Counselling Articles

Mindfulness: “Paying attention in a particular way: in the present moment, on purpose and non- judgementally” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

Introduction to Mindfulness

Mindfulness has its roots in Eastern meditation practices which are thousands of years old. The influx of these great traditions into the West provided psychologists not only with an expanded view of the self and of human potential, but also with effective techniques for focussing the mind and managing negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Mindlessness

Many people spend much of their lives in a state of ‘mindlessness’ in which attention is allowed to freely wander from the present, swept away by whatever thought is arising at that moment – often ruminations about the past or fantasies about the future. This can be counter-productive, since focussing attention on the past and future can lead to feelings of guilt/resentment or fear/anxiety. Ironically, people often try in vain to resolve these negative thoughts by giving them even more attention and going around in a vicious circle (obsessions), or even acting them out (compulsions). (more…)

What is Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, what are its benefits, and who is it suitable for?

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a relatively new form of therapy that takes features from both mindfulness techniques and cognitive therapy.

Mindfulness can be described as being in the present moment and being aware of one’s body, thoughts, surroundings and feelings. It has roots in Buddhist traditions and has increasingly been adapted for use in therapy. Mindfulness can increase concentration levels,
and can help both mental and physical conditions including obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety, and prevention of relapse in depression and drug addiction. (more…)