An Individualized Approach to Mindfulness in Therapy
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention with openness, flexibility, and curiosity.
It’s natural for us to get caught in unhelpful patterns of thinking, including constant “what ifs,” self-criticism, or replaying the past, and this can make life can start to feel more stressful and make it harder to engage with what matters. Mindfulness-based therapy approaches can help you step out of these patterns, respond to stress and anxiety more effectively, and relate to difficult emotions like sadness or anger with self-compassion and balance.
Through mindfulness practice, you build a kind of “mental muscle” that helps you let go of unhelpful thought patterns, stay connected to the present, and make choices that align with what’s important to you. In therapy, I integrate mindfulness principles and techniques when they may be helpful, drawing primarily from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Research shows these therapies work and you and I can customize them to fit your individual needs, goals, and readiness.
Integrated in this way, mindfulness can support emotional well-being, resilience, and a more intentional, balanced approach to life.
Grounded therapy that meets you where you are.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT focuses on developing acceptance of difficult thoughts and emotions while taking action guided by personal values. ACT has strong evidence supporting its effectiveness for anxiety, depression, stress, and related concerns, and helps increase psychological flexibility and more intentional living.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
MBCT combines mindfulness practices with cognitive-behavioral strategies. Research shows MBCT can reduce depressive relapse and support improvements in mood and emotional regulation.
Mindfulness-based approaches may help you:
- Cultivate present-moment awareness
- Respond to difficult emotions with greater acceptance and curiosity
- Clarify personal values and commit to meaningful actions
- Develop flexibility in thinking and behavior to navigate life’s challenges
Mindfulness and CBT
Mindfulness-based approaches work well alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps identify patterns in thoughts and behaviors, while mindfulness adds space, awareness, and compassion in how those patterns are met. In my work, these approaches are always tailored to the individual. We’ll draw on mindfulness and CBT in ways that fit your needs and readiness, adjusting our focus over time rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
