Melbourne Children's Psychology Clinic | Child + Adolescent + Family

Mindfulness is a word we often hear around the place, but what exactly is it and is it effective?

Mindfulness based practice is a well-established method for stress and anxiety reduction and improving self-regulation in adults, but it is now being widely used with young people around the globe.

So what is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is about bringing your attention to the here and now. By training your mind to pay attention to your thoughts and to your body, you can become better at not being ruled by automatic and unhelpful ways of thinking and responding. You can read more here… http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/docs/ACF3C5B.pdf

Here is a great summary of key components that underpin most Mindfulness programs (http://mindfulnessinschools.org/what-is-b/nine-lessons/)* and here is a great summary of what is not mindfulness ( http://mindfulnessinschools.org/courses/b-for-teens/)*.

Does it work?

Whilst most of the research has focused on adult participants, there is a growing amount of research with young people. Emerging trends appear to indicate that in young people, Mindfulness skills can

improve their overall well being,
reduce their worries and level of anxiety,
reduce their level of reactivity and problem behaviour,
improve their sleep and
improve their self esteem

Several Clinical Psychologists at Melbourne Children’s Psychology Clinic have undertaken specialist training and workshops in teaching Mindfulness skills to young people. At MCPC, we incorporate Mindfulness skills into clinical intentions that target stress, anxiety and depression in young people. We have found that young people have demonstrated improvements in emotional wellbeing, family relationships and managing the daily stressors of school.

*The Mindfulness in Schools Project

Tag Archives: Anxiety

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