Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy – The Techniques

In the past ten years, a keen interest in mindfulness has really exploded throughout the society in sectors such as medicine, government, sports, business education and psychotherapy. As a matter of the fact, it’s the fastest-growing health sector in the world. This is due to the fact that it’s a skill that can be used by therapists in different areas and orientation. But what is mindfulness? Mindfulness refers to a special form of cognitive therapy that includes practices such as breathing, exercises, and meditation. By using these tools, the therapists teach clients on how to break away from thought patterns that can lead to a depressed state of mind. This way, they can be able to prevent depression before it can take a toll on them.

Mindfulness Techniques Used In Therapy

Mindfulness in therapy is mostly done through meditation although there are other ways of inducing mindfulness. During meditation, the practitioner will guide the individual to focus on their thoughts in the current moment. Clients are trained to zone in on a specific area of thought and forget about others. If they become aware that their thoughts are drifting away, they are told to notice where they are before bringing back their attention to the present without judging themselves or reacting. Therapists can, therefore, help clients understand and address whatever thing is disturbing them and the physical sensations associated with these disturbances. 

Once the patient learns the technique they are encouraged to practice it in their daily lives. It can be  especially important in emotionally overwhelming experiences that might affect the patient day to day. It helps them regain control of their emotions and thoughts. Sitting, walking, mountain meditation and yoga movements can be used in these approaches to create some awareness in the physical sensations. Verbal cues may also help the person to maintain awareness in breathing, movements and other sensations throughout the therapy.

Body scan mediations, breathing exercises, and guided imagery can are also be applied to these approaches. The continuation of these treatment approaches allows the patient to explore, observe, and experience mindfulness in a non-clinical environment and later on analyze the obstacles encountered in their daily lives. The combined examination and observation can become the main catalyst for thought and behavior modification. It’s often incorporated in treatment approaches as part of an integrated system. Remember, even small negative thoughts can always accumulate and lead to concerns such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.

Mindfulness allows people separate themselves from negative emotions and other thoughts that may be present in their lives.

Until recently, most mindfulness practitioners were very reluctant to teach these skills to their clients, preferring to leave the task to the clients’ own efforts or meditation teacher. Thankfully, more and more therapists now know that they owe it to their clients. For more details about different psychotherapy approaches check out this resource.

Anna Kucirkova speaks 3 languages has a passion for travel and writing. While she has been to many places in Europe and SE Asia she still wants to explore the rest of the world.

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