About Merge

On what does Merge Programs believes, our philosophy:

Mindfulness-Based Stress Management – What is it? 

There is a growing body of research demonstrating the positive impacts that mindfulness-based therapies can have on psychological wellbeing across the lifespan.  Firstly, however, let’s be clear on what mindfulness is, and as importantly, what it is not.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Programs (MBCP) are derived from the meditation practices of Buddhist philosophy.  The evidence base for mindfulness dates back to the late ’70s.  One key U.S. theoretician in this field is  Jon Kabat-Zinn from University of Massachusetts Medical School.  Kabat-Zinn has popularised the neuropsychological value of meditation.  In brief, mindfulness aims to promote “the intentional self-regulation of attention so that it remains focused on present moment experiences (i.e. thoughts and feelings) as they arise.  The second component is an attitude of openness, acceptance, and curiosity toward whatever arises.” (Baer, 2014)

Unfortunately, as is often the case with effective therapeutic frameworks, MBCP has also been misinterpreted as a means of achieving relaxation and calm and eliminating stress reactions.  While this is often a side effect, it is not the goal.  The goal of MBCPs is to allow the individual to observe thoughts and feelings without judgment.  It is a cognitive processing and attentional skill which, when practiced, allows an individual to find enough mental space to make choices promoting functional coping.  My definition of mental space is that teeny weeny period of time between thought and action, during which we are empowered to choose our behavior rather than immediately reacting with an explosive expression of emotion.  Mental space allows us to regulate emotion and is a key skill that children and adults need to self-manage.

Merge Programs runs structured group sessions to develop and implement Mindfulness-Based cognitive practices.