Mindfulness

ABA and evidenced-based mindfulness therapy,  Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of counseling and a branch of clinical behavior analysis. It is an empirically-based psychological intervention that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies mixed in different ways with commitment and behavior-change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility. ACT is linked to a comprehensive active basic program on the nature of human language and cognition (Relational Frame Theory), echoing back to an earlier era of behavior therapy in which clinical treatments were consciously based on basic behavioral principles (Hayes, Stephen C.; Luoma, Jason B.; Bond, Frank W.; Masuda, Akihiko; and Lillis, Jason, “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Model, processes and outcomes” (2006). Psychology)

According to a literature review by the National Health Institute (NIH), mindfulness meditation programs show moderate evidence of improving anxiety and depression (Goyal M, Singh S, Sibinga EM, et al. Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine. 2014;174(3):357–368).

What could mindfulness do for students?

  • Improved Focus and Concentration in School
  • Reduced Stress: Improved ability to manage stress
  • Increased Focus: Improved ability to pay attention, focus and concentrate
  • Improved Emotion Regulation: Reduced impulsiveness, improved child behavior (rowdiness, suspensions, expulsions)
  • Increased Emotional Intelligence: Improved conflict resolution skills
  • Increased Empathy and Respect: Increased empathy and understanding of others
  • Increased Resilience: Increased capacity to overcome challenges
  • Improved Physical Well-being: Increased engagement in physical activity
  • Improved Creativity & Collaboration: Improved expression of creative arts.