June 20, 2024
What is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)?
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a group program that utilizes meditation and yoga techniques to aid individuals in stress reduction. It was conceptualized by Jon Kabat-Zinn in the 1970s with the aim of helping people suffering from mental and physical illnesses, as well as those dealing with life’s challenges.
- Meditation: A practice where an individual uses a technique to focus their mind on a particular object, thought or activity to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.
- Yoga: A group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India, aimed at controlling and stilling the mind.
- Stress Reduction: Techniques and therapies aimed at reducing a person’s level of stress, especially chronic stress, usually for the purpose of improving everyday functioning.
What are the practices involved in MBSR?
In an MBSR program, participants are introduced to and practice several mindfulness techniques. These include body scan, mindful movement, sitting meditation, mindful eating, mindful breathing, and walking meditation. Each practice is designed to enhance present moment awareness and non-judgmental observation of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.
- Body Scan: A mindfulness technique where an individual mentally scans their body for areas of tension. The goal is to notice and release tension.
- Mindful Eating: A practice of paying full attention to the experience of eating and drinking, both inside and outside the body. It involves noticing the colors, smells, flavors, and textures of food, chewing slowly, resting between bites, and more.
- Walking Meditation: A form of meditation in action, where the walking process is the focus of meditation. It involves paying attention to the movement of the feet and the feel of the ground, instead of focusing on the breath.
How does MBSR help in stress reduction?
MBSR has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. It encourages individuals to live in the present, freeing them from worries about the past or future. By teaching people to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, it fosters a healthier mental state.
- Stress Management: MBSR provides tools and techniques to manage stress effectively. It helps in recognizing the triggers and teaches coping strategies.
- Anxiety Reduction: Through mindfulness practices, MBSR helps in reducing anxiety levels by allowing individuals to focus on the present moment.
- Depression Management: MBSR can help manage depression by teaching non-judgmental observation of thoughts and feelings, which can change the way individuals react to negative thoughts and emotions.
Can MBSR help with physical symptoms?
Yes, MBSR can also aid in coping with and improving physical symptoms caused by long-term illnesses. This includes chronic pain, stress and anxiety, sleep problems, fatigue, headaches, migraines, tension headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Chronic Pain: MBSR can help manage chronic pain by changing the perception of pain and reducing stress and anxiety associated with chronic pain conditions.
- Sleep Problems: Mindfulness practices can improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and changing negative thoughts associated with sleep.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: MBSR can help manage IBS symptoms by reducing stress levels, which can trigger IBS flare-ups, and by teaching coping strategies for dealing with IBS.
Is MBSR used in conjunction with other therapies?
MBSR is often used as a complementary practice, alongside other therapies. It can be an effective tool to help individuals cope with various types of physical and mental distress.
- Complementary Therapy: MBSR can be used in conjunction with other therapies to enhance their effectiveness and provide comprehensive treatment.
- Mental Distress: MBSR can help manage mental distress by teaching mindfulness practices that promote mental clarity and emotional stability.
- Physical Distress: MBSR can help manage physical distress by teaching mindfulness practices that promote relaxation and stress reduction.
Britney Elyse has over 15 years experience in mental health and addiction treatment. Britney completed her undergraduate work at San Francisco State University and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. Britney worked in the music industry for several years prior to discovering her calling as a therapist. Britney’s background in music management, gave her first hand experience working with musicians impacted by addiction. Britney specializes in treating trauma using Somatic Experiencing and evidence based practices. Britney’s work begins with forming a strong therapeutic alliance to gain trust and promote change. Britney has given many presentations on somatic therapy in the treatment setting to increase awareness and decrease the stigma of mental health issues. A few years ago, Britney moved into the role of Clinical Director and found her passion in supervising the clinical team. Britney’s unique approach to client care, allows us to access and heal, our most severe cases with compassion and love. Prior to join the Carrara team, Britney was the Clinical Director of a premier luxury treatment facility with 6 residential houses and an outpatient program
