Mindfulness Based interventions

Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) was developed at the Addictive Behaviours Research Centre at the University of Washington, Seattle for individuals in recovery for addictive behaviours. MBRP brings together principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness meditation practice. MBRP participants learn various meditation practices and skills for working with craving, difficult emotions, and situations that may put them at high risk for relapse.

The mindfulness practices learned during MBRP are designed to help participants pause, observe present experience, and bring awareness to the range of possible responses in any given moment. MBRP practices are intended to foster increased awareness of triggers, destructive habitual patterns, and “automatic” reactions. Participants learn to respond in adaptive ways, rather than react in ways that are detrimental to health and happiness.

• Develop awareness of personal triggers and habitual reactions that can lead to relapse
• Build skills for coping with urges or cravings that may trigger relapse
• Develop awareness of patterns of the mind and how they relate to relapse
• Learn to recognise, relate and respond more skilfully to negative thoughts and emotions, rather than reacting in harmful or habitual ways.
• Foster a nonjudgmental, compassionate approach toward one’s self and one’s experiences. 
• Build a lifestyle that supports both mindfulness practice and recovery.

MBRP is an experiential group-based brief intervention. Classes meet once weekly for eight sessions and participants are asked to do home-based practice during the week.

Matthew Watkin is a registered clinical psychologist and mindfulness teacher. Since 2006 he has worked as a psychotherapist in private practise. His practise focuses primarily on individual psychotherapy with adolescents and adults with stress, anxiety and mood dysregulation. He is also involved in training groups in the public and private sectors using mindfulness-based approaches. His Masters thesis explored the factors underpinning change in people practising mindfulness. After graduation, in 2003, he completed an internship in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction at the Centre for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical Centre. Since his return to South Africa in 2004 he has facilitated the standard 8 –week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) programs for stress, mood and anxiety disorders. He is a director and founding member of the South African Institute for Mindfulness (IMISA). His primary interests include the application of mindfulness in mood and anxiety disorders, stress management, and self-development.

If you would like to know more about this work, you are welcome contact Matthew directly at 021-6855775 or email matthew@mindfulness.co.za. If one is interested in participating in the next course, then the next step is to arrange for a brief zoom meeting (no charge).  When you are ready please book for the course online.