ABSTRACT
Mindfulness continues to gain momentum in counseling as an effective intervention for a variety of mental health concerns. Mindfulness can be understood as paying total attention to the present moment, with a non-judgmental awareness of the inner and outer experience as it changes from moment to moment. This chapter reviews the current literature on mindfulness, beginning with an overview of mindfulness traditions in the counseling and psychological literature. Mindfulness meditation is one of many forms of meditative practices, including absorption, loving-kindness, and goal-directed meditations. Mindfulness practices and techniques have been integrated into counseling practice, counselor supervision, and counselor education. Current research on the benefits of mindfulness with children and adolescents is growing. Researchers have noted that mindfulness increases consideration for others and also increases levels of empathy. Mindful breathing is one of the most widely used mindfulness techniques.
