.png)
One of our approaches
Mindfulness-Based Interventions
Mindfulness-based approaches are structured programs, like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, that use simple practices to change how you relate to stress, worry, and difficult emotions.
The goal isn’t an empty mind. It’s a little more room between a feeling and what you do next.
How it works
The idea behind it
A lot of anxiety and rumination (going over the same thoughts again and again) comes from getting pulled into the past or the future, or reacting on autopilot to uncomfortable feelings the moment they show up. Mindfulness practices train your attention to notice what’s actually happening right now: thoughts, feelings, body sensations. You learn to do that without immediately reacting to it, judging it, or trying to fix it.
Over time, with repeated practice, this creates a small gap between a feeling and your reaction to it. That’s enough space to respond on purpose instead of on autopilot. It’s less about clearing your mind of thoughts, and more about changing how you relate to whatever thoughts show up.
In session
What a session looks like
You’ll learn specific practices, like breath awareness, body scans, or watching thoughts go by without getting caught up in them. These usually start with guided practice together in session, so you know what it’s actually meant to feel like, not just the theory.
These are typically paired with brief daily practice between sessions. Mindfulness is a skill that builds with repetition, like physical exercise. Your clinician will also help you apply these skills to specific situations that come up in your week, like noticing anxiety building and staying with it briefly, rather than immediately trying to escape or push it down.
Frequently asked questions
Is this covered by insurance?
The approach doesn’t change the coverage. Most extended health plans cover sessions with a Registered Counselling Therapist or Registered Social Worker. Call the number on your benefits card and ask. We bill most major insurers directly, so you only pay what your plan doesn’t cover; otherwise you get a receipt after every session.
How many sessions will it take?
It depends on you and what you’re working on. By session two you’ll have a written plan, and every few sessions we check in with the same short questions so you can see what’s changing. You can stop at any time.
Does it work online?
Yes. We offer every approach in person in Dartmouth and by secure video anywhere in Nova Scotia. If one of them works better in person, we’ll tell you.
Does it cost more?
No. Whichever approach we use, it’s included in your standard session fee. See fees and insurance.
Ready when you are.
You don’t need to choose an approach before you book. That’s our job, together with you, in the first two sessions.