MINDFULNESS: A PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC METHOD OF ACCEPTANCE AND CENTERING OF THE MENTAL FRAMEWORK

Abstract

Mindfulness as a term comes from Buddhist traditions, translating as awareness, concentration or remembrance. Western neuroscientists define mindfulness practices as a combination of emotional and attentional training regimes that help cultivate physical and psychological well-being and improve emotional regulation while noting neurobiological changes in the brain. The formal introduction of oriental ways of thinking into western philosophy, psychology and medicine happened decades ago, generating a large spectrum of discussions and scientific works concerning the therapeutic applications of mindfulness practice. Basing our presentation on a thorough study of scientific papers, we propose a synthesis of the theoretical aspects related to mindfulness and a new perspective regarding its applications in clinical psychiatric care. The modern occidental approaches of the practice are adapted into methods used in cognitive therapy based on mindfulness. The benefits of formal practice proven from the neurological perspective are the result of a less reactive autonomic nervous system. Regulation of attention, body awareness, regulation of emotions, increased capacity of adaptation is just a few of the mechanisms involved. Therefore, it is integrated into western psychotherapy as an adjunctive or alternative method of treatment for several psychiatric disorders among which are depression, anxiety, substance use, smoking cessation, insomnia. In conclusion, mindfulness has shown to have great promise in clinical application, and the hope is to be used in the future with the purpose of improving mental and physical wellbeing and quality of life.