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What is Mindfulness Therapy?#
Mindfulness therapy encompasses several evidence-based approaches that integrate mindfulness meditation with psychotherapy. These approaches teach you to pay attention to the present moment with curiosity and without judgment. Rather than trying to change or suppress difficult thoughts and emotions, mindfulness therapy helps you observe them with acceptance, reducing their power over your behavior and well-being.
Types of Mindfulness-Based Therapy#
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn and is the foundation of mindfulness therapy. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines MBSR with elements of CBT and is particularly effective for preventing depression relapse. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses mindfulness alongside values-based action to create psychological flexibility. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) incorporates mindfulness as one of its four core skill modules.
Benefits Supported by Research#
Research shows that mindfulness therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by 30 to 50 percent. It lowers cortisol levels, improves immune function, enhances focus and concentration, and reduces emotional reactivity. Mindfulness has also been shown to improve sleep quality, reduce chronic pain perception, and increase overall life satisfaction. These benefits tend to grow stronger with continued practice.
What Mindfulness Therapy Sessions Look Like#
Sessions typically combine guided meditation practices with therapeutic conversation. Your therapist may teach you breathing exercises, body scan meditation, mindful movement, and techniques for observing thoughts without becoming attached to them. Between sessions, you will practice these skills on your own, gradually building a personal mindfulness practice that supports your mental health long after therapy ends.
Getting Started with Mindfulness#
You do not need any prior meditation experience to benefit from mindfulness therapy. A qualified therapist will guide you through the process at a pace that feels comfortable. Start with just a few minutes of practice each day and gradually increase the duration. Many people find that even brief mindfulness exercises can have an immediate calming effect, making it a practical tool for managing stress in everyday life.
Ready to talk to someone?
CHC offers in-person therapy in Alpharetta and teletherapy across all 159 Georgia counties. Most major insurance accepted.
