This workbook offers diverse strengths-based tools to incorporate the Creative Mindfulness Technique (CMT) into clinical practice. It provides an essential understanding of the ethical scope of practice, ensuring that clinicians consider the depth of their own training in the implementation of the CMT art directives. Chapters explore aspects such as attachment and art therapy, multicultural considerations when using art with clients, mindfulness, the eight dimensions of wellness, and the application of CMT techniques with clients affected by PTSD, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The creative activities, mindfulness approaches, and arts-based exercises provided support the healing process of clients in ways that are accessible, practical, and easy to execute. Examples of activities include guided imageries with art-making, art journaling directives, and mixed media prompts. Through these exercises, clients will learn to draw upon their strengths and feel empowered in their daily lives. People with PTSD/clinical trauma, stress, addiction, and anxiety, and clinicians and mental health practitioners working with them will find this book to be an essential tool. Readers may also be interested in Creative Mindfulness Techniques for Clinical Trauma Work: Insights and Applications for Mental Health Practitioners, which can be used on its own or as a companion to this book.

Using evidence-based creative mindfulness techniques (CMT), this book acts as a useful guide for clinical mental health practitioners seeking to build resilience levels in clients recovering from trauma. It examines the effectiveness of the CMT approach, providing applicable art therapy techniques to enhance the therapist’s toolbox for clinical effectiveness. Combining a psychodynamic and neurobiological clinical lens, this book helps practitioners recognize and utilize creativity in dealing with trauma exposure, its cultural considerations, and its consequences on the individual, family, and the system. It also provides insights into the neurophysiological impact of mindfulness techniques on the brain. Chapters explore the clinician’s role in the treatment of trauma, wellness, and the building of resiliency, creativity, and alternative approaches to changing neural pathways, positive psychology, and more. A collection of narrative case studies and guidance for specific activities to be used with diverse clients ensures easy practical usage of the theories explored. Clinical mental health practitioners who work with clients suffering from PTSD, clinical trauma, stress, and anxiety will find this book essential. Readers may also be interested in Healing from Clinical Trauma Using Creative Mindfulness Techniques: A Workbook of Tools and Applications, which can be used on its own or as a companion to this book.

Dissociation, Mindfulness, and Creative Meditations explores the potential of mindfulness and explains why this level of developmental human achievement is so precarious within traumatic stress, especially traumatic dissociation. Chapters discuss the connection and disconnection between mindfulness and dissociative disorders and highlight the importance of gently creating a mindfulness practice for traumatized individuals. Readers will learn how to exercise the part of the brain that is responsible for mindfulness and how to regulate the part that is responsible for dissociation, and they’ll come away from the book with tips that will help even the most dissociative client to reap the benefits of mindfulness practices.

Mindfulness is the ancient practice of noticing without judgment. The medical and psychological professions cannot help but notice the mounting evidence of its efficacy in improving health and overall wellness. Whether mindfulness is used as a gateway to higher spiritual growth or as a path to more balanced living, the applications of mindfulness are various...as are the ways to achieve it. In this book, you will learn 20 practical ways to put mindfulness to work for you, even if you don't consider yourself to be meditative or spiritual. In addition to the 20 core skills covered here, you will obtain numerous tips on how to be creative with the skills or modify for your own needs. Ideal for all audiences, whether you are seeking pathways to improving your own wellness or helping others along their journey! · Easy to learn· Multisensory· Practical· Applicable to daily life· Learn to "retrain" your brain· Ideal for stress management· Complements many recovery approaches

