Quick Overview: Meditation and mindfulness are related but different terms. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) describes meditation as a range of mind-body practices. It describes mindfulness as present-moment awareness without judgment. Mindfulness can be included in some meditation practices, while other meditation practices may focus attention on breathing, a sound, a visual image, or a repeated word or phrase. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes that psychotherapy may apply mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises. This does not establish what any particular individual therapy service includes.
Defining Meditation and Mindfulness
Meditation Is a Broad Term
NCCIH uses meditation to describe a variety of mind-body practices. Its description includes practices used to calm the mind and enhance overall well-being. Because meditation refers to a range of practices, the word alone does not identify one method or one specific exercise.
Some meditation practices involve maintaining mental focus on a particular sensation. NCCIH gives examples that include breathing, a sound, a visual image, or a mantra. A mantra is a repeated word or phrase. Other forms of meditation include mindfulness.
This broader definition is useful when reading descriptions of meditation in therapy, programs, or general education materials. A reference to meditation may concern focused attention, mindfulness, or another practice within this range. The term itself does not explain which practice is meant.
Mindfulness Refers to Present-Moment Awareness
NCCIH describes mindfulness as maintaining attention or awareness on the present moment without making judgments. This definition identifies a particular way of relating to present-moment experience.
Mindfulness is therefore not simply another name for every meditation practice. In NCCIH’s description, mindfulness may be included in meditation, but meditation can also involve attention directed toward other objects, such as breathing, a sound, an image, or a repeated phrase.
The distinction can support clearer questions. Rather than assuming that “meditation” and “mindfulness” mean the same thing, it may help to ask which term is being used and how it is being defined.
Reflection Questions for Reading Practice Descriptions
| Reflection question | Source-based distinction to consider |
|---|---|
| When I read “meditation,” is it being used as a broad term? | NCCIH describes meditation as a range of mind-body practices. |
| When I read “mindfulness,” is it describing present-moment awareness without judgment? | This is NCCIH’s description of mindfulness. |
| Is the practice focused on breathing, a sound, an image, or a repeated word or phrase? | NCCIH lists these as possible objects of focus in some meditation practices. |
| Is mindfulness described as part of a meditation practice? | NCCIH states that other forms of meditation include mindfulness. |
| Is a named therapy approach being discussed instead of a general practice? | A named approach may have a more specific description than the general terms. |
Meditation and Mindfulness in Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy May Apply These Techniques
NIMH describes psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, as a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. NIMH lists mindfulness and relaxation techniques among elements that psychotherapy may apply. Its examples include meditation and breathing exercises.
This is a statement about possible elements of psychotherapy. It does not mean that every psychotherapy approach uses meditation or mindfulness. It also does not establish what will happen in a particular individual therapy appointment or what a particular therapist includes in a service.
NIMH further notes that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches depending on their training, the disorder being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment. General educational information cannot determine what approach, if any, fits an individual reader.
General Information Does Not Set Expectations
Definitions can clarify language, but they cannot predict an individual experience or outcome. The available source information does not support assuming that meditation, mindfulness, or a mindfulness-based approach will be part of every individual therapy service.
NCCIH notes that meditation and mindfulness practices are usually considered to have few risks, while also stating that relatively few studies have examined potentially harmful effects. It says definite statements about safety are not possible. NCCIH also notes that research has examined many different meditation and mindfulness practices and that findings have been difficult to analyze. Some research has been preliminary or not scientifically rigorous.
These limits are important when encountering broad statements about benefits, safety, or expected results. A respectful question is often more accurate than an assumption: How is this term being used in this setting?
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy among its services. Available practice information identifies Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, and states that Rooted Integrative Therapy offers in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah.
The available practice facts do not establish that meditation, mindfulness, or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is included in Rooted Integrative Therapy’s individual therapy service. The practice’s FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
This Named Approach Combines Defined Elements
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is a more specific term than meditation or mindfulness alone. NCCIH states that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy combines mindfulness practices with aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, often called CBT.
NIMH describes CBT as an approach that can help a person become aware of automatic ways of thinking that are inaccurate or harmful, question those thoughts, understand how thoughts affect emotions and behavior, and change self-defeating behavior patterns. NCCIH’s description of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy retains both elements: mindfulness practices and aspects of CBT.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is not identical to mindfulness alone, meditation alone, or CBT alone. Its name signals a combination described by NCCIH.
A General Definition Does Not Describe a Specific Service
Knowing the definition of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy does not establish whether it is offered by a particular practice. It also does not describe the content of a particular appointment, a time frame, or an expected result for an individual reader.
Likewise, learning that mindfulness can be part of meditation does not mean every meditation practice is mindfulness-based. Clear terms can help distinguish a broad category of practices, a form of present-moment awareness, and a named approach that combines mindfulness practices with aspects of CBT.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- How do you define meditation and mindfulness when discussing psychotherapy?
- Does the information I have read refer to meditation broadly, mindfulness specifically, or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?
- What does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy mean in this context?
- What information can you share about your individual therapy service?
- What questions can I ask during a consultation call?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are meditation and mindfulness the same thing?
No. NCCIH describes meditation as a range of mind-body practices and mindfulness as present-moment awareness without judgment.
Can mindfulness be part of meditation?
Yes. NCCIH states that other forms of meditation include mindfulness. Meditation can also involve focusing on breathing, a sound, a visual image, or a mantra.
Can meditation or mindfulness appear in psychotherapy?
NIMH states that psychotherapy may apply mindfulness and relaxation techniques, including meditation and breathing exercises. This does not establish what a particular therapy service includes.
What is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?
NCCIH describes mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as combining mindfulness practices with aspects of CBT.
How can I contact Rooted Integrative Therapy?
The Rooted Integrative Therapy Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form. Its FAQs describe a consultation call as a first step for asking questions and considering fit.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
- nccih.nih.gov: Meditation And Mindfulness Effectiveness And Safety
A Grounded Next Step
To ask about Rooted Integrative Therapy’s individual therapy service or request an appointment, visit the Connect page. Rooted Integrative Therapy offers in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah.
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.