The American Institute for Cognitive Therapy

Mindfulness and Acceptance

Some of the most exciting recent developments in cognitive-behavioral therapy are adapted from some very old techniques for cultivating wellness. Drawn from a combination of Eastern meditation and Western psychology, mindfulness and acceptance based cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques are used to help patients learn to tolerate difficult emotions and overcome depressing thoughts. These methods are simple, relatively easy to learn, and are available to almost anyone.

By using relaxation, an awareness of the breath, and a gentle focus of attention, patients involved in mindfulness and acceptance based cognitive-behavioral therapy learn to observe their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations in a special and non-judgmental way. In clinical research, these methods have been shown to assist in recovery from depression depressive relapse, anxiety disorders, addictions, and stress related problems.

Clinicians at AICT integrate these techniques into their work in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy groups. Persons looking to engage in individual mindfulness and acceptance based cognitive therapy can also contact the Institute to learn more.

Keywords: relaxation, Buddha, Buddhism, Buddhist, Zen, visualization, breathing, non-doing, acceptance, compassion,