At Leone Centre, we offer experiential Mindfulness sessions to support emotional wellbeing. Mindfulness is a thoughtful, evidence-based approach, grounded in presence, self-awareness, and compassion.
Our Mindfulness sessions are held and facilitated by one of our highly experienced therapists, Cristina Lorefice, who blends experiential mindfulness-based techniques with therapeutic practice.
Mindfulness sessions are available to both individuals and couples.
For individuals, Mindfulness supports a better understanding of oneself and helps to develop a more balanced and resilient way of being. This can be especially useful during times of emotional challenge or to support improved general emotional wellbeing.
Couples sessions can help couples to better understand themselves, overcome challenges, and relate to one another in a more balanced, resilient, and compassionate way.
Available sessions for individuals and couples:
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach. It combines traditional CBT methods... More about this therapy
- Mindful Eating
- Mindful Laughter
On This Page
- What is Mindfulness?
- Who can benefit from Mindfulness Sessions?
- What is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)?
- Mindful Eating Therapy
- Who can benefit from Mindful Eating?
- Mindful Laughter Therapy
- Who can benefit from Mindful Laughter?
- Guided Meditation
- Mindfulness Counselling with Cristina Lorefice
- Session Information
- Session Details
- Why Choose Mindfulness Therapy?
- Book a Mindfulness Session with Cristina Lorefice
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is often misunderstood as “switching off” or emptying the mind, but in reality, it is something much more meaningful and transformative.
At its core, mindfulness is the practice of bringing awareness to the present moment, without judgment. It involves noticing your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations as they arise without trying to suppress, fix, or avoid them.
Rather than getting caught up in cycles of worry about the future or rumination about the past, mindfulness helps you step back and observe your inner experience with curiosity and clarity.
Cristina Lorefice often describes the mind as being like a “chatty monkey”, constantly jumping between thoughts. Mindfulness offers a way to gently anchor your attention (for example, through the breath or body), allowing you to observe rather than be overwhelmed.
This shift from reacting automatically to responding consciously can be deeply therapeutic.
Cristina integrates mindfulness through Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MBCBT/MBCT), combining present-moment awareness with an understanding of how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours interact.
Who can benefit from Mindfulness Sessions?
Mindfulness can be very helpful if you are experiencing:
- Stress, overwhelm, and burnout
- Anxiety and worry
- Depression and low mood
- Emotional regulation difficulties
- Relationship challenges
- Disordered eating or other eating-related concerns
- Overthinking or rumination
- Improving self-awareness and resilience
What is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)?
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices. It helps you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, while learning not to get caught up in them or automatically react.
Instead of trying to challenge every negative thought, MBCT supports you in recognising thoughts as mental events rather than facts. This creates space to respond more calmly and intentionally, rather than being driven by habitual patterns like worry or rumination.
Through consistent practice, mindfulness can support meaningful and lasting change. Some of the key benefits of MBCT include:
- Greater awareness of thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations
- Reduced overthinking and rumination
- Improved emotional regulation, with less reactivity and more choice
- Increased ability to stay present, grounded, and focused
- Greater self-compassion and a less critical relationship with yourself
- Stronger resilience and better coping with stress, anxiety, and low mood
- Increased insight and clarity
- Healthier, more connected relationships
- A deeper appreciation of everyday life
Mindful Eating Therapy
Mindful eating is a compassionate, awareness-based approach to your relationship with food.
Rather than focusing on restriction or control, mindful eating helps you:
- Reconnect with hunger and fullness cues
- Notice emotional triggers around eating
- Develop a more balanced, non-judgemental relationship with food
- Increase awareness of habits and patterns
Who can benefit from Mindful Eating?
This approach can be particularly supportive for individuals experiencing
- Emotional eating
- Food addiction
- Disordered eating
- A sense of disconnection from their body
- Digestion issues associated with eating too quickly
Mindful Laughter Therapy
Laughter therapy is a unique and powerful mindfulness-based practice.
Rather than relying on humour, it involves intentionally engaging in the physical act of laughter, while bringing awareness to:
- Breath
- Body sensations
- Emotional shifts
This can help to:
- Interrupt negative thought patterns
- Release tension
- Improve mood
- Reconnect you with a sense of lightness and vitality
Cristina may also combine laughter with breathing techniques to support emotional regulation and shift mental states.
Who can benefit from Mindful Laughter?
