Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy
Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy: A Meditative Approach to Managing Stress and Anxiety
At True Hope Psychology, we understand that life’s challenges can often feel overwhelming. Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), is a therapeutic approach that integrates mindfulness techniques to support individuals in managing stress, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties. Grounded in meditation practices, this approach focuses on fostering awareness and self-regulation to help individuals navigate life with greater clarity.

What Is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)?
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a structured therapeutic program that incorporates mindfulness meditation, body awareness, and principles of self-compassion. Designed to promote present-moment awareness, MBSR and other forms of Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy encourage participants to explore their thoughts and emotions with openness and without judgment.
Mindfulness-Based interventions, such as MBSR, have been studied for their potential to support individuals managing conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. One review of clinical trials conducted by Chi et al. found MBSR to have moderate effects in reducing depressive symptoms among adolescents and young people. A clinical trial conducted by Polusny et al. also found that MBSR treatment led to a modest reduction in PTSD symptom severity among veterans. However, it must be noted these findings reflect outcomes in specific populations studied and may not apply universally. Contact us to discuss whether Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy may be appropriate for your mental health goals.
How MBSR and Mindfulness-Based Approaches May Help
Mindfulness-based approaches, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, may be used to assist with the following:
● Stress and Anxiety: May help individuals recognise stress patterns and develop more mindful responses.
● Depression: Supports clients in managing symptoms by cultivating awareness of thoughts and emotions.
● Anger Management: Provides strategies to regulate emotional reactivity and foster calm responses.
● Self-Criticism: Encourages nonjudgmental self-awareness to reduce negative self-talk.
● Relationship Challenges: May support enhancement of mindfulness in communication and understanding within interpersonal relationships.
● Emotion Regulation: Can help in building skills to navigate difficult emotions with greater ease.
These applications reflect the versatility of mindfulness-based approaches, though it is important to discuss individual suitability of this approach with a trained therapist.


What to Expect From Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy Sessions
At True Hope Psychology, mindfulness-based psychotherapy sessions provide a supportive environment to learn and practice mindfulness techniques. Patients can expect to:
1. Engage in Mindfulness Practices: Sessions involve guided exercises such as focused breathing, body scans, and mindfulness meditations.
2. Connect to Immediate Experiences: Therapists provide guidance on observing and connecting with real-time thoughts, emotions, and sensations.
3. Address Concentration Challenges: Support is given to help improve focus and manage difficulties in staying present.
4. Work Through Negative Memories: Therapists assist clients in processing difficult memories or emotions that may arise during mindfulness practice.
5. Receive Education: Learn about the theory and principles of mindfulness, and how these can be applied to everyday life.
Between sessions, patients are encouraged to develop their own mindfulness practice. While even five minutes of daily mindfulness can be beneficial, dedicating around 20 minutes a day is often recommended to experience optimal effects.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches at True Hope Psychology
At True Hope Psychology, we approach mindfulness-based therapies with care and personalisation. Our qualified clinical psychologist, Darius, has extensive experience delivering mindfulness-based interventions, including MBSR, since 2016.

Take the Next Step
If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR therapy, contact True Hope Psychology to discuss whether this approach might suit your needs. Our team is here to provide a compassionate and professional space to explore your mental health journey.
Disclaimer
All information provided is general and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Book a consultation with True Hope Psychology to discuss your individual needs.
References
- Chi, X., Bo, A., Liu, T., Zhang, P., & Chi, I. (2018). Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on depression in adolescents and young adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01034
- Polusny MA, Erbes CR, Thuras P, et al. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Veterans: A Randomized Clinical Trial. 2015;314(5):456–465. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2015.8361
- Creswell, J. D. (2017). Mindfulness interventions. Annual Review of Psychology, 68(1), 491–516. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-042716-051139