Mindfulness therapy online from Aptos and serving all of California
When your mind is racing about the future or going back over the past, you’re not able to be present with your life right now
You know you need a different approach to life. When the stress and uncertainty start to build, your automatic habits take over. Sometimes it can feel like you become another version of yourself- one you don’t always like.
Mindfulness offers that different way forward. By taking time to be present, notice what’s happening, and accept whatever thoughts and feelings arise, you can learn to interrupt those automatic patterns and choose a more intentional response.
Mindfulness can help you create the space to live differently
Mindfulness is the habit of noticing and observing what’s happening right now in the present moment.
Many of my clients have tried mindfulness before and thought they failed at it because they couldn’t fully clear their minds- but that’s not what mindfulness is about. It’s about noticing when you’re pulled away by thoughts or feelings and returning your attention back to where you’re focusing.
The practice of noticing and returning is the work of mindfulness. It’s what teaches us how to notice without judging, how to return again without shaming, and how to be present without trying to control or change the experience. And that is what allows you to step back from reacting automatically so you can feel confident in your ability to handle life as it comes.
Awareness gives us choice
Instead of reacting on autopilot to the thoughts, emotions, and circumstances we find ourselves in, mindfulness gives us the awareness to choose how to respond in a way that’s consistent with our values.
Imagine being in a difficult conversation with a family member when they say something that might normally make you angry and upset. Being aware of your instant anger gives you a moment to pause and choose to respond differently- maybe instead of yelling back or saying something you regret, you might choose to end the conversation instead or change the topic.
How mindfulness therapy works
Mindfulness takes regular practice. Learning new habits and changing our autopilot responses doesn’t happen right away. We’ll practice mindfulness skills in session and you’ll be asked to keep practicing on your own every day between sessions.
In session, we’ll check in on how your mindfulness practice is going, address any obstacles, questions, or issues you’re having, and continue to practice together. Over time, you’ll learn how to create space for yourself in the middle of stressful situations in your real life, not just in a quiet environment.
There are many different paths to mindfulness, and if one isn’t working for you we can explore other options until we find what fits.
Mindfulness therapy helps you…
Relate differently to difficulty, stress, and uncertainty
Notice what comes up without reacting automatically
Create space for yourself when you’re stressed
Trust yourself to respond thoughtfully
Stay present in your life without being pulled off course by life’s circumstances
Frequently Asked Questions about Mindfulness Therapy
Do I have to be religious or spiritual to practice mindfulness?
No. Many of our modern mindfulness practices are fully secular and not tied to any one religion. If you would like to integrate spirituality or religion into your practice, we can. The practices I use in session are not religious and will not integrate spiritual practice unless requested.
Do I really have to meditate every day to see changes?
No, but it helps. The more regularly you can practice mindfulness both in formal meditative practice and casually as you need it through the day, the easier it will be for you to reach for it when you feel overwhelmed and want to use those skills to pause and reflect.
What if I’m too busy to meditate?
We often need mindfulness the most when we’re busy, stressed, and overwhelmed and yet that’s the hardest time to try to fit in something new. Mindfulness does take time and regular practice, but the time spent in meditation can help you be more present and productive with the rest of your day. We can feel busy as a mental state regardless of how full our day really is. Sometimes, taking the time to sit still and be present shows us that we were the ones creating the busyness.
Do I need any special equipment?
No. Mindfulness is about being present where you are. That’s why many practices start with the breath. From the time you are born until you die, your breath will always be with you. You can also practice mindfulness while you are eating, walking, or working. All aspects of your life can be performed mindfully.
Do I need to sit down and be quiet?
No. Mindfulness can adapt to your needs. If you find it difficult or painful to be seated, you can meditate lying down, walking around, or even washing the dishes.
How can I practice mindfulness if my life is busy and full of distractions?
Some people choose to wake up early or stay up later at night to meditate. Others meditate for shorter times throughout the day as they have space and time. While having a regularly scheduled practice time is helpful for many people to keep up a routine, it’s not necessary. Mindfulness can be as simple as a commitment to having your first sip of morning coffee with full attention. Taking three slow, deliberate breaths to refocus is another quick way to be mindful with lots of distractions.