ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the importance of attention in therapy, and provides an opportunity to reflect on a client's ability to attend, to consider where their attention might be. According to Brain Tree trainers Kit Malia and Anne Brannagan (2006), there are different types of attention, including focused attention, sustained attention, selective attention, alternating attention and divided attention. Focused attention relates to the initial and very brief hooking onto a stimulus. Sustained attention refers to the ability to maintain focused attention. Selective attention is the ability to ignore distractions and remain focused, and alternating attention is the ability to change our focus between different stimuli. Divided attention is also known as multi-tasking – or consciously doing two things at the same time. Mindfulness requires paying attention on purpose. By developing attention then, this helps to attend mindfully – with intent to observe and understand, not judge the here and now we are in.
