<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>mindfulness Archives - Friendly Therapist | Jo Thomas Counselling</title>
	<atom:link href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/tag/mindfulness/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/tag/mindfulness/</link>
	<description>Counselling &#124; Meditation &#124; Self Help</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 12:16:28 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-GB</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>
	hourly	</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>
	1	</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0</generator>

<image>
	<url>https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/cropped-FB-Profile-Pic1-3-32x32.png</url>
	<title>mindfulness Archives - Friendly Therapist | Jo Thomas Counselling</title>
	<link>https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/tag/mindfulness/</link>
	<width>32</width>
	<height>32</height>
</image> 
	<item>
		<title>Healing from the Inside Out: Combining Talk Therapy and Mindfulness</title>
		<link>https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/healing-from-the-inside-out-combining-talk-therapy-and-mindfulness/</link>
					<comments>https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/healing-from-the-inside-out-combining-talk-therapy-and-mindfulness/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Oct 2025 12:07:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Counselling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friendly Therapist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meditation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[counselling and meditation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emotional healing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mental wellbeing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mindfulness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mindfulness for mental health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[person-centred counselling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stress relief]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[talk therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[therapy and mindfulness]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/?p=444</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Life can be overwhelming sometimes — emotionally, mentally, and even physically. We carry so much inside, and we rarely have time to pause, breathe, and process how we really feel. That’s where counselling and mindfulness meditation come in — two powerful approaches that can gently support your emotional wellbeing and help you reconnect with yourself &#8230; </p>
<p class="link-more"><a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/healing-from-the-inside-out-combining-talk-therapy-and-mindfulness/" class="more-link">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Healing from the Inside Out: Combining Talk Therapy and Mindfulness"</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/healing-from-the-inside-out-combining-talk-therapy-and-mindfulness/">Healing from the Inside Out: Combining Talk Therapy and Mindfulness</a> appeared first on <a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk">Friendly Therapist | Jo Thomas Counselling</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Life can be overwhelming sometimes — emotionally, mentally, and even physically. We carry so much inside, and we rarely have time to pause, breathe, and process how we really feel.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That’s where <strong>counselling</strong> and <strong>mindfulness meditation</strong> come in — two powerful approaches that can gently support your emotional wellbeing and help you reconnect with yourself in a more grounded way.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What Is Person-Centred Counselling?</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/tag/person-centred-counselling/">Person-centred counselling</a> is based on the belief that you already have the inner resources to heal — you just need a safe, non-judgemental space to explore what’s going on for you.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There’s no advice-giving or fixing. Instead, you’re met with empathy, acceptance, and space to talk freely. Over time, this allows you to reconnect with your inner clarity and strength.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What Is Mindfulness?</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/what-is-mindfulness/">Mindfulness </a>is the practice of noticing what’s happening in the present moment — your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations — without judgement.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It doesn’t mean “clearing your mind.” It means being kind to yourself in the middle of everything you’re feeling. And that kindness is often the first step toward healing.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why They Work So Well Together</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Counselling helps you explore and understand your inner world. Mindfulness helps you <em>stay present with it</em>. Together, they support:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Greater self-awareness</li>



