Contemplative Therapy in New York & California

Cornell & Associates Marriage and Family Therapy offers contemplative therapy in New York and California, supporting individuals, couples, and families through a mindful approach to healing and personal growth. Mindfulness-based work is incorporated into therapy to help clients build greater self-awareness, emotional balance, and a stronger connection to themselves and their relationships.

In-person therapy is available in New York, NY and San Diego, CA, along with secure online therapy for clients across New York State and California. This approach supports clients in moving forward with greater clarity, intention, and compassion.

Contemplative Therapy

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 individual 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?

Cornell & Associates Marriage and Family Therapy offers contemplative therapy in New York, NY, and California, with both individual and couples sessions available. This approach can be especially helpful for:

  • Individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression
  • Couples seeking stronger communication and emotional connection
  • People navigating grief, loss, or major life transitions
  • Those looking to deepen self-awareness and personal or spiritual growth

A supportive, nonjudgmental space is provided to help clients explore emotions and patterns with greater curiosity, patience, and self-compassion.

Divorce Mediation

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

How Contemplative Therapy Works

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

Clients are taught 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. Body-awareness techniques, including breathwork and guided visualization, are integrated 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. Clients are encouraged 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, clients are guided 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

Finding time for therapy can be challenging, which is why flexible options are available for clients:

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

No matter where clients are located, therapy is focused on helping them 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

Contemplative therapy is offered to support individuals and couples developing emotional resilience, self-awareness, and deeper connections. Whether the goal is to reduce stress, strengthen relationships, or navigate personal challenges with greater clarity, clients are supported through a thoughtful and grounded approach to care. With in-person sessions available in New York, NY, and San Diego, CA, as well as remote therapy for residents across New York and California, getting started is made simple and accessible.

Take the first step toward greater peace, awareness, and emotional well-being by reaching out today to schedule a consultation.