Over the last two decades, Eastern psychology has provided fertile ground for therapists, as a cornerstone, a component, or an adjunct of their work. In particular, research studies are identifying the Buddhist practice of mindfulness—a non-judgmental self-observation that promotes personal awareness—as a basis for effective interventions for a variety of disorders. The Clinical Handbook of Mindfulness is a clearly written, theory-to-practice guide to this powerful therapeutic approach (and related concepts in meditation, acceptance, and compassion) and its potential for treating a range of frequently encountered psychological problems. Key features of the Handbook: A neurobiological review of how mindfulness works. Strategies for engaging patients in practicing mindfulness. Tools and techniques for assessing mindfulness. Interventions for high-profile conditions, including depression, anxiety, trauma Special chapters on using mindfulness in oncology and chronic pain. Interventions specific to children and elders, Unique applications to inpatient settings. Issues in professional training. Appendix of exercises. The Clinical Handbook of Mindfulness includes the contributions of some of the most important authors and researchers in the field of mindfulness-based interventions. It will have wide appeal among clinicians, researchers, and scholars in mental health, and its potential for application makes it an excellent reference for students and trainees.

Wellness does not come in a pill. Balancing life takes ongoing practice. Creative Wellness: Art Journaling with Mindfulness is an essential tool in finding and maintaining balance in a multifaceted life. In this interactive journal honor the creative process and let go of the inner critic. Previous art experience is unnecessary! This mixed media process engages anyone willing to explore with an open mind. Following gentle prompts explore the eight dimensions of wellness and uncover areas needing attention. This process utilizes writing, drawing, collage and paint. Additionally, this journal provides the support and structure from board certified art therapist, Beth Ann Short, in creating realistic and life changing goals. Others who have utilized these techniques have experienced enhanced problem solving potential in all areas of their lives as well as decreased stress. Adding mindfulness, imagery, symbolism and art making to the journal process engages both hemispheres of the brain. Explore the eight dimensions of wellness and uncover opportunities for change. Art journaling is an opportunity to honor life where ever it leads and a chance to explore choices and feelings. In an age where so many are striving for inner peace and balance, this tool engages anyone willing to try.

An indispensable resource for mental health professionals, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Trauma-Related Problems offers a practical and accessible yet theoretically complete approach to using the principles of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute trauma-related symptoms.

Rich with case material and artwork samples, this volume demonstrates a range of creative approaches for facilitating children's emotional reparation and recovery from trauma. Contributors include experienced practitioners of play, art, music, movement and drama therapies, bibliotherapy, and integrative therapies, who describe step-by-step strategies for working with individual children, families, and groups. The case-based format makes the book especially practical and user-friendly. Specific types of stressful experiences addressed include parental loss, child abuse, accidents, family violence, bullying, and mass trauma. Broader approaches to promoting resilience and preventing posttraumatic problems in children at risk are also presented.

“Trauma-Focused ACT is going to go down as one of the great contributions to the field of trauma-informed care.” —Kirk Strosahl PhD, cofounder of ACT Trauma-Focused ACT (TFACT) provides a flexible, comprehensive model for treating the entire spectrum of trauma-related issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, depression, anxiety disorders, moral injury, chronic pain, shame, suicidality, insomnia, complicated grief, attachment issues, sexual problems, and more. Written by internationally acclaimed ACT trainer, Russ Harris, this textbook is for practitioners at all levels of experience, and offers exclusive access to free downloadable resources—including scripts, videos, MP3s, handouts, and worksheets. Discover cutting-edge strategies for healing the past, living in the present, and building a new future. With this compassion-based, exposure-centered approach, you’ll learn how to help your clients: Find safety and security in their bodies Overcome hyperarousal and hypoarousal Break free from dissociation Shift from self-hatred to self-compassion Rapidly ground themselves and reengage in life Unhook from difficult cognitions and emotions Develop an integrated sense of self Resolve traumatic memories through flexible exposure Connect with and live by their values Experience post-traumatic growth

Whether you're in the therapy office, a classroom, in the city, or the countryside, using nature-based activities with children is always possible, and incredibly therapeutic. By integrating these activities with mindfulness, therapists and educators can harness the power of both treatments, and help children become calm, alert and happier human beings. Mindfulness and Nature-Based Therapeutic Techniques for Children provides evidence-based, practical, accessible and FUN activities to promote: Self-regulation Cognitive and emotional development Physical development Sensory regulation Play and creativity Empathy Resilience to cope with trauma and grief Dozens of activities for children of all ages!