How often do we go through the day without fully waking up the present moment? How regularly do we run and hide from situations that bring us discomfort? What do we reach for so that we don’t have to feel the pain that might arise? 

Most of us do not take painful situations and uncomfortable emotions as opportunities to wake up. We habitually run away, and seek comfort in what brings us pleasure. Even in painless and ordinary days, we often are not truly focused on the here and now. Our minds tend to travel to the future or relive the past, which leaves us feeling drained and overwhelmed. 

Mindfulness is about becoming more aware of the present moment which allows us to see our thoughts and feelings more clearly. With clarity, we can choose how to respond to our thoughts and feelings and open ourselves up to opportunities for healing, growth, and connection.  

At Handel Behavioral Health, our therapists trained in mindfulness therapy are here to help individuals, couples, and families achieve balance, peace of mind, and emotional wellbeing. We specialize in offering evidence-based techniques, such as Cognitive-Behavioral therapy (CTB) and Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), coupled with mindfulness exercises, to help clients cultivate present awareness, without judgment or distraction. 

To start working with one of our therapists for mindfulness in Massachusetts either online or in-person from our offices in Amherst, Wilbraham, West Springfield, Franklin, or Natick, contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

To learn more about mindfulness therapy at Handel Behavioral Health, please read on.

What is Mindfulness Therapy?

Mindfulness therapy is an effective therapeutic tool that helps clients develop moment to moment awareness of their innermost experience. 

-Julia Bratz, LMHC

With mindfulness therapy, clients learn mindfulness practices coupled with other therapeutic techniques to become more aware of the here and now. 

The practices of mindfulness therapy, which can include meditation, rhythmic breathing, and somatic experiencing, help us gain greater awareness of, and as a result become more intentional with, our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present moment.

What Mental Health Conditions Can Mindfulness Therapy Help With?

Mindfulness can be used as a tool to manage our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Research suggests that mindfulness practices can help us manage negative thoughts pertaining to stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain, symptoms related to withdrawal from substance abuse, and many other mental health conditions and life challenges. 

Mindfulness has been shown to help with the following mental health conditions, 

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Substance Use Disorder/Addiction
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 
• Eating Disorders 
• Physical health problems like hypertension, chronic pain, and heart disease

What are the Benefits of Mindfulness Therapy?

With mindfulness therapy we learn how to accept and pay attention to the present moment, without trying to adjust or control it. By extension, mindfulness therapy can help us reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, increase self awareness, and improve our connection to self and others. 

The Benefits of Mindfulness Therapy Include: 

1. Reducing stress and anxiety: Mindfulness therapy helps us focus on the here and now and allows us to let go of worries about the past and future. As a result, it can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and promote a sense of calm, clarity, and inner peace. 
2. Improving emotional regulation: Mindfulness therapy enables us to become more in touch with our thoughts and feelings. In doing so, we’re able to process our emotions more effectively, and learn how to cope with distressing thoughts and feelings in healthier ways. 
3. Increasing self-awareness: Mindfulness therapy can help us develop deeper self-awareness. Sitting with our thoughts and feelings in the here and now teaches us to better understand ourselves, the way we think and behave. With more clarity, we can choose how to respond to our thoughts and feelings, and let go of certain behaviors that may be standing in the way of our growth.
4. Improving connection with others: Mindfulness teaches us how to be present and attentive, allowing us to better understand and connect with the thoughts and feelings of others. As a result, we can develop more authentic relationships.

What Does Mindfulness Therapy Involve?

Mindfulness Therapy is done through many different cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, such as body scan exercises, mindful breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, and guided imagery. 

• Mindfulness Meditation: During mindfulness meditation, your therapist will assist you in directing your focus on the present moment. If you experience your mind wandering, you’re encouraged to notice your thoughts and feelings before returning to the present moment. Your therapist works with you to understand your thoughts, emotions and physical sensations, without judgment or attachment. 
• Mindful Breathing: Mindful breathing involves slowing down and concentrating on the breath. Slow and deep breathing can help you bring awareness to your feelings and your surroundings.
• Body Scan Meditation: Body scanning is an accessible way to bring awareness to what’s happening in your body and mind. You may begin to notice headaches, back pain, digestive discomfort and other stress-related ailments. You may also begin to experience energy moving through certain parts of your body. The body-scan meditation helps you bring awareness to your physical state, as it relates to your emotional state.
• Guided Imagery: Guided therapeutic imagery is a type of focused relaxation that involves concentrating on a specific object or sound to calm your mind. 

As the body and mind become calmer through mindfulness and meditative practices, it becomes easier for you to cope with mental, emotional, and physical stress.

Begin Mindfulness-Based Therapy in Massachusetts Today:

If you or your loved one is looking to achieve balance, peace of mind, and emotional wellbeing, mindfulness-based therapy at Handel Behavioral Health is an excellent place to start. 

Our therapists trained in mindfulness-based practices are here to help you achieve greater self-awareness and forge new insights into your thoughts and feelings with curiosity, acceptance, and compassion. 

To start mindfulness-based therapy online in Massachusetts or in-person from our offices in Amherst, Wilbraham, West Springfield, Franklin, or Natick, contact us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

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