FAQ

NY / NJ Center for Mindfulness

Home

About the Facilitator

FAQ

WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?
WHAT IS STRESS?
WHAT IS MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION?
WHAT IS MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY?
HOW DO I CHOOSE WHICH PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Q: WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?

A: Mindfulness is a particular way of paying attention. It is an intentional effort to view things as they are in the present moment. This is done with certain attitudes of mind, such as acceptance and non-judging, and for the sole purpose of understanding. It is more a way of being, then it is a technique.

Q: WHAT IS STRESS?

A: Stress is as much a part of life as breathing. If you are alive you are experiencing stress. Stress is synonymous with pressure and tension. It is a response to both internal and external events. Stress is experienced physically, emotionally as well as cognitively. There are two types of stress, Distress and Eustress. Eustrsess is a healthy stress. It is stress that results out of aspiring for goals with balance. Eustress is associated with longevity and increased health. Distress, on the other hand, is an unhealthy stress. It is tension produced by discontent and resentment for the way things are. Distress is associated with many medical and mental health related problems.

Q: WHAT IS MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION (MBSR)?

A: MBSR is an educational group-course. It is an intensive training in mindfulness practice. The byproduct of learning a more mindful way of being is an understanding of our stress reactions, as well as our habitual stress inducing behaviors. Subsequently we can make wiser choices, ones that will produce more desired results and peace of mind. MBSR was developed in the University of Massachusetts Medical School Center for Mindfulness . Since then it has been adapted and successfully applied in numerous medical and mental health facilities, as well as schools, prisons, corporate settings and athletic training programs. It is well researched and highly esteemed in the medical and psychotherapeutic communities.

Q: WHAT IS MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY (MBCT)?

A: MBCT was developed by three researching cognitive psychotherapists. Cognitive therapy involves examining one’s beliefs and substituting negative distorted beliefs with positive realistic ones. Cognitive therapy is a very successful treatment for depression and is still one of the treatments of choice for active depression. After treatment, however, one is still susceptible to relapse to other depressive episodes. MBCT is designed to address this problem. It is an intensive and systematic way of teaching mindful awareness of thoughts and feelings, and their effects. MBCT also provides a path of how to relate to them in a new and productive manner. Thus, even if they arise again in the future, this new way of relating to them reduces their strength and prevents relapse. Much like cognitive therapy, MBCT has its genesis in the treatment of depression and it is currently a successful and recommended treatment for the relapse prevention of panic, anxiety and other human struggles.

Q: HOW DO I CHOOSE WHICH PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR ME?

A: If you experience stress or other forms of discontent, then you are likely to benefit from any of these programs. All it takes is attendence and the intention to practice the art of paying attention in the present moment, without judgment, and to remain attentive as you notice what happens when you do this.

If you would rather join individually or with a friend or partner, then you may opt for the Individual & Couple Mindfulness Instruction. If you are interested in being in psychotherapy, then you may choose the Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy option. If you have further doubt about which of these programs are for you, feel free to contact us and schedule your free 30 minute consultation.

Microsoft Office Live|Create a free website