Craig Schollenberger, counselor and licensed clinical social worker—with over 170 hours of training in the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) technique—believes that quieting the mind awakens the heart, and he shares this while counseling clients, as well as during mindfulness training classes. He guides others to cultivate mindfulness by practicing meditation while paying attention to breathing, which in turn empowers people to be in charge of their own lives.

Inspired by Jon Kabat-Zinn, author and mindfulness trainer, Schollenberger emphasizes the importance of being present. “Being present means purposefully quieting the mind so that unnecessary chatter can be removed and life can be what it was intended to be—enjoyed,” he enthuses.

“One of the purposes of meditation is to settle the chatter in the brain,” explains Schollenberger. “Mindfulness empowers people to reprioritize in order to save the self by taking care of the self. It creates efficiency of time, boosts the immune system and better prepares people to live in the world as it is now. Mindfulness creates positive energy.”

He offers mindfulness training at his office, or in the workplace or home of interested clients. Attending MBSR classes provides an opportunity to discover its history as well as its benefits. MBSR is rooted in a tradition that is thousands of years old, and has been carefully studied and documented since 1979. MBSR has been shown to support people in their efforts to lead a balanced life, respond differently to stress, and improve sleep, physical well-being and emotional difficulties.

Mindfulness can reduce sick days and employee stress while improving efficiency, creativity and relationships with employees and customers. The training can also improve physical health, emotional well-being and relationships. Focused meditation—sitting in silence—empowers people to have enriching relationships with others because silence has nurtured the giving part of the human spirit.

Additional services include complementary and alternative counseling sessions for individuals, couples, families and groups. Topics consist of, but are not limited to, clinical issues—such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, borderline personality disorder or history of trauma—developmental disabilities and life planning including vocational goals, relationships, stress reduction and wellness.

“It is important to me that people who come for counseling feel comfortable, knowing they can talk about anything in their life—because one of the primary benefits of talking with a licensed clinician is ethical, respectful treatment. Anything disclosed is kept in confidence. A clients’ thoughts on how the process should work are honored,” assures Schollenberger.

Location: 4 Park Plaza, Ste. 371, Wyomissing. For more information, call 484-474-0984, email [email protected] or [email protected] or visit CraigSchollenberger.com and MindfulnessInReadingAndBerks.com