- People experiencing stress, burnout, or anxiety
- Individuals with chronic conditions or illness
- Older adults, including those living with Dementia
- People in high-pressure or demanding jobs (e.g., healthcare workers, teachers, corporate professionals)
- Anyone looking to improve mood, wellbeing, and social connection
Guided Meditation
Guided meditation is a mindfulness-based practice used within all Mindfulness services. Cristina, our highly experienced therapist, leads the individual or couple through a structured mental exercise using verbal cues, imagery, and breathing techniques.
This process helps focus attention, become more aware of our thoughts and emotions, and develop a sense of calm and clarity.
Mindfulness Counselling with Cristina Lorefice
As a BACP-accredited therapist with over 15 years of professional experience, Cristina has dedicated her career to helping individuals and couples work through their emotional challenges.
Cristina’s approach to Mindfulness is:
- Integrative and Fluid – combining a range of approaches to support each unique client
- Experiential – mindfulness is practised, not just discussed
- Flexible and tailored – adapted to your needs and comfort
- Grounded in real life – not limited to meditation, but integrated into everyday experience
- Compassion-focused – encouraging a kinder relationship with yourself
Mindfulness is never imposed. It is offered as a gentle invitation, explored collaboratively and at your pace.
Learn more about Cristina Lorefice in her profile.
Read Cristina’s blog, “Why I Use Mindfulness in Counselling: A Therapist’s Perspective”
https://www.leonecentre.com/blog/mental-health/mindfulness-in-counselling/
Session Information
Mindful Eating, Mindful Laughter, and Mindfulness (MBCT) sessions are available online via Zoom with Cristina Lorefice.
The sessions are suitable for:
Individuals
50-minute one-to-one sessions using mindfulness-based therapeutic tools, focused on your personal goals, whether that’s managing anxiety, improving emotional wellbeing, or developing a healthier relationship with yourself.
Couples
50-minute sessions designed to help partners build stronger communication, deepen understanding, and explore challenges together using mindfulness-based tools.
Session Details
Please find below the session information for our Mindfulness (MBCT), Mindful Eating, and Mindful Laughter:
- Session length: 50 minutes
- Format: Online via Zoom
- Fees: £125 for Individuals and £140 for couples
- Suitable for individuals and couples; however, we recommend booking Mindful Laughter for couples, as sessions are more effective with more participants sharing the joyful energy.
- Session Structure: We recommend a set of 6 sessions for both individuals and couples for all session types.
Why Choose Mindfulness Therapy?
Mindfulness is not about eliminating difficult thoughts or feelings. Instead, it’s about changing your relationship with them. Through this work, you can:
- Feel more grounded and present
- Respond rather than react
- Build a more compassionate relationship with yourself
- Improve emotional and relational wellbeing
- Improve mood and emotional regulation
- Overcome issues such as anxiety, depression and disordered eating
Book a Mindfulness Session with Cristina Lorefice
If you’re interested in exploring mindfulness counselling with Cristina Lorefice, we’d be happy to help you get started.
Contact us today to book an appointment or learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will I need?
We recommend a set of 6 sessions for both individuals and couples for all services (Mindfulness (MBCT), Mindful Eating, and Mindful Laughter).
Is online therapy secure and confidential?
Yes, reputable individual and marriage online therapy providers prioritise client confidentiality and implement strict security measures to protect your personal information. Choosing a licensed and reputable provider is crucial to ensure the highest level of privacy and security.
Can mindfulness help with both individual and relationship issues?
Yes. Mindfulness counselling can support personal growth, emotional regulation, and stress management in individuals. It can also help couples improve communication, deepen understanding, and navigate challenges together.
What can I expect during a mindfulness session?
Sessions are interactive and practical. You may engage in guided meditation, mindfulness exercises, or reflective discussion. The focus is on bringing awareness to your thoughts, emotions, and body in a safe, supportive environment.
What is mindful eating therapy and who is it for?
Mindful eating therapy helps you develop a balanced, compassionate relationship with food. It can benefit anyone struggling with emotional eating, disordered eating, or feeling disconnected from their body.
What is laughter therapy and how does it work?
Mindful laughter therapy uses intentional laughter combined with mindfulness practices. It can improve mood, release tension, and help you reconnect with a sense of lightness and vitality.
Can I combine mindfulness counselling with other therapies?
Yes. Mindfulness counselling can complement other therapeutic approaches. Cristina can integrate mindfulness with existing therapy goals, such as CBT, relationship therapy, or general mental health support.
