Meditation and psychotherapy: a rationale for the integration of dynamic psychotherapy, the relaxation response, and mindfulness meditation

Authors
I Kutz, J Z Borysenko, H Benson
Publication
The American Journal of Psychiatry
Abstract

A framework for the integration of meditation and psychotherapy is presented through a consideration of the psychobiological nature of meditation (the relaxation response) and discussion of a traditional meditation practice (mindfulness meditation) as an effective cognitive technique for the development of self-awareness. The mechanisms by which the emotional and cognitive changes of meditation can be of therapeutic value are explored and the synergistic advantages of the combination of psychotherapy and meditation are discussed.

Related Listings
Biofeedback and relaxation-response training in...
Authors
D W Fentress, B J Masek, J E Mehegan, H Benson
Journal
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
·
To assess the efficacy of electromyographic biofeedback, relaxation-response training and pain behavior management as a treatment for pediatric migraine, we studied 18 children between the ages of eight and 12 years (mean = 10 X 1) in a prospective, randomized, controlled investigation. Six patients received all three treatment procedures, six received relaxation-response training and pain behavior management, and the remaining six constituted a waiting-list control group. All patient […]
Psychological improvement in infertile women af...
Authors
Alice D. Domar, Ph.D., Patricia C. Zuttermeister, M.A., Machalle Seibel, M.D., Herbert Benson, M.D.
Journal
Fertility and Sterility
·
Objective: To replicate previously reported psychological improvements in infertile women attending a group behavioral treatment program. Design: Psychological and demographic data were collected before entering and again upon completion of a behavioral medicine program on a second cohort of patients. Setting: The program was offered in the Division of Behavioral Medicine, an outpatient clinic of the Department of Medicine at New England Deaconess Hospital. All patients were receivi […]
Relaxation response may reduce blood pressure b...
Authors
Towia Liebermann, Manoj Bhasin, Herbert Benson
Journal
AAAS Eureka Alert
Researchers identified genes and biological pathways linked to immune regulation, metabolism, and circadian rhythm in people who reduced their hypertension after eight-week relaxation response training