Contemplative Therapy in New York, NY, and California

A Mindful Approach to Healing and Growth

At Cornell & Associates Marriage and Family Therapy, we believe that healing is more than just addressing challenges: it’s about cultivating awareness, balance, and presence in your daily life. That’s why our contemplative therapy in New York, NY, and California integrates mindfulness-based practices with traditional therapeutic approaches, creating a space for deep reflection and transformation. So whether you are navigating personal struggles, relationship challenges, or simply seeking greater clarity and emotional well-being, contemplative therapy offers a unique, holistic approach to healing.

In addition, we also provide in-person sessions in New York, NY, and San Diego, CA, as well as remote therapy for individuals, couples, and families across New York State and California. Through this approach, we help clients develop a deeper connection with themselves and their relationships, allowing them to engage in life with more intention and compassion.

What is Contemplative Therapy?

Contemplative therapy is a therapeutic approach that combines mindfulness, meditation, and self-inquiry with evidence-based psychological techniques. Rooted in Buddhist philosophy and Western psychology, this practice encourages clients to cultivate a sense of inner stillness, self-awareness, and acceptance, which can lead to profound personal and relational growth.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which often focuses on problem-solving, contemplative therapy helps individuals:

  • Develop greater emotional resilience
  • Cultivate self-compassion and acceptance
  • Explore thoughts and emotions without judgment
  • Build stronger connections with themselves and others
  • Reduce stress and anxiety through mindfulness practices

This form of therapy is particularly effective for those who feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges and are looking for a way to navigate their emotions with clarity and grace.

Who Can Benefit from Contemplative Therapy?

We offer marriage and family contemplative therapy in New York, NY, and California, as well as individual sessions, helping clients work through a range of emotional and relational challenges. Contemplative therapy is ideal for:

  • Individuals struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression
  • Couples looking to improve communication and emotional connection
  • Families navigating conflict, transitions, or disconnection
  • People experiencing grief, loss, or major life changes
  • Those wanting to deepen their self-awareness and spiritual growth

Our therapists provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space, helping you explore emotions and behaviors with curiosity, patience, and self-compassion.

Divorce Mediation

“Suffering is not holding you, you are holding suffering” (Buddha)

How Contemplative Therapy Works

Our contemplative therapy sessions combine mindfulness-based practices, guided reflection, and experiential exercises to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.

1. Mindfulness and Presence

We teach clients how to cultivate present-moment awareness, allowing them to observe their thoughts, feelings, and reactions without becoming overwhelmed. This practice helps individuals respond rather than react, leading to healthier interactions and emotional balance.

2. Compassion-Based Approaches

Self-judgment and criticism can often stand in the way of healing. Contemplative therapy encourages self-compassion, helping clients develop a gentler, more accepting relationship with themselves.

3. Somatic Awareness

Many emotional struggles manifest as tension and discomfort in the body. We integrate body-awareness techniques, including breathwork and guided visualization, to help clients release stored stress and develop a greater connection to their physical and emotional experiences.

4. Deep Listening and Reflection

Unlike traditional therapy models focused solely on problem-solving, contemplative therapy emphasizes deep listening and self-inquiry. We encourage clients to explore their emotions with openness and curiosity, allowing them to uncover patterns, beliefs, and insights that contribute to their overall well-being.

5. Integrating Mindfulness into Daily Life

Beyond the therapy session, we guide clients in bringing mindfulness and self-awareness into their everyday routines, helping them manage stress, strengthen relationships, and cultivate lasting inner peace.

In-Person and Online Therapy Options

We understand that finding time for therapy can be challenging, which is why we offer flexible options for our clients:

  • In-Person Therapy: Available at our offices in New York, NY, and San Diego, CA for those who prefer face-to-face interaction.
  • Online Therapy: We provide virtual therapy sessions for residents across New York State and California, allowing clients to receive support from anywhere in their region, whether they’re in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, or the Bay Area.

No matter where you are, our therapists are committed to helping you develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and a deeper connection to life.

FAQ: Contemplative Therapy in New York, NY, and California

Traditional therapy often focuses on analyzing past experiences and solving specific problems. Contemplative therapy, on the other hand, emphasizes mindfulness, present-moment awareness, and self-inquiry, helping clients cultivate a more profound sense of emotional and psychological balance.

Yes. Contemplative therapy is particularly effective for individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, and depression, as it helps them develop tools to observe and manage their emotions without becoming overwhelmed.

While contemplative therapy incorporates mindfulness principles rooted in Buddhist philosophy, it is not religious. It is a secular, evidence-based approach that can be adapted to fit each client’s personal beliefs and preferences.

Traditional therapy often focuses on analyzing past experiences and solving specific problems. Contemplative therapy, on the other hand, emphasizes mindfulness, present-moment awareness, and self-inquiry, helping clients cultivate a more profound sense of emotional and psychological balance.

Each client’s journey is unique, and progress depends on individual goals and experiences. Many clients begin noticing benefits within a few sessions, while others engage in ongoing therapy for deeper personal growth.

Find Balance and Healing with Contemplative Therapy

At Cornell & Associates Marriage and Family Therapy, we’re truly dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families develop emotional resilience, self-awareness, and deeper connections through contemplative therapy. That means that whether you’re looking to reduce stress, strengthen relationships, or navigate personal challenges with greater clarity, our experienced therapists are here to support you. And with in-person sessions in New York, NY, and San Diego, CA, as well as remote therapy for residents across New York and California, we make it easy for you to get started.

So don’t wait: take the first step toward greater peace, awareness, and emotional well-being. Just reach out and contact us today to schedule your consultation.