Mindfulness as a Healing Practice Recent research has shown mindfulness practices to be very effective in the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse. I have found that incorporating mindfulness practices into the counseling process is very beneficial for individuals and couples seeking a more peaceful and meaningful path of healing and growth. Mindfulness practices allow us to tune in to our true nature and potential, have more harmonious and meaningful relationships with our loved ones, and experience more satisfaction in life. I also use techniques inspired by Harville Hendrix when working with couples. His concepts blend very well with mindfulness because like mindfulness practice, his techniques inspire us to accept difficulty in life as an opportunity for growth and help us to overcome entrenched negative patterns that keep us in a wounded and emotionally and spiritually stunted state.
In case you are wondering, "What is mindfulness and how is it related to the counseling process, I will explain a little more about this.
Mindfulness is an ancient Buddhist practice that suggests that by looking inward, into the nature of our own minds through systematic self observation, we may be able to live lives of greater satisfaction, harmony, and wisdom. Mindfulness is a way of being more in touch with our true self. It is often referred to as the heart of Buddhist meditation. Meditation is an important aspect of mindfulness and involves focusing on the present moment, which is as simple as focusing on your breathing. However, staying focused on something as simple as your breathing while noticing and then dismissing any thoughts that arise takes practice. Some individuals prefer sitting in their backyard or at a park, and quietly watching the leaves on a tree blowing in the wind. There are many ways to meditate, or get into a state of mindfulness. Some people get there through prayer or affirmations. Some people get there through painting or dancing. Some people get there through walking in nature.The key is to pay attention to the present moment in a nonjudgmental manner and to take time for mindfulness every day.
Developing an awareness of the present moment can lead to profound individual growth. For when we get in the habit of ignoring our present moments in favor of others yet to come, we often find that we lack awareness and understanding of how our mind influences our perceptions and actions. When we lack this type of awareness, we can become slaves of unconscious and automatic thoughts, actions, and behaviors, which are often driven by old wounds, or deep seated fears and insecurities. This is why learning to pay attention to the present moment through meditation is an important aspect of this practice.
There are many ways in which mindfulness can be applied to the counseling process. One way mindfulness is helpful is with homework assignments the counselor might give you, such as having you light a candle and sit quietly focusing on the flame for ten minutes when you wake up on Saturday morning. Or the homework could be to focus on a certain affirmation (positive, uplifting statement or prayer) to remind you to think loving and healing thoughts for yourself and your partner. Another way that mindfulness practice is used in the counseling process is when a counselor asks their client if they feel they are completely in the present when they experience certain intense feelings such as anger or frustration with their partner. What may be contributing or causing their intense emotion could be an old, unresolved feeling from something they experienced with a parent growing up, or with a previous partner. Sometimes becoming aware of this influence can allow individuals to be more conscientious of reacting inappropriately with their partner in the future. It can also prompt them to resolve or learn to accept their old wound in some way so that it is no longer impeding them. Eastern Psychology provides us with relationship tools that become a way of living and allow us to have more fulfilling relationships with ourselves, and our friends and loved ones. These teachings can help us to live through our spirit instead of our head. The results can be profound. For some, it can be a major spiritual awakening to learn to live this way.
For a more thorough understanding of mindfulness and how to learn this practice, Jon Kabat-Zinn’s “Wherever You Go There You Are: Mindfulness Meditations for Everyday Life” is an excellent resource. Also, any books or audio CD's by Pema Chodron are gems. To read an article from Psychology Today about the benefits of combining mindfulness practices with psychotherapy, click on this link: http://www.psychologytoday.com/rss/pto-20010501-000025.html
Christine Dufond, MA Direct line: (707)483-8232 *Please Note: Mindfuljourneycounseling.com is just a domain name and does not represent the name of a business
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern #61172 (Supervised by Linda Collett, MFT#45886)
christinedufond@hotmail.com
www.mindfuljourneycounseling.com*
