How Mindfulness Can Help with Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common challenges I see in my counselling work. While on a recent break, I took the opportunity to revisit a book that I’ve often recommended to clients: Mindfulness – Be Mindful… Live in the Moment by Gill Hanson. Reading it again reminded me of how mindfulness can be a powerful support in managing anxiety.
While not a replacement for therapy, this book offers something that many people describe as therapeutic, providing a deeper understanding of anxiety and practical ways to respond to it.
Understanding Anxiety and the Present Moment
In counselling sessions, I often notice how anxiety pulls people into future-focused worry. By contrast, mindfulness helps ground us in the present. When we reconnect with the here and now, we often find it offers peace, clarity, and relief from anxious thoughts.
Put simply: the present moment is where anxiety loosens its grip.
Is Mindfulness a Form of Therapy?
Mindfulness isn’t therapy, but it works well alongside it. Many evidence-based therapies now integrate mindfulness, including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Integrative Counselling
I often incorporate mindfulness into my counselling practice, and clients frequently report that it helps reduce their anxiety and improve emotional regulation.
A Helpful Read for Anxiety: Gill Hanson’s Book
Mindfulness – Be Mindful… Live in the Moment by Gill Hanson combines practical mindfulness techniques with gentle theory. It’s one of the best books I’ve read on the subject — and it’s engaging too. This time, I enjoyed it even more — perhaps because I was more mindful myself!
Mindfulness Isn’t Right for Everyone
While many people find mindfulness helpful in easing anxiety, it’s not for everyone. Some people find the practice challenging
Need Help with Anxiety?
Get in touch with Andrew Harvey for a no-obligation consultation.