Mindfulness-based Therapy

Regrets and worries can stall our growth in life. We need not be in denial- yet rooting our experience in the present is our only means of connection with ourselves and the world. Knowing our current thoughts and feelings as we experience them. I have studied Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, a proven method for successful treatment for various symptoms of panic and anxiety. I can assist in Breathing Meditation, Walking Meditation, Yoga, and Body Scan, as well as Mindful Eating experiences.

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, or MBCT, is designed for people who suffer from repeated bouts of depression or chronic unhappiness. It combines the ideas of cognitive therapy with meditative practices and attitudes based on the cultivation of mindfulness. MBCT helps people separate themselves from their thoughts and moods, and teaches them how to recognize their sense of being. It also aims to give participants the necessary tools to combat depressive symptoms as they arise.

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) utilizes the cognitive skill of mindfulness, which is a clear, objective awareness of an experience. Being aware, attentive, and observant to all experiences and emotions in the present moment is the foundation to this therapy. This therapy can lead patients to improved emotional regulation and an ability to be less self-judgmental and more self-compassionate.

Mindfulness training is about finding acceptance and peace in the present and in our own mind and existence. I will work with you in learning to sit with your own experience and feelings in order to quiet the inner voice that has developed out of your own wounds, negative beliefs and suffering.

Mindfulness-based therapy was strongly emphasized in my internship at Nystrom & Associates, and I have since built my mindfulness practice with many books and workshops. Mindfulness can teach us not only to value and nurture the quiet spaces between our thoughts, but a peaceful way of stepping back and witnessing turbulent thoughts, feelings, and experiences with compassion, curiosity, and nonjudgmental acceptance.

I have experienced the power of mindfulness and greater presence both in my personal life and with many clients. I try to incorporate mindfulness in small, easy-to-integrate ways in my work with clients.

Mindfulness-based therapy is a powerful approach that helps individuals find peace and emotional balance in their lives. By cultivating awareness and being fully present in the moment, mindfulness-based therapy allows individuals to better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This therapeutic orientation has been proven to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improving overall well-being and mental health.

Increasing our non-judgmental awareness of our experience while staying present in the moment especially with intense experiences improves our capacity change the things we can change and accept the things we cannot. "Between stimulus and response lies a space. In that space lie our freedom and power to choose a response. In our response lies our growth and our happiness." - Stephen Covey. I use mindfulness to increase awareness of and improve our connection to that space.

I assist clients cultivate present-moment awareness and emotional resilience. My expertise lies in integrating mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and body scanning to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Through personalized sessions, I guide clients in developing self-compassion and emotional regulation, empowering them to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and achieve lasting well-being.

Claudia identifies as a Buddhist and a Catholic and completed The New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care - Foundations Program, where she offered spiritual care and counsel for the sick, dying and their families. Her approach is spiritually Informed, Buddhist Informed and makes use of Mindfulness-Based practices.

In my practice, I employ Mindfulness-Based Therapy to encourage clients to live in the present and develop an awareness of their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This method reduces stress, enhances emotional regulation, and improves mental well-being. It's effective across a range of mental health issues, helping clients foster a deeper connection to themselves and cultivate inner peace.

Rita often incorporates mindfulness techniques to help Clients improve their emotional regulation and develop distress tolerance.

Mindfulness-based therapy allows you to practice living in the present moment without judgement. It helps train yourself to look at a situation more logically, but also being aware of emotions that come up and accepting these emotions, coping with these emotions, and letting the emotions go. This will help with decreasing stress.

Becoming aware of our triggers, cycles/patterns of behavior, trauma, attachment style, and how we talk to ourselves is the work that can happen using mindfulness-based therapy. I will help you start building awareness of your stressors and reactions to them and work to manage emotions and the negative thoughts that come with them.

My mindfulness training includes many journeys for spiritual training to India, a graduate degree in Eastern Philosophy, and daily spiritual practice since 2006. Mindful Self Compassion is a central practice I use in therapy, along with meditation, mantra, and yoga.

I am a certified mindfulness educator through Mindful Schools and have taught mindfulness to a wide variety of folks. From working with youth in juvenile hall to instructing high school faculty members (teaching the teachers) to facilitating groups in a wellness center for our aging population, I have helped people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds learn and embrace the benefits of living their life more mindfully.

Mindfulness is simply becoming aware of what's happening now, in the present moment, without judgement. It's the basis for understanding what's happening within; ongoing practice increases compassion and patience, and the present moment becomes a springboard for taking action. In session, I guide my clients through breath and movement exercises, and encourage solo practice throughout the week. The aim is to find calm and to rest into silence. From there, growth becomes possible.

I have had great success using Mindfulness-based therapy techniques such as breathing and centering techniques for those experiencing intense symptoms of anxiety.