MINDFULNESS expanded
Our
approach to counseling may include several psychotherapeutic methods that
utilize training in mindfulness, awareness, breathing, and movement (Baer,
2003; Germer, Siegel, & Fulton, 2005). For example, Dialectical
Behavior Therapy utilizes eastern mindfulness practices in its approach
to treating borderline personality disorder (Dimeff & Linehan, 2001).
In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness is a core practice
that enables clients to apprehend the linkages among thinking, feeling,
and behaving (Hayes & Smith, 2005).
Writ large, we view counseling and psychotherapy as a practice in mindfulness, particularly of the well-being and wellness of self and others. For example, in our Course in CaregivingTM, we work to facilitate "mindful caregiving" as a means to further the development of participants’ emotional and social intelligence (Goleman, 1995, 2006). One additional benefit of mindful caregiving is increased affect tolerance (Fulton, 2005), an important element of emotional self-control. Thus, we anticipate that by enhancing individuals' self-awareness in a caregiving relationship with others (people, animals, land), there will be collateral benefits for the self in terms of total wellness.
At times, mindfulness training may need to incorporate movement, for example, when anxiety makes it difficult to concentrate or when a wellness program emphasizes the physical self. To address this need, Commensa offers MindBodyOne™, a course in moving meditation with breathwork based on traditional martial arts. Depending on need, MindBodyOne,™ movements may incorporate the ujjayi or “victorious breath” as taught in Sudarshana Kriya yoga (Brown & Gerbarg, 2005). Recent research reveals how this “strained” breathing routine increases indicators of vagal tone and enhances parasympathetic activity in the central nervous system. What this means for the practitioner is enhanced wellness, and possibly a reduction in symptoms of anxiety or depression.
References
Baer, R. A. (2003). Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10, 125-143.
Brown, R. P., & P. L. Gerbarg. (2005). Sudarshan Kriya yogic breathing in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and depression: Part I - neurophysiologic model. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 11, 189-201.
Dimeff, L., & Linehan, M.M. (2001). Dialectical behavior therapy in a nutshell. The California Psychologist, 34, 10-13.
Fulton, P. R. (2005). Mindfulness as clinical training. In C. K. Germer, R. D. Siegel, & P. R. Fulton (Eds.), Mindfulness and psychotherapy (pp. 55-72). New York: Guilford Press.
Germer, C. K., Siegel, R. D., & Fulton, P. R. (Eds.) (2005). Mindfulness and psychotherapy. New York: Guilford Press.
Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: why it can matter more than IQ. New York: Bantam Books.
Goleman, D. (2006). Social intelligence: the new science of human relationships. New York: Bantam Books.
Hayes, S. C., & Smith, S. (2005). Get out of your mind and into your life: The new acceptance and commitment therapy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
CALL NOW at (541) 326-0848 or email to info@commensa.org