Meditation and Counselling

Over the past decades, meditation has moved into the mainstream and is considered far less of a ‘New Age’ or ‘mystical’ practice, and one that is now endorsed by many medical and allied health professionals. Recent research studies have shown that meditating for as little as 5-10 minutes per day results in increasing our brains alpha waves (relaxation state) and can decrease anxiety and depression, and overall improve our wellbeing.

The benefits of meditation are varied. Essentially the practice helps us to clear our mind and increase our ability to focus, to slow our busy or worrying thoughts or feelings, and separates us from our negativity. It enables us to better cope with regulating our emotions. By incorporating meditation into our daily lives, we can reduce our stress levels and enhance our ability to cope and regain control.

As with anything new, practising meditation regularly improves its effectiveness and increases the overall intensity of the results. When we can control intrusive thoughts and improve clarity, we are better able to make decisions and manage our concerns. This is why blending meditation and counselling are an extremely effective form of therapy. The benefits are increased, progress can be accelerated, and results are more relevant to personal healing.

Meditation has many forms and each of us will have our different preferences. It can be used in a visualisation context, supported with music, practiced in nature or as part of a daily physical activity. The effectiveness of meditation is increased when it is done with others, either as part of an organised group or with a friend or family member. It has been shown to improve emotional and physical health and can promote positive change when used in a counselling context.

For further information on meditation benefits see:

https://meditationaustralia.org.au

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/meditation

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4895748/ (Research Paper)