Patti Bear, LPC
Counseling and Psychotherapy
Mindfulness means being aware of what you are doing while you are doing it, what you are feeling while you are feeling it, and what you are thinking while you are thinking it.
The basic definition of Mindfulness - being present in the current moment without judgment - is the foundation of my therapy practice. I practice mindfulness myself, and I support clients in developing a mindfulness practice that meets their needs.
Mindfulness is simple, but not easy. Learning to reduce judgments of self and others takes a lifetime of practice. There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, from traditional meditation techniques to yoga to team sports to artistic endeavors. Below are some links to audio guided imagery and meditation, as well as documents with mindfulness activity ideas.
Mindfulness is both a practice and a way of life. Finding mindful activities that you can easily practice on a regular basis will lead to living mindfully, which leads to a more engaging and meaningful life.
Mindfulness practice and skills are used in many treatment approaches that are in a category called somatic or body-based therapies. These approaches to psychotherapy have broad application and are especially useful for treating symptoms associated with high anxiety or trauma.
I have training and experience in many of the psychotherapy approaches that include a somatic component, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-focused CBT, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
Mindfulness Documents
Guided Imagery and Relaxation
“Mindfulness isn't difficult,
we just need to remember to do it.”
Sharon Salzberg
More mindfulness resources on the web:
