Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Treatments for Anxiety Disorders

This chapter provides an overview of mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches to treating anxiety and anxiety disorders. A description of these therapeutic approaches is provided, followed by a conceptual/empirically based rationale for applying these approaches to psychotherapy for anxiety. Emphasized are the potential role of (1) cultivating expanded, present-moment focus rather than narrowed, future focus; (2) targeting avoidance of and reactivity to internal experiences; (3) facilitating emotional skills and regulation; and (4) promoting mindful, intended action and approach behavior in the successful treatment of anxiety disorders. This is followed by a review of open trial and randomized controlled trials, as well as experimental and case studies, of mindfulness-and acceptance-based treatments for anxiety disorders. Directions for future research conclude the chapter.