Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

What is Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Therapy?

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a form of therapy incorporating mindful meditation and its techniques. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction was first developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979, and its benefits have been studied in individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, chronic illness (such as hypertension, chronic migraine and chronic pain) and others.

Over 200 centers in the United States offer specific Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Therapy Programs, consisting of an 8-week course, where individuals practice mindfulness for 2 1/2 hours at a time, and the program culminates with a 1-day retreat. If individuals are interested in this type of highly structured course, we recommend the University of Pennsylvania’s program, for those living in the Philadelphia area. Information can be found here. Our founder, Dr. Pagnani, has personally participated in this program, and he highly recommends it.

Chandani Patel, MA, LPC incorporates MBSR and its Techniques into her Psychotherapy Sessions.

Can Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) be Incorporated into my Psychotherapy at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates?

The techniques utilized in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs, can actually be incorporated into psychotherapy sessions, with the expert clinician. It’s not uncommon for an individual to come to psychotherapy with the goal of working through a specific stressor, life circumstance or trauma, and additionally desire to learn new coping strategies and therapeutic techniques, to manage any associated emotional distress.

Many prefer the option to blend Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction techniques into their psychotherapy sessions, as opposed to taking a formal course that only focuses on MBSR.

What Conditions can Mindfulness be Used to Treat?

The techniques utilized in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) can be utilized to treat:

• Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders (Panic, Generalized Anxiety)
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Distress from Trauma
• Personality Disorder and Associated Emotional Distress
• Depression and Mood Disorder Symptoms
• Chronic Pain
• Distress from Neurological Illness
• Chronic Migraine and Headaches
• Chronic Fatigue
• Others

What do Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Techniques Involve?

Examples of techniques that may be utilized in your Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction work at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, may include:

• Breathing Exercises
• Meditation Techniques
• Stretching and Yoga
• Body Scanning and Awareness Techniques

What are Possible Benefits of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)?

Possible Benefits of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Include:

• Decreased anxiety and stress
• Improved focus and ability to be present in the moment
• Improved Mood
• Increased resilience for handling life’s challenges and stressors
• Acceptance of life’s challenges (situational, medical, psychological) and reduced emotional distress from those difficulties
• Improved communication and relationships (emotional stability and the ability to be present with others, can have a profound effect on relationships)

Do you Offer In-office and Virtual Online Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction?

Yes! Our providers are able to incorporate Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) into both our in-office and online Virtual Psychotherapy session.

Why Choose Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for Psychotherapy and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Therapy (MBSR)?

The providers at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are academically oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at local academic institutions. Our providers are Board Certified Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and we have several licensed and doctoral level therapists and psychologists, who have specific training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Therapy and its techniques.

• Licensed Therapists and Doctoral Level Psychologists
• Board Certified Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
• Academically Oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at local Academic Institutions
• Appointments generally available within 2 weeks.
• In-office and online Virtual Appointments for Psychotherapy incorporating Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)