Mindfulness

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness practices have existed for thousands of years. It has deep roots in contemplative traditions, including Buddhist, Yogic, and Taoist lineages. Mindfulness refers to the act of bringing full conscious awareness to the present with openness, curiosity, and kindness. Mindfulness involves paying attention to your experiences as opposed to being “caught up” in your thinking. Even if your experience in the moment is difficult, painful, or unpleasant, you can be open and curious to it instead of avoiding or fighting it. Mindfulness allows you to achieve a greater sense of connection to yourself by learning how you think, feel, and behave at your deepest levels. Ultimately, you learn how to connect more deeply with yourself and others in your life whom you most care for. Your clinician can teach mindfulness on its own or weave it into other evidence-based treatments, such as ACT, DBT, and CBT, so the practice fits your goals and your daily routine.
Mindfulness

How Does It Work?

Through a dedicated practice, mindfulness allows you to build a capacity to be in the present moment. Although mindfulness can be practiced separately from a meditation practice, meditation presents a structured, effective format to initiate and improve a personal mindfulness practice. Research has demonstrated that maintaining a regular mindfulness practice alleviates symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, and significantly helps you manage stress.

What Can I Expect With Mindfulness?

You will learn how to initiate your own individualized mindfulness practice.

You will participate in mindfulness meditation in session with your therapist.

Your therapist will assist you in effectively problem-solving any difficulties that may arise with setting a consistent mindfulness practice in your life.

You will be provided with effective resources to help you initiate and maintain your practice, as well as continue the practice after you complete therapy.

Notes About Mindfulness

Mindfulness Does Not Mean “Absence Of Thought”

Getting distracted by thoughts is normal and does not mean you are “doing it wrong.” Mindfulness means noticing your thoughts and letting them come and go instead of resisting them.

Mindfulness As A Lifestyle Practice

Like exercise, mindfulness is never “finished.” It works best as an ongoing practice that supports your well-being long after therapy ends.

Consistency

Research suggests you benefit most from regular practice, ideally daily or near-daily.

Clinically reviewed by Karan Singh, Ph.D. Last reviewed October 24, 2026