What kind of therapy is it?

Mindfulness is a technique derived from the meditative traditions (such as Buddhism and Hinduism) that has been adapted for purely secular, therapeutic use. It has been incorporated into cognitive and “third wave” behavioural therapies but can also be taught as a standalone therapeutic approach.

What problems does it help with?

Mindfulness can improve quality of life for anyone – it can make things even better if you are already doing well, and can help with a wide range of problems. It is often used to treat depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, personality disorders, and the distress associated with chronic health conditions.

How does it work?

Mindfulness targets some of the basic “design flaws” in the human mind: that we are caught up in our thoughts and often find it hard to tolerate our feelings. By learning mindfulness meditation, and mindfulness “on the go”, we can learn to stand back from unhelpful thinking patterns, accept our feelings, and be present in the here-and-now. When we do that, we can make wise choices about how to live our lives.

What is a typical session like?

In sessions you will learn techniques for cultivating mindfulness, such as meditation, and discuss your experience with them. In between sessions you will practise these techniques each day, and complete some other exercises. Your therapist will be warm and engaged but will be less interested in what you are thinking and feeling than in how you are relating to your thoughts and feelings - they will help you to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings and at the same time less entangled with them.

What is the evidence?

Mindfulness-based treatments have been found to help with a wide range of problems, but the strongest evidence is for relapsing depression, stress, anxiety, and addiction.

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