FAQs

Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally in the service of self-understanding and wisdom.”- John Kabat-Zinn

Mindfulness allows us to observe our patterns and allows us to investigate thoughts, emotions, actions, communication, reactions. Identifying and labeling thoughts and emotions helps us understand ourselves better and gives us more chances to consider our responses rather than react in auto-pilot. It gives us opportunities to be gentle with ourselves and live with gratitude and self-compassion.

What mindfulness is NOT:

It’s not erasing or removing thoughts

It’s not focused on a state of being calm

It’s not a religion

It’s not a panacea

Meditation is an umbrella term for a form of mental training that encompasses many practices secular and religious experiences: Yoga Tai Chi Qigong

Mindfulness is a way of being and is a direct experience to one’s conceptualization. It’s the human capacity to pay attention

We practice this so we can use it when needed-- which is a lot of the time

Differences Between Counseling/Therapy and Coaching/Consulting

Counseling/Therapy:

Conducted by a licensed mental health professional.

Focuses on diagnosing and addressing psychological concerns through a clinical process.

Involves a comprehensive diagnostic assessment to identify specific mental health issues.

Develops a treatment plan based on the client's detailed personal history, including developmental, social, medical, family, educational, vocational, and psychiatric aspects.

Utilizes specific therapeutic theories and techniques to treat mental health concerns and achieve treatment goals.

Coaching/Consulting:

Aims to identify personal or professional goals, with a special emphasis on how mindfulness-based practices can aid self-discovery and personal growth.

Facilitates the development of strengths and coping strategies without offering clinical diagnoses or treatment plans.

Provides support for developing a mindfulness practice that fosters self-understanding, ease, and self-compassion.

Offers resources and guidance to integrate mindfulness practices into daily life, enhancing overall well-being.

Coaching sessions are not a substitute for therapy; no clinical assessments or diagnoses are made.

Note: As a licensed Psychologist, my role shifts when providing mindfulness coaching or consulting. Our sessions will focus on developing your mindfulness skills rather than therapeutic intervention. I will listen attentively to your goals, support your growth in mindfulness, and provide the necessary resources to help you integrate these practices into your everyday life, without engaging in the clinical aspects typical of therapy.

Stress reduction, sleep, pain management, focus, reduced emotional reactivity, improvement in working memory and cognitive flexibility, relationship satisfaction, insight development, and immune support. (https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/07-08/ce-corner), reduction in anxiety and depression, cardio vascular health, reduced cellular aging, and self-confidence (https://www.mindful.org/the-science-of-mindfulness/ )

Mindfulness is particularly helpful to children as they learn to choose behaviors, increase focus, increase self-awareness and self-confidence, reduce worry and stress (https://childmind.org/article/the-power-of-mindfulness/#:~:text=The%20benefit%20of%20mindfulness%20for,they%20are%20frustrated%20or%20angry )

For children and teenagers--you think someone would benefit from learning about emotions, focus, stress, and stress reduction, learning about themselves to increase their self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-compassion.

For adults--you would like a space to discover how thoughts, emotions, actions, communication, and reactions affect your well-being. If you are struggling with stress and burn out, mindfulness may help you compassionately recognize new ways of interacting with yourself, others, and the world.

Mindfulness coaching and consulting is different from therapy. I will not be conducting a diagnostic assessment that results in a diagnosis or treatment plan. This is not a medical service, therefore, healthcare benefits cannot be applied toward this service.

Yes! If you are in the Rochester, NY area, we can meet in person (1815 S Clinton Avenue, Suite 360 Rochester, NY 14618). If you are located elsewhere in New York State, or prefer to meet virtually, we will use Zoom to facilitate our meetings.