What is Mindfulness & DBT?
According to teacher and author Bodhipaksa, “Mindfulness is the gentle effort to be continuously present with experience.” Simply put, mindfulness is the experience of being fully present to the present moment. Mindfulness is about awareness and participation in life rather than ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. And it can generate powerful effects in terms of joy, gratitude, and peace.
Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a mindfulness-based approach designed to help individuals who struggle with intense emotions and multiple problems. In the individual and group contexts, DBT teaches clients more adaptive ways to think and act when life throws them curve balls, and how to find both momentum for change and acceptance about themselves and their lives to create a life worth living.
Amanda has completed over 100 hours of advanced training in DBT with experts in the field, including Dr. Michael Maslar and Dr. Shari Manning. She has also led DBT groups for adolescents, adults, and parents. She regularly integrates principles of Buddhist psychology into her work with clients, as influenced by Tara Brach and Bruce Tift.
Maria has completed the Foundation Course of Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) at Emory University as well as “The Power of Awareness” with renowned mindfulness practitioners Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach.
For more information about mindfulness or Buddhist-based psychological services, please contact us.