Mindfulness Therapy | MBSR

What is Mindfulness Therapy? Harrison Psychology Group is a leader in mindfulness therapy in London. Mindfulness based stress reduction therapy, or MBSR, is a type of therapy that focusses on the practice of meditation, present focus, stillness, breathing work and acceptance of whatever arises in order to help us develop a better understanding of our bodies and minds. Although the practice of mindfulness is currently very popular, it originates from ancient philosophical traditions dating back 5000 years. Mindfulness techniques have only now been adapted as a secular therapeutic technique, especially for the treatment of anxiety.

We, human beings, spend an inordinate amount of time stuck in our heads. We become attached to remembering what's gone wrong in the past and predicting how it might go wrong in the future. We believe the answer to happiness lies in seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. We tell ourselves stories - ‘I’ll be happy once I have that job, that relationship, that house...’ Yet, when we secure these goals we've already moved on to the next thing we think we need and when we don’t we often feel like a failure. This pursuit of constantly ‘chasing happiness’ causes us more pain and more suffering because we never truly arrive at a fixed state of happiness or relief.

How does Mindfulness Therapy work?

Mindfulness is a type of therapy which helps clients to re-focus their attention to live in the present moment. By accepting the reality of how things are in "the here and now" we learn to tolerate difficult emotions and thoughts as they arise by letting them come up, addressing them, letting go and moving on. Without an in depth understanding it may seem that mindfulness techniques ask us to lie down and take the hardship of life without a fight but this is certainly not the case. As the famous psychologist Carl Rogers explains, ‘The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I change.’ In other words, we cannot possibly learn to cope with our human pain unless we are willing to first face and acknowledge our negative emotions, problematic thoughts, difficult situations and individual problems in an honest and brave way. It is this very awareness that allows us to make change.

When should I get Mindfulness Therapy?

A good rule of thumb is that your way of being in the world is not a problem unless it’s causing a problem. No one is perfect and we all struggle in some ways within ourselves and in our relationships with others. This is perfectly normal. If, however, you find that your struggles begin to negatively impact your relationships, work-life, confidence, productivity, engagement in life or your ability to function day to day then it’s likely a good time to seek help. Research shows us that mindfulness techniques are very effective therapy for a multitude of problems including mindfulness for anxiety, depression, anger, stress, addiction, low confidence, relationship difficulties, unwanted change and much more.