Mindfulness Meditation and Psychological Therapy

Research has found that mental illness is closely linked to people’s thought patterns. Our mood, our level of distress, and our behaviour are all closely related to what we are thinking. For this reason, many common forms of therapy for mental illness focus on changing your thought patterns. However, therapies that make use of mindfulness meditation (such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT) take a somewhat different approach. Rather than attempting to change your thoughts, mindfulness is a skill that allows you to change the focus of your attention from these thoughts to what is actually happening this moment in your direct environment. Some people find this type of therapy more effective than other types of therapy. It is particularly useful for people who get caught up in worry or rumination (thinking about the same concern on repeat). A clinical psychologist will be able to work with you to determine what type of therapy is best for you.

What’s the Difference between Mindfulness Meditation and Mindfulness-Based Therapy?

Mindfulness meditation has its roots in Eastern philosophy and has been around for thousands of years. Whereas psychological therapy that is based on this practice is relatively new. In recent years, researchers discovered that the practice of mindfulness meditation is actually an effective way to manage difficult emotions. It has become increasingly popular as more studies find it to be an effective treatment strategy. However, mindfulness-based therapy (such as ACT) involves much more than just mindful meditation. It makes use of a system of techniques that, when used together, provide a comprehensive treatment for most mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.

The clinical psychologists at Clarity have extensive training and experience with mindfulness meditation and mindfulness-based therapies. To speak with Clarity about the mindfulness-based therapy we provide, and to determine whether it’s right for you, call us on 9850 7334 or email us at info@claritypsych.com.au.

Image from Ian Iott