more open to considering alternative ways of being that would help you reach your goals.
Stephen frequently incorporates mindfulness in his therapy sessions and integrates it with traditional psychotherapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Insights come quicker, people accept themselves more, and lasting progress is made. Strengthening your mindfulness muscles helps you be the master of your own mind and become your own therapist.
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