What is Mindfulness
I am extremely passionate about mindfulness therapy and have considerable training and experience in working with this approach. The reason I am passionate...I use it myself and benefit from it immensely on a daily basis! Mindfulness therapy can enable you to begin to relate to the difficulties in your life in a different way and to allow for more creative solutions and possibilities. Despite the rising popularity in mindfulness many people are unfamiliar with what it actually is. Mindfulness is simply the practice of present moment, non-judgmental awareness of one's life experience. When you are being mindful you notice what is happening as it happens. Mindfulness creates a space in which you can reflect and form a considered response, rather than an automatic or habitual reaction.
I offer mindfulness therapy, training and techniques, such as breathing meditation and body awareness, both on a one-to-one and a group basis.
What are the potential benefits of Mindfulness
The potential benefits of mindfulness are both impressive and vast. Some of the most recent research has shown that mindfulness can have the following benefits for clients:
A greater connection with your body
Improved relationships, as mindfulness helps place a check on automatic reactions; it also enables us to listen more effectively and be more empathetic
A greater acceptance of difficult thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness can also teach us to let go of these before they develop into unhelpful habits
There is growing medical evidence that regular mindfulness practice makes positive improvements to the way the brain works and on the body itself
Improvements to memory, concentration and cognitive ability
A reduction in levels of stress and anxiety
A different relationship with pain, brought about by learning how to accept and work with the pain
A general feeling of wellbeing and improved quality of life
An improvement in workplace activity as mindfulness may increase productivity, brought about by being able to deal with distractions more effectively, and increase creativity, brought about by being able to let go of doubts that otherwise might be a hindrance
Mindfulness Requires Commitment
Mindfulness is a simple process that anyone can undertake. It is not something special or mystical, limited to Buddhists or yoga enthusiasts! Mindfulness however is not always an easy thing to do, particularly if you have never experienced anything like this before, or if you are experiencing intense pain or strong unpleasant emotions. Mindfulness is not a "quick fix" and requires practice and a regular commitment. Mindfulness has been shown through research to have great potential effects on both our physical and psychological well being but only if we put in the time to cultivate our mindfulness practice. If you are not committed to practicing mindfulness then it is easy for your mind to be drawn back into old habits and old patterns of thought and focus. But if you do put in the time and effort the rewards are plentiful. As time progresses, mindfulness becomes easier to develop and being in the present moment becomes as much of a habit as our normal state of distractedness is now.
Individual Therapy & Group Workshops
I currently offer mindfulness as either individual therapy and as a six week group workshop.
Beyond the course, living a mindful life means applying these mindfulness skills to each part of our daily lives. Check out my blogs or follow me on instagram for regular updates and encouragement in your practice.