Cutting-edge developments in psychotherapy, coupled with the latest research findings of brain scientists, are providing irrefutable support for the view that the mental state described as mindfulness can be used to treat a wide range of psychological problems.
We believe at Aspire Therapy that hypnotherapy and mindfulness go hand in hand. Mindfulness approaches are central to our approach to weight-loss, but they have an even more fundamental role to play in the treatment of stress, anxiety and related conditions such as phobias, panic, pain relief and OCD.
We are successfully using hypnotherapy for mindfulness approaches as part of our treatment for dealing with clients with all of these conditions. So what exactly is mindfulness?
A helpful explanation of mindfulness is provided by psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr Daniel Siegel, one of the world leading proponents of the use of mindfulness in the treatment of psychological problems.
In his book Mindsight, Dr Siegel acknowledges the roots of mindfulness in ancient wisdom, but points out that though utlised as part of religious practice in the past and in the present, it is not a religion in itself.
'Being mindful, having mindful awareness, is often defined as a way of intentionally paying attention to the present moment without being swept up by judgments,' writes Dr Siegel.
'Practiced in the East and the West, in ancient times and in modern societies, mindful awareness techniques help people move towards well-being by training the mind to focus on moment-to-moment experience'.
Promotes Health
For those who are wary the possible religious connotations of the word mindfulness, Dr Seigel adds:
'People sometimes hear the word mindfulness and think "religion". But the reality is that focusing our attention in this way is a biological process that promotes health - a form of brain hygiene - not a religion'.
Relaxation Techniques
The relaxation techniques and forms of inner focus on our state of mind promoted by our approach to hypnotherapy and Emotional Freedom Technique at Aspire can be an ideal way of encouraging a mindful attitude.
The concept of mindfulness is also one which we weave into the suggestions for mental development and improvement in some of our deeper relaxation sessions.
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