Mindfulness-Informed Psychotherapy

Mindfulness-Informed Psychotherapy

Mindfulness is defined as intentionally paying attention to the present moment, with openness, acceptance, and nonjudgmentalness.

Mindfulness has a robust foothold within the field of psychology, where research has repeatedly shown benefits in managing stress, decreasing anxiety, lessening depression and relapse of depressive episodes, decreasing chronic pain, lowering blood pressure, increasing well-being and many more physical and emotional conditions.

All of Harmony Harbor Counselors are trained in mindfulness and participate in a regular practice of mindfulness. In turn, mindfulness-informed psychotherapy is an integral part of how we “do therapy.” Before explaining more about what mindfulness-informed psychotherapy, it may be helpful to learn about the ‘Ways Paradigm’ as a basis for understanding the components of therapy, in general. The Ways Paradigm identifies three ways counseling processes are applied. These three ways are explained below:

1. Way of Being- the way a client experiences the psychotherapist’s presence (i.e. a practitioners “bedside manner” in a sense)
2. Way of Understanding- the way a psychotherapist interprets the client’s condition(s)
3. Way of Intervening- the way a psychotherapist intervenes with a specific approach or modality to evoke change and assist in achieving goals

The Ways Paradigm provides a clear framework of how to understand the therapeutic process. When applying The Ways Paradigm with mindfulness-informed psychotherapy, it becomes ‘The Mindful Ways Paradigm.’ Mindful therapists who embody The Mindful Ways Paradigm in their practice provide a powerful basis for change.

In fact, mindfulness is a core skill used in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). As a DBT Team, our therapists apply the invaluable characteristics of mindfulness in many ways. A mindfulness-informed psychotherapist offers a specific kind of presence, interpretations, and approaches that are effective in creating a safe and comforting alliance and producing lasting results. While of course, we utilize additional ways of being, understanding, and intervening, it is safe to say, that mindfulness-informed psychotherapy is our home-base that we return to each and every day. Below are examples of how The Mindful Ways Paradigm applies to mindfulness-informed psychotherapy. 

The Mindful Ways Paradigm 

1. Mindful Way of Being- the presence of mindful therapist is keenly observant, focused, and engaged. There is an active, gentle presence with openness and centeredness. 
2. Mindful Way of Understanding- a mindful therapist interprets through nonjudgmental reflections and assists clients in understanding radical acceptance.
3. Mindful Way of Intervening- a mindful therapist intervenes through teaching the characteristics of mindfulness, the practice of mindfulness, and how to apply effective change strategies that move from acceptance and nonjudgmentalness. 

Mindfulness-informed psychotherapy pairs well with other treatment modalities. A therapist may embody a mindful way of being and apply mindful interpretations, and then choose a specific modality to intervene, such as DBT, ART, Brainspotting, etc. Further, mindfulness trained therapists have a skillset that is unique and beneficial, and better yet, I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t benefited from learning mindfulness! 

To learn more about the definition of mindfulness and its benefits, click here. 

Enjoy the wonderful TedTalk by Dr. Shauna Shapiro about The Power of Mindfulness

Contact us today to start your mindful journey to your best self. 

Cheston, S. E. (2000). A new paradigm for teaching counseling theory and practice. Counselor Education and Supervision, 39(4), 254-269.

Return to Counseling