Mindfulness Therapy in Park City & Heber, UT

If you're enrolled in our program at Wasatch Crest, you'll have access to a range of mindfulness therapies. However, it's important to understand that mindfulness is not just a single approach but rather a way of living. The mindfulness techniques you learn here can be carried forward as you embark on a healthier lifestyle. Moreover, as you evolve into the person you aspire to be, you can also integrate new mindfulness practices. Since mindfulness has many benefits, it's worthwhile to view these practices as part of your lifestyle rather than just a form of therapy.

Mindfulness is simply attuning to your feelings and thoughts. And yet, a simple practice of doing this is proven to boost both mental health and physical health. Research suggests that the many benefits of mindfulness stem from the "dialing down" of the body's natural stress responses. In a review of more than 200 studies on mindfulness, researchers found that mindfulness-based therapies were especially effective at stress reduction and marked decreases in anxiety and depression. People with depression showed very promising results when using mindfulness-based therapies like mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. As a result of this modality, these people experienced far fewer relapses in major depressive episodes than they did before treatment.

Multiple studies indicate that the brain begins to change right around the eight-week mark of starting a mindfulness practice. Studies have gauged benchmarks like mood, emotional regulation, and memory, all of which have shown improvement with approximately 15 minutes a day of some type of mindfulness behavior. This could be a yoga practice, guided meditation, sitting in stillness, counting the breath, repeating a mantra, or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. More than the amount of time you spend in mindful practice or the type of practice you do, it's the consistency and purity of your practice that matters. If you have just 10 minutes but you spend that 10 minutes in dedicated stillness, not checking your phone or social media, you can receive benefits that continue for years.

According to the American Psychological Association, there are numerous benefits to gain by practicing mindfulness. The majority of research around this concept revolves around the two most common approaches, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. The first may entail something like yoga or breathwork, something that may be learned and practiced in a group setting. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that involves elements of the other. Both have shown remarkable results in people with depression and anxiety.

Through mindfulness practices, two of the primary stress pathways in the brain are affected. These areas are associated with emotional regulation and attention. Therefore, when these areas of the brain start to change, as soon as eight weeks after beginning a consistent mindfulness practice, cognitive functions related to attention and memory can improve. Additionally, studies indicate that people who routinely practice mindfulness experience fewer intrusive negative thoughts and demonstrate better emotional reactions in times of stress.

The four concepts of mindfulness are:

• Awareness: Being conscious of the present moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without distraction.
• Acceptance: Embracing thoughts and emotions without judgment or the need to change them, fostering a sense of peace and understanding.
• Non-Attachment: Observing experiences without clinging to them or letting them define your identity, allowing for a more balanced perspective.
• Presence: Fully engaging with the current moment helps reduce stress and improves overall well-being by preventing the mind from wandering into past regrets or future anxieties.

Mindfulness therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) differ primarily in their approaches and focus.

Mindfulness therapy emphasizes present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance of thoughts and feelings. It helps individuals develop a deeper connection with their experiences through meditation and mindful practices.

In contrast, CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors by analyzing and challenging cognitive distortions.

While both therapies aim to improve emotional regulation and mental health, mindfulness therapy is more experiential, whereas CBT is more analytical and structured.

At Wasatch Crest, mindfulness therapy complements other treatment modalities. We aim to provide a holistic approach to mental health and recovery.

Research shows that mindfulness therapy can be effective in managing addiction cravings. 

By fostering awareness and acceptance of cravings without immediate reaction, individuals learn to observe their urges and understand the triggers behind them. This non-judgmental observation helps reduce the power of cravings over time.

Techniques like deep breathing and meditation can also help individuals stay grounded and make more conscious choices. 

At Wasatch Crest, integrating mindfulness therapy into addiction treatment plans supports clients in developing healthier coping mechanisms and achieving long-term sobriety.

Several misconceptions about mindfulness therapy can deter people from trying it.

One common myth is that mindfulness requires clearing the mind of all thoughts. This is not true. It’s about observing thoughts without attachment.

Another misconception is that mindfulness is a relaxation technique. In reality, its primary purpose is to encourage awareness and acceptance. It may not always feel relaxing, especially at the beginning.

Some people also believe that mindfulness is rooted in religion. However, it is a secular practice that can benefit anyone, regardless of their spiritual beliefs.

Finally, there is a misconception that mindfulness therapy is time-consuming. In reality, even a few minutes of practice every day can yield significant benefits.

Mindfulness therapy is generally considered safe and has minimal risks. However, some individuals may experience a heightened awareness of distressing thoughts or emotions at first. This increased attention can be challenging.

At Wasatch Crest, therapists are trained to provide support and guidance. They help clients navigate these experiences safely.

For most people, the benefits of mindfulness therapy, such as improved emotional regulation, reduced stress, and enhanced overall well-being, far outweigh the potential discomforts.