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Mindfulness Therapy

Mindfulness Therapy is a gentle yet powerful approach to mental health care that teaches individuals how to be fully present in the moment, without judgement. By learning to notice thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations as they arise, patients can develop a calmer, more accepting relationship with their inner experiences. This reduces distress, builds resilience, and helps people live with greater balance and clarity.

At Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital, mindfulness is incorporated into our outpatient day programs as a stand-alone therapy and as a complementary practice within other treatments such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Our therapists guide patients through structured mindfulness techniques, helping them learn practical skills that can be used in everyday life long after therapy ends.

Overview of Mindfulness Therapy

Mindfulness is rooted in meditation practices but has been adapted into modern psychological treatments supported by clinical research. It involves:

1

Awareness – focusing attention on the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

2

Acceptance – observing thoughts and feelings without trying to fight or suppress them.

3

Self-compassion – responding to difficulties with kindness rather than self-criticism.

4

Non-judgement – recognising that thoughts and feelings are experiences, not facts.

Mindfulness Therapy often includes meditation exercises, mindful breathing, guided body scans, and practices that encourage patients to slow down and observe their inner world. These simple techniques can be used at any time, giving patients tools to manage stress and anxiety wherever they are.

Conditions treated with Mindfulness Therapy

Mindfulness Therapy can support recovery from a wide range of mental health conditions. At Sunshine Clinic, it is offered to patients experiencing:
Reducing rumination and helping patients reconnect with meaningful activities.
Calming the nervous system and breaking cycles of worry and avoidance.
Grounding patients in the present moment and reducing reactivity to distressing memories.
Particularly borderline personality disorder, where mindfulness is a core component of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
Helping patients notice cravings without acting on them, building self-control and resilience.
Easing the emotional impact of major life changes by cultivating acceptance and calm.
Supporting patients to manage the psychological impact of long-term health conditions.

Mindfulness is not about ignoring or denying distress. Instead, it gives patients the ability to relate differently to their experiences, reducing the power of negative thoughts and emotions.

Evidence for Mindfulness Therapy

Mindfulness-based approaches are backed by a growing body of evidence showing their effectiveness in improving mental health and wellbeing.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) has been shown to significantly reduce relapse rates in people with recurrent depression. Research suggests MBCT can reduce the risk of relapse by up to 50% for those with three or more depressive episodes.
Studies consistently show mindfulness reduces symptoms of generalised anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorder.
Research indicates mindfulness can reduce hypervigilance and improve emotion regulation, supporting trauma recovery.
Mindfulness-based relapse prevention has been shown to help people manage cravings and reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is widely used internationally and in Australia to improve pain tolerance and overall quality of life.

In Australia, mindfulness is increasingly incorporated into mental health programs, hospitals, and even schools, reflecting its recognised value as an evidence-based therapeutic approach.

How Mindfulness Therapy is Delivered at Sunshine Clinic

At Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital, mindfulness is integrated into both inpatient and outpatient programs. In our structured outpatient day programs, patients may experience:

  • Guided group sessions – led by allied health team, where patients practise mindfulness techniques together.
  • Individual therapy – where mindfulness is tailored to personal needs, often alongside CBT or ACT.
  • Creative therapies – such as music, art, or movement therapy, incorporating mindfulness principles of awareness and expression.
  • Daily practice – patients are encouraged to practise short exercises between sessions, gradually building mindfulness into their everyday lives.

Our approach is gentle, practical, and accessible. Even patients who have never tried mindfulness before often find that small, consistent practices make a meaningful difference to how they feel and cope.

Why Mindfulness Therapy is valuable

Mindfulness is not about eliminating stress or painful experiences, but about changing the way we relate to them. Patients often report:

  • Feeling calmer and more grounded.
  • Less overwhelmed by negative thoughts or emotions.
  • Improved ability to cope with stressful situations.
  • Greater self-awareness and self-compassion.
  • A renewed sense of connection to themselves and others.

At Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital, mindfulness is more than a therapy technique – it is a life skill that empowers patients to face challenges with clarity, acceptance, and resilience. Our clinicians guide patients with compassion and expertise, ensuring mindfulness becomes a practical tool for lasting recovery.

Comprehensive Private Mental Health Care in Melbourne’s West

Sunshine Clinic offers psychiatry consulting services, as well as inpatient and outpatient programs tailored to support recovery, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.

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