<li>Emotional regulation and calm</li>



<li>Stress relief and clarity</li>



<li>A deeper connection to your own needs and values</li>
</ul>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s like building a stronger foundation — emotionally and mentally — so you can move through life with more steadiness.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Gentle Invitation</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you’re feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or just curious about where to start, you&#8217;re welcome to <a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/contact-me/">reach out</a>. Whether through person-centred counselling, meditation, or a blend of both, we can find a way forward that feels right for <em>you</em>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Small steps can lead to deep shifts — and healing doesn’t have to be rushed.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/healing-from-the-inside-out-combining-talk-therapy-and-mindfulness/">Healing from the Inside Out: Combining Talk Therapy and Mindfulness</a> appeared first on <a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk">Friendly Therapist | Jo Thomas Counselling</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/healing-from-the-inside-out-combining-talk-therapy-and-mindfulness/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>How To Increase Your Self-Awareness &#8211; Part 2</title>
		<link>https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/self-reflection-emotional-intelligence-introspection-personal-growth-mindfulness/</link>
					<comments>https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/self-reflection-emotional-intelligence-introspection-personal-growth-mindfulness/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Nov 2024 15:14:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Feelings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emotional intelligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[introspection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mindfulness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-reflection]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/?p=379</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Discover effective methods to boost your self-awareness and foster personal development. Learn how to improve your self-awareness for a better understanding of yourself and your surroundings.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/self-reflection-emotional-intelligence-introspection-personal-growth-mindfulness/">How To Increase Your Self-Awareness &#8211; Part 2</a> appeared first on <a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk">Friendly Therapist | Jo Thomas Counselling</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Understanding Self-Awareness</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Self-awareness is about being able to understand why you are thinking and feeling and why you behave the way that you do. It&#8217;s about understanding why you react to things, what your habits are and what motivates you.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We tend to see our identity through our place in society, our family and friends, the needs and wants of our body, and the emotional and thoughtful expressions of our mind.<br></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Benefits of Self-Awareness</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Practising self-awareness is about learning to better understand why you feel what you feel and why you behave in a particular way. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Having this awareness gives you the opportunity and freedom to change things about yourself, enabling you to create a life that you want. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s practically impossible to change and become self-accepting if you are unsure of who you are. Having the clarity of this and what you want can be empowering, giving you the confidence to make changes. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><br>Practical Methods to Enhance Self-Awareness</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Johari Window can be used to look at yourself from many angles as it shows four basic forms of the Self (the Known, Hidden, Blind, and Unknown Self). </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">You may find it as quite a informative tool to help you discover who you are. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Known Self</strong>&nbsp; Things we know about ourselves and others know about us.&nbsp; The part that you are able to discuss freely with others. &nbsp; Most of the time you agree with this view you have and others have of you.&nbsp;</td><td><strong>Hidden Self</strong>&nbsp; Things we know about ourselves that others do not know.&nbsp; In this part you hide things that are very private about yourself, this maybe to protect yourself, because you feel ashamed or vulnerable, or perhaps because of modesty. &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Blind Self</strong>&nbsp; Things others know about us that we do not know.&nbsp; E.g. You might see yourself as an open-minded person when, in reality, people around you don’t agree. This area also works the other way. You might see yourself as a “dumb” person while others might consider you incredibly bright.&nbsp; &nbsp;</td><td><strong>Unknown Self</strong>&nbsp; Things neither we nor others know about us.&nbsp; This might refer to untapped potential talents and skills that have yet to be explored by you, your friends, colleagues or managers.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Practice Mindfulness</h4>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Practising both mindfulness and self-awareness can bring about personal growth and self-awareness. By being mindful, we develop the ability to focus on the present moment without judgment or criticism.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This helps us become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. On the other hand, self-awareness allows us to have a deeper understanding of ourselves – our strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">These practices complement each other and can lead to greater self-discovery and a clearer understanding of who we are.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/self-reflection-emotional-intelligence-introspection-personal-growth-mindfulness/">How To Increase Your Self-Awareness &#8211; Part 2</a> appeared first on <a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk">Friendly Therapist | Jo Thomas Counselling</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/self-reflection-emotional-intelligence-introspection-personal-growth-mindfulness/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>What is Mindfulness?</title>
		<link>https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/what-is-mindfulness/</link>
					<comments>https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/what-is-mindfulness/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2024 13:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Meditation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[meditation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mindfulness]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/?p=338</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Mindfulness is a type of meditation that was taught by the Buddha over 2,500 years ago.   The main goal is to find peace and calm and it&#8217;s accomplished by developing self-awareness, or mindfulness.&#160; With mindfulness meditation, you can develop an awareness of the true nature of our reality.&#160; It is a training of the mind &#8230; </p>
<p class="link-more"><a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/what-is-mindfulness/" class="more-link">Read more<span class="screen-reader-text"> "What is Mindfulness?"</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/what-is-mindfulness/">What is Mindfulness?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk">Friendly Therapist | Jo Thomas Counselling</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mindfulness is a type of meditation that was taught by the Buddha over 2,500 years ago.  </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The main goal is to find peace and calm and it&#8217;s accomplished by developing self-awareness, or mindfulness.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With mindfulness meditation, you can develop an awareness of the true nature of our reality.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It is a training of the mind that helps to overcome fears and painful emotions, so you can find the path to inner peace.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained">
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Personal fulfilment is achievable to anyone willing to put in the effort. Through the practice of mindfulness meditation, you can transform your life&#8230;.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-339" style="width:454px;height:auto" srcset="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image.webp 300w, https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image-150x150.webp 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></figure>
</div>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>You can learn how to improve your concentration.&nbsp;</li>



<li>You can eliminate the things that irritate your mind, and prevent you from achieving inner peace and serenity.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Meditation sessions fit around your lifestyle.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>



<li>Relieves stress and anxiety.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Reduces chronic pain.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Lowers blood pressure.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Improves sleep.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Reduces depression.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There&#8217;s a lot of scientific and medical research out there that shows regular meditation has lots of benefits. When you practice regularly you begin to look at life from a more objective viewpoint, which can spread into every aspect of your life.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/what-is-mindfulness/">What is Mindfulness?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://friendlytherapist.co.uk">Friendly Therapist | Jo Thomas Counselling</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://friendlytherapist.co.uk/what-is-mindfulness/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
