Articles
Counseling and Values recommends Meditation
by Priti Kumar meditation techniquesAn article in the
journal Counseling
and Values presents other techniques, including Meditation. Based on scientific
studies that provide evidence for positive effects, the presented techniques
are judged to be promising and useful. Common effects include relaxation,
stress reduction and the reduction of negative psychological states, such as
depression and anxiety.
According to the authors, a broader selection of meditation
techniques would make it easier to find methods that fit the individual
client’s needs. This would strengthen their motivation to practice the
technique systematically over time. Some specifically wish for a non-religious
method, while others prefer a spiritual or religious technique. The focus of
the article is to present techniques that are not yet as widely known in the US
as mindfulness and TM.
Well-documented
and secular
Meditation Techniques is
decribed as a well-documented method, based on scientific studies, mainly
within the area of biomedical research. The authors would also like to see
studies of Meditation techniques that include self-reports, i.e. where the
participants complete forms that are commonly used in research. This would make
it easier to compare with the results from studies of other techniques.
Nevertheless, the article maintains that “the extant literature on meditation
provides empirical support for its use with clients”. Actually, a study of Meditation
based on self-reports is actually currently being conducted in Norway, and the
results are expected to be available soon.
Meditation may be categorized in various ways. Goleman claims
that all techniques increase mindfulness and attention. Certain characteristics
distinguish between techniques, and these may represent important nuances in
the meditator’s practice. The three method presented in the article are Jyoti
meditation og Centering Prayer, both of which have religious or spiritual
aspects, and Meditation, which is described as “a form of secular meditation
grounded in psychological research”. The article concludes that “if a client
comes from a nonspiritual background or is adverse to spiritual perspectives, meditation
may be appropriate in that it does not adhere to any religious or spiritual
beliefs or practices”.
Wider
selection
A considerable change has taken place in the attitude to
meditation, from a predominantly sceptical attitude in the 1930s to a mainly positive
attitude nowadays. Meditation has obtained an established position in the
social sciences. Significant effects are documented for those who practice a
method, according to the authors. Counselors want to provide suitable
techniques for their clients, consistent with the clients’ wishes. They need a
wider selection than the few techniques that are most widely used.
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About Priti Kumar 
meditation techniques
0 connections, 0 recommendations, 4 honor points.Joined APSense since, May 3rd, 2016, From Mumbai, India.
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