Learn about mindfulness

Mindfulness has a huge range of benefits and can help people learn skills to better cope with stress, anxiety and low mood.

One definition of mindfulness suggests it is the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgementally, to things as they are.

Marie O’Mahony is an experienced teacher of mindfulness-based approaches. She has been practicing mindfulness for more than 10 years and she is starting an 8 week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy/mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBCT/MBSR) course this month.

As MBCT has been seen to be as effective as medication in the treatment of depression, it is included in the evidence-based treatment recommendations by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

During each of the 8 weeks, there are experiential exercises, guided mindful movement and/or meditations, psychoeducation. In a non-judgemental space, you will explore how it is to bring mindfulness into our day to day living.

The course aids in identifying thought patterns which contribute to low mood, anxiety and stress, recognising stress reactions to better manage them, and regulating emotion and attention. Resources provided include access to guided practices and handouts which assist in the weekly home practice of 30-45 minutes.

Past participants say that the course helped them to develop a new relationship with stress. People who have attended the course often reflect that they have gotten so much from it and notice a positive change in how they are in their life.

The next 8 week course will run Tuesday evenings in Scala Retreat Centre, Blackrock starting on 13 September from 7pm-9.30pm.

For enquiries or for application form, contact Marie O’Mahony, email marieomahonypsychotherapist@gmail.com or call 086-1982262.