Specifically, we provide an introductory video demonstrating the following: (a) how to introduce the concept of mindfulness to clients, (b) how to help clients to identify what problems they might target for mindfulness work, and (c) how to talk with clients about the benefits of practicing these BTK inhibitor skills. Next we present and discuss video examples highlighting the use of the following strategies: (a) observing thoughts, (b) nonjudgment of
thoughts, and (c) being larger than your thoughts. In these video clips, we demonstrate how to utilize brief mindfulness skills with a client who struggles with intrusive thoughts across a variety of domains. In the example videos, the “client” is a young woman in her 20’s who is struggling with depressive and anxiety-based intrusive thoughts. The distress associated with the thoughts is interfering with the client’s functioning, as she gets “pulled into” rumination about past mistakes at work, which eventually leads to her
missing a deadline. Thus, by getting stuck in rumination over past errors, she has trouble focusing her attention on the current task, which is the here-and-now concern that would benefit from her attention. In the videos, you will also hear the client allude to a trauma history marked by flashbacks and a fear of getting “sucked back into” trauma-associated distress. She reports a desire to escape from or “turn off” these thoughts and is seeking therapy to free herself from self-doubt and worry. Her treatment began with a course of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD. Thus, the client and provider have a solid working relationship. The first description Akt inhibitor drugs of mindfulness techniques is then provided to the client (see Video 1). In order to provide a cohesive description of the client, we will present the
remaining summary of her symptoms prior to introducing each video segment demonstrating the associated skill. In this way, we hope that the “case example” material provides the reader with an overview of the client’s presenting concerns. Despite demonstrated reductions in her PTSD, the client still experiences intrusive thoughts and is currently most bothered by thoughts associated with self-doubt, anxiety, 4��8C and worry. Thus, the skill of observing thoughts is introduced by the therapist; this skill allows the client to generate a meta-cognitive language, providing her with the distance from her thoughts that is required. In this way, it is possible to then examine and challenge these thoughts utilizing standard A-B-C-D sheets (identification of an Activating event, the irrational Belief[s] that led to the clients’ reaction, the Consequences of the belief[s], and Disputes for each belief) rather than getting caught up in the distress associated with the thoughts. This skill is described below and demonstrated in Video 2. Next, we address the client’s tendency toward ruminative depressive thoughts.