MindShift Therapy Tip June 5: A Practical Guide

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Ready to try the June 5 MindShift tip in your next session? It’s a simple, evidence‑based move that can shift how you feel in minutes. Below you’ll get the exact steps, ways to adapt it for video calls, and a quick demo video.

Understanding the June 5 MindShift Therapy Tip

The June 5 tip asks clients to pause, notice a physical sensation, and label the feeling in one sentence. It roots in CBT’s focus on present‑moment awareness and helps break the cycle of rumination. By naming the feeling, the brain gets a cue to step back from automatic thoughts.

Research shows that brief labeling of emotions can reduce amygdala activity and lower stress hormones. Wikipedia’s entry on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy explains how this “cognitive labeling” fits into larger therapeutic goals.

In practice, a therapist might say, “Notice the tightness in your chest, and call it ‘anxiety.’” The client then breathes, acknowledges the label, and moves forward with a coping tool.

Key Takeaway: Naming a feeling in the moment creates a mental pause that can stop a spiral.

MindShift Psychological Services uses this tip in both office and virtual settings, tailoring the pause to each client’s comfort level. For more on virtual options, see the Virtual Psychotherapy CA: A Resource Guide that outlines secure platforms and state licensing.

A warm therapy room with a client and therapist sitting across from each other, the therapist gently guiding the client to notice a breath, realistic style, natural lighting. Alt: therapist helping client label a feeling in a session

Step‑by‑Step: Implement the June 5 Tip in Your Session

Start with a calm environment. Turn off distractions, dim the lights if you can, and ask the client to sit comfortably.

Step 1: Pause. Say, “Let’s take a three‑second pause together.” Count silently with the client. This short stillness signals the brain to shift gears.

Step 2: Notice. Prompt the client, “What physical sensation are you feeling right now?” Typical answers include a tight chest, clenched jaw, or quickened heartbeat.

Step 3: Label. Guide them to put the sensation into words: “That feels like anxiety.” Keep the label brief, one sentence is enough.

Step 4: Breathe. Invite a slow inhale through the nose, hold for two seconds, then exhale slowly. Repeat twice.

By now you should have a clear, labeled feeling and a calming breath pattern in place. The client can then move to the next coping strategy, such as a grounding exercise.

Evidence from a 2020 NIH study shows that brief mindfulness pauses, like the one in this tip, improve emotional regulation during therapy sessions. National Institutes of Health research confirms the benefit.

Adapting the Tip for Telehealth and Remote Sessions

Virtual sessions add a layer of technology, but the core steps stay the same. Begin by checking that both you and the client have a stable video connection and a quiet space.

Ask the client to place their camera at eye level. This mimics face‑to‑face eye contact and helps them feel seen.

When you reach the pause, use a visual cue on screen, like a gentle hand‑raised emoji or a countdown timer, so the client knows when to pause.

For the notice step, encourage the client to place a hand on their chest or belly. The tactile sense reinforces the internal feeling they’re tracking.

Labeling works well over video because you can see facial expressions that hint at the feeling. If the client hesitates, repeat the prompt slowly and give them a moment to reflect.

A therapist on a laptop screen smiling, with a client in a cozy home office, both focusing on a shared breathing exercise, realistic style. Alt: telehealth session demonstrating the June 5 tip

MindShift Psychological Services offers a dedicated telehealth portal that meets California privacy standards, making it easy to share the pause cue and visual timers securely.

Watch: Therapist Demonstrates the June 5 Technique

Seeing the tip in action can clear up any confusion. Below is a short video where a MindShift therapist walks through each step with a client.

After watching, try the steps yourself in the next session. If you need more guidance, the therapist in the video also shares a printable worksheet.

For a deeper look at how video‑based therapy can match in‑person effectiveness, check out the American Psychological Association’s overview of telehealth.

FAQ

What exactly is the June 5 MindShift tip?

The tip is a three‑step pause: pause, notice a bodily sensation, and label the feeling in one sentence. It helps break rumination by creating a mental break.

Can I use the tip if I’m new to therapy?

Yes. The tip is simple enough for beginners, and therapists at MindShift Psychological Services introduce it early to build self‑awareness.

How long should each pause last?

Three seconds is enough to signal a shift without disrupting the session flow. After the pause, two slow breaths reinforce calm.

Is the tip effective for anxiety?

Research shows that naming emotions reduces anxiety spikes. The brief labeling step gives the brain a cue to move from fight‑or‑flight to a calmer state.

Do I need special equipment for telehealth?

No special gear is required, just a device with video capability, a quiet space, and a stable internet connection. MindShift’s telehealth portal handles encryption.

Will this tip work for children?

Therapists can adapt the language, using simpler words like “tight tummy” instead of “anxiety,” making it child‑friendly.

Conclusion

Try the June 5 MindShift tip in your next session to give clients a quick, grounding tool they can use anytime. Book a slot with MindShift Psychological Services and practice the three steps before your next appointment.

Pro Tip: If the client struggles to name the feeling, suggest a simple list (e.g., anxiety, sadness, excitement) and let them pick the closest match.