"Serenity is not freedom from the storm but peace within the storm. What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." (Ralph Waldo Emerson) 

Mindfulness has become a “hot topic” in Western psychology as research suggests that mindfulness meditation can help with a variety of difficulties including stress, anxiety, depression, pain and chronic illness. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is shown to be as effective as anti-depressant in preventing the relapse of depression.

What is mindfulness training?

Regaining control of our mind

Research shows that we spend almost half our waking life lost in thinking - for example ruminating about the past, worrying about the future or simply analysing (trying to find a way out of our difficulties) or criticising ourselves. And before we know it, we find ourselves lost in vicious cycles of stress, anxiety or depression. Not only is over-thinking unhelpful, it is also exhausting! 

So practising mindfulness is learning to give our mind a rest. It is like exercising a muscle. Every time our mind wanders off, we notice where it has gone (planning,worrying, ruminating, daydreaming etc...) and we gently bring it back to the here and now. We learn to do this by using simple meditation techniques.

Cultivating a new attitude 

With a regular mindfulness practice, we can learn to recognise and free ourselves from vicious cycles of stress, anxiety or depression. How? By developing an attitude of self-compassion and friendly curiosity towards our thoughts, physical sensations and feelings as they arise. And over time we will learn that it is our resistance to our physical and emotional pain which causes our greatest suffering. We discover that if we can simply "be" with our experience rather than trying to change it, "fix" it or resist it, we can free ourselves from unnecessary suffering. 

One-to-one mindfulness training

While mindfulness is often introduced in a group environment, some people prefer to first experience mindfulness in a one-to-one setting.  I will tailor each session to your own needs and will give you plenty of time to explore your experience in the moment. As an experienced mindfulness practitioner and trained counsellor, I will use my skills to support you in your practice of mindfulness and help you find ways to overcome any challenges.