Experiential exercises

These are also know as mindfulness exercises. They are used a lot in ACT because they are a great way to practise and learn the skills that are needed in this type of therapy.

Most of these exercises involve sitting on a chair, listening to the therapist, and becoming aware of "your mind".

They work better with the eyes closed, but this is not essential. There's no need for you to speak during these exercises, but you can talk or stop at any time

These mindfulness exercises help you to focus attention to your thoughts, feelings, body sensation, and other internal experiences at that moment in time. There are many different types of exercises, and they are all slightly different.

They vary in length from 2 minutes to 30 minutes.

However, they all have some things in common which is nicely summarised in the definition of mindfulness by

Dr Russ Harris "Mindfulness means paying attention with flexibility, openness, and curiosity".

Another thing to note maybe is that in ACT we don't teach Mindfulness with meditation. In ACT we have developed way's to learn mindfulness without the need for meditation. However, some of our exercises are very much like meditation. Also if you specifically want mindfulness meditation to complement this therapy, then this can be incorporated into the therapy.

An important part of this therapy is that you practise Mindfulness exercises at home or in between sessions.

You will be given MP3 recordings (for phone, laptop or CD) of these exercises to help you practise.

Practise is important because like any skill, the more you practise, the better you'll get.

The Sessions (50 Minutes)

What we do in sessions varies a lot. Sometimes we’ll focus on how you can let go of painful thoughts, or worries, or memories, or free yourself up from self-limiting beliefs. Other sessions we’ll work on new ways to handle strong feelings and emotions like sadness or fear.

At other times, the focus will be on what’s important to you in your life. For example, what do you want to do differently.

Or what changes do you want to make, and set some goals and a plan of action around these changes using your chosen values to underpin and motivate you.

The first session of counselling

This includes taking some notes and details, informing you about the therapy, agreeing on some treatment goals, and getting your informed consent. This first session will also try to include you trying out an experiential exercise (Mindfulness exercise).

To book counselling or have questions:

[email protected]

Phone: 07917 385 855