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What Is Mindfulness Therapy?

Teen asking, "What is mindfulness therapy?"

Mindfulness therapy treatment is an evidence-based practice used in many therapeutic approaches. While rooted in Buddhist philosophy, mindfulness therapy has also been adapted in clinical settings worldwide to help people struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and more. If your teen is struggling with any of these issues, it will help if you know all about mindfulness therapy and the treatment approaches that include mindfulness therapy services. It may help your teen to learn what to expect from mindfulness therapy treatment—this may increase their treatment’s chances of success.

Call Destinations for Teens at 877.466.0620 to learn more about mindfulness therapy and how it can help teens struggling with addiction or other mental health issues. Your teen doesn’t need to struggle without support anymore.

What Is Mindfulness Therapy?

Mindfulness therapy, a type of psychotherapy, emphasizes being fully present in the current moment without passing judgment or reacting impulsively. By guiding individuals to focus on their surroundings and experiences while detaching from overwhelming emotions or biases, this approach fosters a deep sense of self-awareness.

This heightened mindful awareness not only enables individuals to gain valuable insights into their behaviors but also empowers them to exercise greater authority over their thoughts and emotions. Consequently, clients enhance their capacity to navigate challenging feelings and opt for more beneficial choices in various aspects of their lives.

Which Treatment Approaches Include Mindfulness Therapy?

Mindfulness practices are incorporated into many different types of psychotherapies, such as:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes mindfulness, acceptance of experiences, and aligning actions with personal values to foster psychological flexibility and live a more meaningful life.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used treatment method that aims to identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors, helping individuals develop healthier cognitive processes and coping strategies.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of therapy that integrates cognitive and behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to enhance emotional regulation, improve interpersonal skills, and promote acceptance of self and others.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a time-limited, evidence-based therapy focused on addressing interpersonal issues by improving communication skills, resolving conflicts, and enhancing relationship dynamics to alleviate psychological distress.

Mindfulness and Trauma

Mindfulness therapy services are frequently integrated with trauma-informed care, This creates a comprehensive approach to mental well-being.

This combination allows clients to develop a deeper awareness of their thought patterns and behaviors, enabling them to pinpoint triggers for unhealthy actions or negative emotions with greater clarity. Through this process of self-discovery, individuals can enhance their ability to regulate these patterns effectively and cultivate more adaptive responses when navigating challenging situations.

What Can You Expect from Mindfulness Therapy Treatment?

When engaging with a professional therapist for mindfulness treatments, you can expect an individualized approach tailored specifically to your needs. During sessions, the therapist will guide you through various mindful awareness techniques—including the following:

  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Guided imagery
  • Meditation
  • Other relaxation activities

Other activities can include coloring, practicing yoga, and walking. These mindfulness practices can help you gain insight into your behavior and thought patterns and develop healthy coping skills to handle complicated feelings or situations.

These techniques help you become more aware of your thought processes and responses to make healthier decisions in response to challenging situations that may arise during recovery from substance use or other mental health conditions. Additionally, the therapist will provide support throughout the process while helping you set attainable goals for long-term success in recovery from addiction or any other mental health issues you may be dealing with at this time.

How Do Mindfulness Therapy Services Work in Addiction Treatment?

In addiction treatment programs, mindfulness therapies help individuals recover from substance use disorders (SUDs) by teaching them how to become mindful of their thoughts and emotions without judgment or reaction. Mindful awareness techniques—such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, and other relaxation techniques—help clients recognize relapse triggers.

Once identified, relapse triggers serve as a warning. Teens struggling with addiction can take steps to prevent relapsing if they recognize their triggers early enough. Additionally, mindfulness helps individuals gain greater insight into why they may be struggling with addiction so that they can begin actively working toward long-term recovery goals.

Find Mindfulness Therapy in Southern California at Destinations for Teens

The practice of mindfulness has been found effective for many forms of mental health treatment, including those designed for teens recovering from SUDs or addictive behaviors like gambling or compulsive shopping. When adequately practiced under the guidance of an experienced therapist, it has been found beneficial for managing difficult emotions and increasing self-awareness.

Mindfulness therapy enables teens to have greater control over their thoughts and reactions when faced with potentially triggering situations. Mindfulness therapy services can also help teens struggling with addiction avoid relapsing.

If you’re looking for mental health treatment for teens in Southern California—including addiction treatment—contact Destinations for Teens today at 877.466.0620. Someone from our compassionate staff can speak with you about whether mindfulness therapy treatment would benefit your teen.