Understanding Mindfulness: An interview with Danielle Sethi
In today's fast-paced world, mindfulness has become a buzzword often associated with yoga and meditation. However, mindfulness encompasses much more than these practices. To shed light on this important topic, we sat down with Danielle Sethi, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Naples, Florida.
With a wealth of experience in helping individuals and couples navigate relationship issues, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation, Danielle offers valuable insights into what mindfulness truly means and how it can be effectively integrated into our daily lives.
In this interview, Danielle discusses common misconceptions about mindfulness, practical strategies for incorporating it into your routine, and the profound impact it can have on mental well-being.
Beatriz:
Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you do. What kind of practice do you have, and who do you like to work with?
Danielle:
Yeah. Thank you. My name is Danielle Sethi. I am trained in marriage and family therapy. I completed the MFT program at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Currently, I am based in Naples and run an online virtual practice. About half of my practice involves working with individuals and the other half with couples. My focus is primarily on relationship issues, wounds, and relational trauma. Alongside these issues, I often address anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation that stem from these relational problems. I work by looking back at family systems to see how past dynamics have created current patterns and how we can adjust things moving forward. That’s what I love to do.
Beatriz:
Nice. Do you have a specific population you work with, or is it all ages?
Danielle:
No, I work with all ages. I actually have a pretty wide range at this point. I’ve only been in practice for about two years, having transitioned from a career in finance. So, I'm still honing in on specific types of issues, but I definitely have a diverse set of clients.
Beatriz:
Great. Today, we’re going to talk about a topic I love and am very passionate about: mindfulness. Mindfulness has become a buzzword lately, often narrowed down to yoga or meditation. What is your definition of mindfulness?
Danielle:
Think of Mindfulness as…
the observation of the present moment without judgment, paying attention to what’s happening around and inside you with kindness and compassion.
I think of mindfulness as the observation of the present moment without judgment. It’s about paying attention to what’s happening around you and inside of you with kindness and compassion. While meditation and yoga are mindful activities, mindfulness can be applied to many things. You can breathe mindfully, walk mindfully, or eat mindfully. It’s about noticing what it’s like to do that particular activity. When you’re walking, you’re aware of walking; when you’re sitting, you’re aware of sitting. Our minds will wander, but mindfulness involves noticing when your mind has wandered and gently bringing it back.
Beatriz:
What would you say to someone who has difficulties with mindfulness because they feel their mind is always busy?
Danielle:
It’s normal for our minds to wander because that’s what our brains do—they assess, think, and make sense of things. The key is to not judge these thoughts. Shift from identifying with your thoughts to observing them. Notice when your mind wanders and gently bring your focus back. It’s a practice like any other, and with time, more space opens up in your awareness.
Beatriz:
Many people expect immediate results from mindfulness and get discouraged when it doesn’t work right away. What other misconceptions about mindfulness have you encountered?
Danielle:
A common misconception is that mindfulness has to be meditation or sitting quietly for a long time. But you can benefit from just a few minutes of mindful activity. It doesn’t have to be a big, time-consuming practice. Even setting a timer for a couple of minutes to scan your body and thoughts can be beneficial.
While meditation and yoga are mindful activities, mindfulness can be applied to many things, like breathing, walking, or eating mindfully, noticing what it's like to do that particular activity, and gently bringing your mind back when it wanders.
Beatriz:
How would you address someone’s resistance to mindfulness even after explaining these misconceptions?
Danielle:
I would validate their feelings first. I understand how it can feel counterintuitive in a productivity-driven culture to sit quietly with your thoughts. Exploring the reasons behind the resistance can be very mindful. Understanding what comes up for you when you try to be mindful—whether it's thoughts you’ve been avoiding or fear of what might surface—is important. These practices help you get connected to yourself, and that’s never a waste of time.
Beatriz:
Exactly. What self-care practices do you engage in to maintain your own mindfulness and well-being?
Danielle:
Yoga is a big part of my daily routine, but I also pay close attention to shifts in my body and energy. For instance, if I feel tension before a call, I try to tune into what my body is signaling. Being mindful of these shifts helps me communicate better in relationships and take care of my needs. It’s about creating space to listen to and understand yourself.
Beatriz:
Noticing those shifts is crucial. Any final thoughts on mindfulness?
Danielle:
Mindfulness offers a wealth of information about ourselves. It doesn’t have to be a big, intimidating practice. Taking it one step at a time and meeting yourself where you’re at is key. It helps you understand your needs and communicate them better in relationships.
Beatriz:
Absolutely. How can people get in touch with you?
Danielle: My website is my name, Danielle Sethi, at www.daniellesethi.com. My Instagram handle is @daniellesethitherapy. My phone number is on my website, and the best way to reach me is through the phone number or by filling out a form on my website.
Beatriz:
Do you offer any free consultations for clients who want to work with you?
Danielle:
Yes, I offer a free 15-minute consultation, which can be booked through my website. I provide one-on-one therapy, couples therapy, and couples intensives.
Beatriz:
Thank you so much for sharing all this valuable information, Danielle.
Danielle:
Thank you for having me and putting this together.
