Mindfulness is more than just a therapy technique, rather a lifestyle change. It is a component of a few different forms of therapy, most commonly associated with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or Cognitive Therapy. It involves an awareness of all that is around while being present and in the current moment, without judgment. In a sense it is a way of slowing down the chaos that can be every day life, sorting out what is unnecessary, and experiencing each moment with your full awareness. Removing judgment from this focus allows one to get rid of categories of good and bad, eliminating worry and dread, by refocusing the energy and thought to it all simply being part of life.

What is Mindfulness Based Therapy?

As previously mentioned, mindfulness is a core concept in many different therapy forms, and can be used in almost any approach. Mindfulness can be integrated as a part of therapy or the focus of a session. On method is teaching mindfulness skills and techniques in sessions, while discussing how they can be used outside of therapy in every day life. Another is by actually using the skills in a therapy session, allowing practice and improving self-awareness and focus in the moment, while encouraging use outside of the session by demonstrating success in a supported environment. No matter what the technique, perhaps the greatest benefit of mindfulness is that it can be tailored to individual needs allowing flexibility in its use and expanding the areas in which is can be of help.

What can Mindfulness Therapy help with?

Due to the wide range of skills involved in mindfulness and its ability to be used as a core therapy tool or as an add on to others, there is almost no limit to what mindfulness can be useful in working with. Depending on the severity of diagnosis the success and speed of improvement with mindfulness can vary; however, even a minimal improvement with mindfulness is a success. The most important factor that effects success in mindfulness therapy is a person’s willingness and ability to practice and use skills. The more they are used, the more successful a person will be, and the better the quality of life will become.