Mindfulness can be defined as the ability to be present in the here and now, with a curious, kind, non-judgmental posture. It consists in being with the internal and external experience of the present moment, without being tied to the weight of the past and the fear of the future. Its practice has shown many benefits for physical and psychological well-being.
The psychosocial challenges associated with (pre)adolescence, this transitional phase of woman-girl, in terms of the transformations that are happening to her body, her emotions, and even her social and family relationships, are moments marked by a great ambiguity of sensations and experiences, which can range from very positive to very negative. The difficulties experienced by some pre-adolescents in accepting and integrating these transformations may lead them to intense anxiety, frustration, irritation and/or isolation.
Training in the ability to be ‘mindful’ can help pre-adolescents to integrate these transformations in a more positive way, with the following effects:
- increased capacity for emotional self-regulation
- decreased depressed mood, levels of fear, stress, anxiety and irritability
Many of these effects last a lifetime.
Overall, the sessions can help the pre-teen to be more resilient, to solve personal challenges in a more adaptive way, and above all, to live this period of her life in a more positive and meaningful way.
The sessions are individualized and can take place in a face-to-face or digital format.
To ensure a good practice of the exercises that will be proposed and their benefits, it is important to wear comfortable clothing. A notepad can also be useful for brief notes.
For the face-to-face sessions, we also suggest that you bring a towel to place on the mattress or couch, and a blanket for your own use.
For digital sessions, you will also need to have at home a gym mattress (or other surface where you can lie/sit comfortably), one or two pillows (or zafu), a chair, and a blanket. In these cases, it is important that the space allows some mobility, privacy, and is not subject to interruptions. The temperature should also be adjusted to personal comfort.
The number of sessions varies according to the type and degree of difficulties and the goals defined during the psychotherapeutic process.
Contact us here for more information.