Quick Overview: Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy can include mindfulness and relaxation techniques, including meditation and breathing exercises. It does not state that mindfulness is part of every therapy approach. Mindfulness and meditation practices can also have unwanted effects. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that these practices are generally considered to have few risks, while also noting that definite safety conclusions are not possible because relatively few studies have examined potentially harmful effects. Some studies have reported negative experiences related to meditation practices.
Mindfulness as a Possible Element of Psychotherapy
The National Institute of Mental Health 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. The organization lists mindfulness and relaxation techniques among possible elements of psychotherapy. Its examples include meditation and breathing exercises.
The same source states that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches. It says that the approach used depends on the therapist’s training and experience and the needs of the person receiving therapy.
This means mindfulness in therapy can be a possible element, not a description of every therapy approach. A prospective therapist can be asked what approach they use, how therapy may proceed, and whether mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises are part of that approach.
Mindfulness and Meditation Are Related but Distinct Terms
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes meditation as a variety of practices focused on mind-and-body integration. Some meditation practices involve maintaining mental focus on a sensation, such as breathing, a sound, a visual image, or a repeated word or phrase.
The organization describes mindfulness as maintaining attention or awareness on the present moment without making judgments. It also notes that some programs teaching meditation or mindfulness combine these practices with other activities.
These descriptions explain how the terms are used in the cited material. They do not establish what may be included in a particular service or what any person may experience.
What the Research Says About Unwanted Effects
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that meditation and mindfulness practices are generally considered to have few risks. It also states that relatively few studies have examined potentially harmful effects. For that reason, the organization says it is not possible to make definite statements about safety.
Some studies have reported negative experiences related to meditation practices. The organization notes that research on meditation and mindfulness has examined different types of practices, and that their effects can be difficult to measure. It also notes that findings from this research may be interpreted too optimistically.
A careful reading holds both points together: these practices are generally considered to have few risks, and unwanted experiences have been reported. Neither point predicts an individual experience or determines whether a practice fits a particular person.
Research Does Not Determine Individual Fit
The research notes for this article state that the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health do not determine personal fit or outcomes for an individual reader.
The National Institute of Mental Health suggests asking a prospective therapist about the approach they use, the rationale for that approach, and its evidence base. It also states that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with the therapist.
Reflection Questions About Mindfulness Practices
These questions are for reflection and discussion. They do not predict what therapy or a mindfulness practice will be like.
| Reflection question | Your notes |
|---|---|
| What do I understand mindfulness to mean in a therapy setting? | |
| What would I like to ask about meditation or breathing exercises? | |
| What questions do I have about the purpose of a proposed practice? | |
| What would I want to ask about reports of negative experiences? | |
| What would I like to know about an approach and its evidence base? |
Questions Can Address a Proposed Approach
The National Institute of Mental Health includes questions about a therapist’s approach, rationale, evidence base, and how treatment will proceed among topics for a preliminary conversation. Those topics can also be used when mindfulness is being discussed.
For example, a person may ask how mindfulness is defined within the approach, whether meditation or breathing exercises are being considered, and what rationale is offered for the approach. These questions do not assume that mindfulness will be used or that it will have a particular effect.
Mindfulness Within a Broader Therapy Discussion
The National Institute of Mental Health presents mindfulness and relaxation techniques as part of a broader list of possible psychotherapy elements. Other elements on its list include identifying ways to cope with stress, developing problem-solving strategies, examining interactions with others, tracking emotions and behaviors, and using supportive counseling to explore troubling issues and receive emotional support.
The source does not present psychotherapy as one uniform experience. It states that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches. A conversation with a prospective therapist may therefore include questions about the approach, its rationale, its evidence base, and how therapy may proceed.
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives. Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, is identified as the therapist. The practice provides in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah.
Rooted Integrative Therapy’s FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as the first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. Its Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- What therapy approaches do you use?
- How do you define mindfulness within your approach?
- Are meditation or breathing exercises part of the approach you use?
- What is the rationale for the approach you may use?
- What information can you share about the approach’s evidence base?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mindfulness be part of psychotherapy?
Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy can include mindfulness and relaxation techniques, including meditation and breathing exercises. The source does not state that these techniques are part of every therapy approach.
Is mindfulness the same as meditation?
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes meditation as a variety of mind-and-body practices. It describes mindfulness as present-moment attention or awareness without making judgments.
Are mindfulness practices risk-free?
The cited information does not support a definite safety conclusion. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that these practices are generally considered to have few risks, while noting that some studies have reported negative experiences and that relatively few studies have examined potentially harmful effects.
Can I ask Rooted Integrative Therapy about its services?
Yes. Rooted Integrative Therapy’s Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests. Its FAQs describe a consultation call as an opportunity to ask questions and consider 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
If you would like to ask about Rooted Integrative Therapy’s services or request an appointment, visit the Connect page.
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.