Or, maybe everything seems fine, yet you can’t help but feel like something is missing.  It might be that you want to stimulate growth or change in one aspect of your life, such as improving relationships or finding real love. Or, at a crossroads, it may be that you want to create a whole new way of being with yourself and in the world. Do you want to tap more deeply into the present moment, cultivate meaning in your life and live with more peace, ease, balance and love?

​

Cultivate A New Path

 

Almost everyone goes through periods of time when they feel stuck and uncertain and/or experience a desire to engage in a process of personal growth and move in a different direction in life. We fall into comfortable patterns, even if they’re not serving us, and oftentimes it’s easier to stay busy than it is to face fears and feelings of inadequacy.

 

Moving so fast in an increasingly disconnected society, it’s common to get lost, let self-care fall to the wayside and turn to quick fixes rather than inward and/or reach out to a therapist with the insight, skills and experience that can help. Instead, we might isolate or turn to friends and/or family members. Conflicting advice from those too close to us to be objective often leaves us feeling even more confused. Although we might have an innate desire to explore and express ourselves, it can be scary to step into a space of vulnerability—even with a guide who can help—ask deep questions and face the truth about what’s no longer working or missing in our lives.

 

However, there are times when something—a trauma, crisis, loss, major life change—sparks a longing. No longer able to ignore the nagging feeling that something is missing, it becomes time to ground into the present moment, develop increased awareness, acceptance and self-compassion and move in a new direction.

 

If you’re at a crossroads in your life and/or feel compelled to delve into a radical process of self-exploration, mindfulness therapy can help. A compassionate, experienced therapist skilled in the practice of mindfulness can help you explore your internal landscape and discover what you need to live a rich, connected and authentic life.

 

Create A Deeper Experience Of Yourself

 

Mindfulness is a moment-by-moment witnessing of what is going on in the right now. It’s about noticing your thoughts, feelings and body sensations as they arise—and doing so without judgment. The practice allows us to be present with ourselves and those around us in ways that are compassionate, accepting and nourishing.  And, when practiced regularly, mindfulness can create a pathway to healing, enrich personal and spiritual growth and offer you a more expansive lens through which to experience yourself and the world. 

 

In mindfulness therapy sessions, we can explore past issues that arise in the present moment, as well as the thoughts, behaviors and engrained patterns that do not serve your best self. Rather than focusing on what you already know, mindfulness psychotherapy offers you the tools to discover a new knowing and sense of self. Whether it’s healing deep scars from the past, overcoming depression or anxiety, working toward a specific goal or cultivating a spiritual practice, mindfulness therapy can help you uncover parts of yourself that have been hidden and are ready to be healed, embraced and expressed.

 

While simple, being mindful is not always easy; however, with regular practice, moving into an open state of receptivity, awareness and compassion can become your new normal. Rather than remain caught up in worries, inhibitions and uncertainties, you can begin to approach your life with curiosity. This gentle curiosity can open and soften your heart and helps to increase compassion. Compassion begins with the self and is the gateway to living a more connected, authentic life.

 

I firmly believe that we all have our own personal pathway to healing. In sessions, we work collaboratively to discover what it is that you need to feel happy, healthy and whole. Sessions are a place for you to express anything and everything that is coming up for you in the moment. I will hold heartfelt, respectful and curious space as you allow your vulnerabilities to arise, explore your present experience and embrace your humanness. In sessions, you can also engage in mindfulness exercises and learn mindfulness techniques that you can use both in and out of the office as you move toward increased self-love and radical self-acceptance.

 

It is possible to feel safe and centered and develop a sense of being “home” within yourself, regardless of where you are or what is occurring in your external world. The practice of mindfulness can help you connect to the present, illuminate your purpose and provide you with access to a full range of thoughts, emotions and sensations. It also opens up opportunities for expression in ways that feel fulfilling rather than overwhelming. With compassionate support and the willingness to self-explore, it is possible to engage in a thoughtful, corrective and healing process that fosters self-love, self-acceptance, deep connections with others and a life filled with joy.

 

You might still wonder if mindfulness psychotherapy is the right healing path for you…

 

Mindfulness is such a big buzzword these days. Is there research behind its efficacy?

 

Hundreds of empirically-based, scientific studies have been done on the efficacy of mindfulness. Not only can mindfulness help you become more present and live with more self-compassion, there are also physical and cognitive benefits associated with the practice. Studies show that the regular practice of mindfulness can help reduce rumination (obsessive thinking patterns and worrying); decrease anxiety and stress; improve focus, attention and memory; decrease emotional reactivity; enhance communication skills; increase immune functioning; and foster emotional intelligence and social connections.

 

If I engage in mindfulness therapy will I have to meditate?

 

Meditation is a part of mindfulness, but it’s not necessary to meditate everyday or develop a formal meditation practice to enjoy the benefits of mindfulness. The process of mindfulness therapy is less about sitting on a cushion for hours and more about cultivating a general curiosity about yourself. In sessions, you can learn mind, body and heart skills that can help you be more yourself and develop deeper, more connected relationships with others. With increased awareness and self-acceptance, you can make meaningful discoveries about yourself and who and how you want to be in the world.

 

I try practicing mindfulness and just become frustrated. I’m not sure it can work for me.

 

Mindfulness, while a simple concept, can be difficult to put into regular practice, especially if you’re trying to figure it out on your own. However, as a seasoned guide, I can offer you advice, techniques and exercises that you can practice in your everyday life. Like anything else, mindfulness takes time, patience and practice to master, and it’s an active process of constantly learning to be with yourself in new ways. However, with guidance and support, it is possible to expand your capacity for awareness, increase your tolerance for being with yourself and develop the skills needed to live with more authenticity, acceptance, awareness and joy.

 

Tap Into A Greater Sense Of Being

 

If you’re ready to move toward healing, increase self-love and delve into radical self-acceptance, I invite you to call my office in Berkeley, CA at 510-225-9188 for a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation. I’m happy to discuss your needs and goals and answer any questions you have about mindfulness therapy and my practice.