Yes. A meditation practice can focus on a sound or on a repeated word or phrase. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) describes both as possible points of focus in some meditation practices. A repeated word or phrase is called a mantra. Meditation can also be included among mindfulness and relaxation techniques that psychotherapy may apply, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Quick Overview: Some meditation practices maintain mental focus on a sound, visual image, breathing, or a mantra—a repeated word or phrase. Mindfulness is another form of meditation that involves attention to the present moment without judgment. NIMH lists mindfulness and relaxation techniques, including meditation, among elements psychotherapy can apply. These descriptions do not determine what an individual therapy service will include or what outcome a person will experience.
Sound and Repeated Words as Meditation Focuses
NCCIH uses the term meditation for a variety of practices involving mind and body integration. Some types involve maintaining mental focus on a particular sensation, such as breathing, a sound, a visual image, or a mantra.
A sound-focused meditation practice is therefore a meditation practice in which sound is the stated focus. The available source does not specify which sound to use, how long a practice should last, or what a person will experience while using sound as a focus.
A mantra is a repeated word or phrase
NCCIH defines a mantra as a repeated word or phrase. In some meditation practices, a mantra is the object of mental focus. This definition describes the role a repeated word or phrase can have in meditation; it does not establish that every repeated phrase is a meditation practice or that a mantra has a particular effect.
The terms sound-focused meditation and mantra meditation describe possible forms of meditation. They do not identify a person’s concerns, establish a treatment plan, or predict an outcome.
Mindfulness is another meditation approach
NCCIH distinguishes mindfulness from meditation practices that use a specific sensation or mantra as a focus. Mindfulness involves maintaining attention or awareness on the present moment without making judgments.
Meditation and mindfulness programs may also combine their practices with other activities. NCCIH gives mindfulness-based stress reduction as an example of a program that teaches mindful meditation alongside discussion sessions and other strategies for applying what participants have learned to stressful experiences. NCCIH also notes that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy integrates mindfulness practices with aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy.
Meditation Among Psychotherapy Elements
NIMH describes psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, as a variety of treatments intended to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. NIMH lists several elements that psychotherapy can apply, including mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises.
This is a broad description of possible psychotherapy elements. It does not state that every psychotherapy approach uses meditation, that every meditation practice is part of psychotherapy, or that meditation will be part of a particular person’s care.
What the available information supports
The available information supports two direct points:
- Some meditation practices use a sound or a mantra as a focus.
- Psychotherapy can apply mindfulness and relaxation techniques, including meditation.
The available information does not determine whether a sound-focused practice, a repeated-word practice, or another meditation approach is appropriate for a particular person. It also does not establish a specific clinical outcome from using a sound or mantra.
Safety information remains limited
NCCIH states that meditation and mindfulness practices are usually considered to have few risks. At the same time, NCCIH notes that few studies have examined potentially harmful effects, so definite statements about safety are not possible. Studies reviewed by NCCIH have reported negative experiences related to meditation practices, including anxiety and depression.
This information is a reason to keep the limits of general education clear. It is not a basis for predicting what any one person will experience.
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy offers individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives. Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, provides services in person near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah. The practice’s FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as a first step for asking questions and considering fit.
Questions for Reflection
These questions do not provide an assessment or determine whether meditation should be used. They identify topics that can be discussed when seeking general information about meditation practice or individual therapy.
| Reflection question | Source-backed topic |
|---|---|
| Am I asking about meditation focused on a sound, a visual image, breathing, or a mantra? | NCCIH lists each as a possible focus in some meditation practices. |
| What does the word mantra mean in this context? | A mantra is a repeated word or phrase. |
| Am I asking about mindfulness meditation rather than a mantra-based practice? | NCCIH describes mindfulness as present-moment attention without judgment. |
| Am I asking whether meditation is among techniques a psychotherapy approach may apply? | NIMH lists mindfulness and relaxation techniques, including meditation, among psychotherapy elements. |
| What information would I like to ask about during a consultation call? | Rooted Integrative Therapy describes consultations as an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. |
Meditation and Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is one of the services offered by Rooted Integrative Therapy. NIMH states that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches depending on their training, the concerns being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment.
NIMH also notes that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed. Rooted Integrative Therapy’s FAQs describe a consultation call as the first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. The practice’s Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- Could you explain what a sound-focused meditation practice means?
- What does a repeated word or phrase mean when it is called a mantra?
- Do mindfulness or relaxation techniques come up in the approach you use?
- What information can you share about how individual therapy may proceed?
- May I ask questions during a consultation call before requesting an appointment?
FAQs
Can meditation focus on a sound?
Yes. NCCIH states that some meditation practices maintain mental focus on a sound.
What is a mantra in meditation?
A mantra is a repeated word or phrase. NCCIH lists a mantra as one possible focus in some meditation practices.
Is mindfulness the same as mantra meditation?
NCCIH describes mindfulness as attention or awareness of the present moment without judgment. It separately describes meditation practices that focus on sensations, sounds, visual images, or mantras.
Can psychotherapy include meditation?
NIMH lists mindfulness and relaxation techniques, including meditation and breathing exercises, among elements psychotherapy can apply. This does not establish what a particular therapy service will include.
Does this information show which meditation practice is right for me?
No. The cited information describes meditation practices and psychotherapy elements, but it does not determine individual fit or outcomes.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- nccih.nih.gov: Meditation And Mindfulness Effectiveness And Safety
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
A Grounded Next Step
To ask general questions or request an appointment, contact Rooted Integrative Therapy. A consultation call is described by the practice as a first step for asking questions and considering fit.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.
This article is for general education only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized mental-health care. A qualified mental-health professional can help you consider what fits your circumstances.