In therapy we take multiple approaches to help our clients grow and heal. And so, it’s not uncommon for a therapist to guide their client through a visualization or meditation as a way to move past anxious thoughts, difficult life events, work on self-esteem and help them gain insight.
Today I am going to give you a sample of one guided meditation I often use with my clients. It’s called the “Loving Kindness Meditation.” The purpose of this meditation is to increase one’s feelings of love, warmth, kindness and compassion for others. It can also help someone who may be struggling with difficult feelings towards a friend or loved one.
This meditation takes a little over 10 minutes, but in office meditations/visualizations can range from 2-20 minutes or more. Typically meditations are not religious in nature, but can, if the client desires, take on a religious tone that is meaningful for them. While most guided meditations are pretty scripted, there is always space to personalize each exercise for the client’s needs.
If you’re interested in trying out this meditation today, I’d suggest you find a comfortable chair in a quiet room and dim the lights some, (but not so much that you fall asleep!).
Once you’re finished with the meditation you might want to reflect or journal on what your experience was. Or you might find you want to talk about it some more – and we’re always here for that!
*This meditation was adapted from Greater Good In Action and Refugee Recovery
