Linda Thomas

Linda Thomas Dip Couns, MBACP Accredited, Mindfulness Practitioner/Teacher

I am a counsellor based in Wiltshire offering counselling to individuals and couples as well as training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).

I offer a supportive, confidential counselling service based on a variety of therapeutic approaches; Person Centred, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, Transactional Analysis (TA) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, MBCT and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, (MBSR).

A mindfulness approach focuses on improving physical and emotional well-being for individuals suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain and alleviating stress related to medical conditions as well as stress related to everyday life.

I have experience working with; stress, anxiety and panic attacks, depression, relationship problems, confidence and low self esteem, bereavement and loss, unhelpful repeated patterns, health problems/serious illness/cancer, parenting issues, eating disorders

Training, Qualifications & Experience

I hold a diploma in therapeutic counselling.
After personally participating in an 8 week MBCT course I learnt how mindfulness could enhance my own life. This enriched experience of life led me to become a mindfulness trainer through Breathworks For Mindfulness where I completed the Breathworks Mindfulness Teacher Training for chronic pain and illness.

I have attended workshops led by Jon Kabat- Zin who established the MBSR programme 30 years ago at the University of Massachusetts Medical Centre.
I have also attended training by Mark Williams who’s team developed the MBCT programme designed specifically to help people who suffer repeated bouts of depression.

By teaching mindfulness I am able to offer something to others which I know can be an invaluable tool, whether for everyday life or in times of crisis.

Practising mindfulness regularly can give people more insight into their emotions, boost their attention and concentration, improving relationships and self esteem.

I have further specialised in mindfulness by attending the MBCT-Ca training, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy For Cancer through Bangor University.

Mindfulness can be achieved through meditation, or by practicing informal mindfulness through daily living. Simply focusing on the present moment and quietening your inner dialogue can help you attain mindfulness. Through increased self awareness of our thoughts, feelings and physical sensations as well as our reactions to life’s problems we begin to notice signs of difficulties/upsets before they happen and choose to respond in a calmer way that helps to reduce the stress of a situation and lead to improved mood.

The benefits of mindfulness include:

•Skillful observation of habitual and reactive patterns
•Improved self esteem
•Manage anxiety, depression, panic more effectively
Manage stressful situations more effectively
•Promotes physical well being; reduced blood pressure, higher immune function, reduction in physical stress responses
•Greater sense of emotional well being
•Inreased self awareness
•Become less reactive to unpleasant experiences
•Better management of chronic pain
•Experience more balance/less emotional ups and downs
•Develop self acceptance

Who benefits from mindfulness?

Research suggests benefits for individuals experiencing:
•Stress
•Depression
•Anxiety
•Chronic pain
•Addictions
•Chronic illness
•Sleep difficulties
•Mood management