YAEL SCHWEITZER

 

 

 

Schweitzer offers mindful therapy

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2009-01-15T00:00:00

Yael Schweitzer, LCSW, has opened a private practice in mindfulness-based therapy.

Trained at Jerusalem University, Tel Aviv University and the Center for Mindfulness in Boston, Schweitzer offers therapy in both English and Hebrew.

“Over the past 30 years, lots of research has shown improvement in symptoms and overall well being in people who practice meditation and mindfulness,” said Schweitzer.

According to Schweitzer’s brochure, “Mindfulness-based therapy is an approach in which the principles of mindfulness are applied for therapeutic purposes … bringing awareness to every sensation, emotion and thought. … The practice allows a shift from having our mental health defined by the content of our thoughts to having it defined by our relationship to that content—relationship that is supported by developing acceptance and compassion.”

Schweitzer was on the Portland team that developed the Interpersonal Mindfulness program called Insight Dialogue. She has taught 10 sessions of the seven-week program.

“People report improvement in their relationships and ability to speak and listen in a mindful way,” she said.

Schweitzer said she first became interested in relaxation exercises and meditation while working in a mental health clinic and psychiatric hospital in Israel. She said she found the approach very helpful in helping patients sleep.

So, when she and her husband Ronen moved their family to Boston, she took courses at the Center for Mindfulness and the Mind-Body Institute.

The Schweitzers moved to Portland in 2002. Their son Leeor finished eighth grade at Portland Jewish Academy, while daughter Na’ama spent fifth to eighth grade at the Jewish day school.

Schweitzer’s office is located at 1525 NE Weidler St., Suite 101, Portland. She is on the panel or preferred provider list for several of the area’s major insurance companies. She can be reached at 971-404-8249 or mindfultherapy@live.com.