The Use of Mindfulness in the Practice of Recovery Coaching

Recovery Coaching Project

July 24, 2013

Awareness

My recovery was greatly impacted by mindfulness…

The Healing Power of Mindfulness

Helped me in my own recoveryIncreased self esteem, self acceptanceHelps people see another way and gives them tools

“A way of paying attention:on purpose,in the present moment,non-judgementally” Jon Kabat-

Zinn

Integrates mindfulness practices with relapse prevention

Based on 8 sessions

Components of session:• Formal mindfulness practice• Informal practice• Coping strategies

Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention

Increase awareness of triggers, interrupting habitual reactive behaviors

Shift from “automatic pilot” to mindful observation and response

Mindfulness Recovery Intentions

Increase tolerance to discomfort thereby decreasing the need to use or self medicate

Acceptance of present moment experiences instead of focusing on the next “fix”

Mindfulness Recovery Intentions

Body Scan - becoming aware of: Physical sensationsUrges & cravings

Sitting MeditationFocused awareness (breath)Body, emotion, and thought awareness

Walking Meditation

Imagery based Meditation

Mindfulness Recovery Practices

S Stop: pause wherever you areO Observe: what is happening in your body &

mindB Breathe: bring focus to the breath as an

anchor to help focus and stay presentE Expand: awareness to your whole body &

surroundingsR Respond: mindfully vs. “automatically”

“SOBER” Breathing Space

Riding the wave, rather than giving into the urge and being wiped out by it.

Urge Surfing

Staying with the urge as it grows in intensity, riding it to its peak. Using the breath to stay steady as it rises and crests, knowing it will subside.

Urge Surfing

Trusting that without any action on your part, all the waves of desire, like waves on the ocean, arise and eventually fade away.

Urge Surfing

Adapted from Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn

Increases mind and body awareness

Unconscious thoughts, feelings and behaviors can undermine the recovery process

8 Sessions or “Themes”

1: Automatic pilot and relapse2: Awareness of triggers and cravings3: Mindfulness in daily life

Present Moment Centered Themes

4: Mindfulness in high-risk situations5: Balancing acceptance and action

Mindfulness and Relapse Themes

6: Thoughts as just thoughts7: Self-care and lifestyle balance8: Building support networks and continuing

practice

Creating a Balanced Life Themes

Decreased substance abuseIncreased awareness and acceptanceReduced cravingsImpacts addictive relapses

Mindfulness Results

Mindfulness is applicable for any recovery

Recovery Through Balance

Contact Information:

Phone (608) 215-7123Website: www.janebartels.comLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/janebartels

Resources:Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare, and Society

Sarah Bowen, Neha Chawla, Alan Marlatt

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Addictive Behaviors

Thank You