Learn to be fully present, reduce the grip of anxiety and stress, and build a healthier relationship with your thoughts and emotions — through the science of mindfulness.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy refers to a family of evidence-based psychological approaches that use mindfulness — intentional, non-judgmental present-moment awareness — as a core therapeutic tool.
The two most well-researched mindfulness-based therapies are Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), developed to prevent depression relapse. Both are endorsed by leading health organisations worldwide.
Mindfulness is also a core component of ACT and DBT. Rather than trying to eliminate or change difficult thoughts and feelings, mindfulness-based approaches teach you to observe them with curiosity and compassion — reducing their power to control your actions.
Your psychologist will draw on the approach best suited to your needs:
Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts, MBSR is a structured programme teaching formal meditation practices — body scan, sitting meditation, and mindful movement — to reduce stress and improve wellbeing. Widely used for chronic pain, anxiety, and stress-related conditions.
MBCT combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy techniques. Originally developed to prevent depression relapse, it is now recommended by NICE (UK) as a first-line treatment for recurrent depression. It teaches you to recognise early warning signs of depressive episodes and respond with mindful awareness rather than rumination.
Your psychologist will guide you through practices tailored to your needs. Common techniques include:
A guided practice where you systematically direct attention through different parts of the body, noticing sensations without judgment. Builds body awareness and reduces physical tension held from stress and anxiety.
Developing the capacity to observe thoughts, emotions, and sensations as they arise and pass — without getting caught up in them. Builds the “observer” perspective that is central to mindfulness.
Gentle, intentional movement (such as mindful walking or yoga-based stretches) practised with full attention. Reconnects mind and body and is particularly helpful for chronic pain and stress.
Bringing mindful awareness to everyday activities — eating, walking, conversations. Helps integrate mindfulness into daily life so it becomes a natural way of being, not just a formal practice.
Learning to observe thoughts as mental events rather than facts — “I am having the thought that…” This defusion technique reduces the impact of negative self-talk and rumination.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy at The Talk Shop is accessible through a range of funding options:
Medicare Rebates
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP gives you access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year.
Private Health & Self-Funded
Private health extras may apply. Self-funded appointments welcome. View fee schedule
Available in-clinic and via Telehealth. Find your nearest location:
Not at all. Mindfulness-Based Therapy is taught from the ground up. Your psychologist will guide you through every practice, and the goal is not to be “good” at meditation — simply to engage with curiosity and openness.
No. While mindfulness has roots in Buddhist meditation, as practised in psychology it is entirely secular. It is a set of evidence-based skills for paying attention and relating differently to your inner experience.
Many people notice improvements in stress, sleep, and mood within 4–8 weeks of regular practice. Research shows that consistent mindfulness practice literally changes brain structure over time.
For most people, mindfulness reduces anxiety. In some cases, sitting with difficult feelings can feel challenging at first — your psychologist will ensure practices are introduced at a safe pace and adapted to your needs.
Yes — all mindfulness practices adapt well to online delivery. Your psychologist will guide you through body scans, meditations, and other practices just as effectively via Telehealth.
Mindfulness is a core component of several therapies we offer:
Our Melbourne psychologists will guide you with care and expertise. Sessions available in-clinic and via Telehealth.
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