ABSTRACT

Present moment or mindfulness techniques can be considered one of the fundamental psychological skills taught within acceptance & commitment therapy to help develop awareness skills. In describing contacting the present moment, it can help to position it as a form of awareness training to help develop a more chosen focus so as to be less scattered and chaotic in therapists' attention. There are three ways to practise, and it’s helpful to identify these from the outset as it can be the case that mindfulness or present moment awareness training can be seen as synonymous with meditation. The three areas are regular mindful check-in throughout the day; increasing awareness during regular activities; and guided or formal mindfulness practices. In introducing present moment techniques, it is useful to emphasise experience over instruction. In therapists' experience, mindfulness of the breath or mindful eating exercises is often helpful entry points.