Mindfulness is the practice of purposefully paying attention moment by moment, in a non-judgemental way to ourselves and to the world around us.
Simply put Mindfulness is living in the moment.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) :
- Encourages clients deal with whatever they are experiencing in their mind; body; and emotions as it arises and in a non-judgemental way
- Fosters a new type of relationship with distressing thoughts and feelings, a relationship that accepts rather than battles
- Facilitates clients in accepting that even though difficult things may happen it is possible to work with them in a new and more helpful way.
- Combines ancient knowledge with current understanding to give clients a set of skills which allow them to manage ongoing difficulties in a more effective and empowering way
- The UK National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has endorsed Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) as a highly effective form of Relapse Prevention in the treatment of Depression.
How does mindfulness help?
- It requires us to rest both body and mind
- It nurtures calmness and self acceptance
- It helps us to recognise unhelpful thought patterns (such as rumination)
- It teaches us to get back in touch with our body
- It offers an alternative perspective
- It promotes self compassion
All Ballymena Cognitive Therapy Services psychotherapists have received mindfulness training and can integrate it in their practice.
‘You can’t stop the waves but you can learn to surf.’
