LARRAPY Convos – Blog 32 - “What Is Mindfulness-Based Therapy—and How Can It Help You?”

“My thoughts are racing and I can’t slow them down.”“I’m here—but I’m not really here.”“I keep replaying the past and worrying about the future.”

If you’ve ever felt consumed by stress, stuck in your head, or emotionally disconnected from your body and spirit, Mindfulness-Based Therapy may be exactly what you need.

Mindfulness isn’t about “clearing your mind” or “pretending to be peaceful.” It’s about becoming aware of what’s happening inside and around you—without judgment—and learning how to respond with clarity, calm, and compassion.

🧠 What Is Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT)?

Mindfulness-Based Therapy is a collection of therapeutic practices that incorporate mindfulness meditation, breathing, and body awareness into mental health treatment. It includes:

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• And other hybrid approaches used by trauma-informed counselors

At its core, MBT teaches you to observe your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without reacting to them automatically.

You learn to respond—not react. To notice—not judge. To pause—not panic.

🌿 What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention—on purpose, in the present moment, and without judgment.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

“Do not worry about tomorrow… Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34

Jesus taught mindfulness long before psychology caught on.

📉 What Does Mindfulness-Based Therapy Help With?

• Anxiety and panic

• Depression and negative thought cycles

• Trauma and PTSD

• Chronic pain and illness

• Anger and impulsivity

• Spiritual disconnection or emotional numbness

🛠 How Does Mindfulness-Based Therapy Work?

✅ 1. Awareness

You begin noticing:

• Your breath

• Your body sensations

• Your automatic thoughts

• Your emotional patterns

Awareness is the first step toward healing.

✅ 2. Nonjudgmental Observation

You learn to say:

• “I’m feeling anxious”—instead of “I am anxious”

• “I notice that thought”—instead of being controlled by it

This creates emotional space and reduces shame.

✅ 3. Grounding in the Present Moment

Mindfulness helps you:

• Reconnect to your body and environment

• Pause before reacting emotionally

• Let go of things outside your control

• Experience God’s peace in the now

🧘🏾‍♀️ Common Practices in Mindfulness Therapy

• Breathing exercises

• Body scans

• Grounding (5-4-3-2-1 technique)

• Thought labeling (“This is worry,” “This is anger”)

• Gratitude journaling

• Mindful walking, eating, or listening

All of these train the mind to slow down, reset, and reconnect.

🙏 Faith Integration: Mindfulness & the Christian Walk

Mindfulness doesn’t require Buddhist or New Age philosophy.

In fact, Scripture calls us to present, peaceful, prayerful awareness:

• “Set your mind on things above…” – Colossians 3:2

• “Take every thought captive…” – 2 Corinthians 10:5

• “In quietness and trust is your strength…” – Isaiah 30:15

When done through a Christ-centered lens, mindfulness becomes an act of worship, surrender, and listening.

💡 Why Choose Mindfulness-Based Therapy?

If you:

• Struggle with overthinking

• React emotionally without meaning to

• Feel disconnected from God or your own body

• Live in “fight, flight, or freeze” mode

• Want to develop emotional and spiritual discipline...

Then MBT offers tools that are scientifically proven and spiritually grounded to help you heal, focus, and grow.

🕊 Final Word: Healing Happens in the Now

You can’t change the past.You can’t control the future.But you can learn to be fully present—and that’s where God meets you.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy gives you the tools to show up—to your breath, to your body, to your emotions, to your purpose, and to God.

“The kingdom of God is within you.” – Luke 17:21

🙏 A Prayer for Present-Moment Peace

“Lord, teach me to slow down. Help me become aware of Your presence in the here and now. Calm my mind. Relax my body. Still my soul. Train me to notice what You’re doing in this moment—and to rest in it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”