Elise E. Labbé - Psychology moment by moment: a guide to enhancing your clinical practice with mindfulness and meditation

I had the pleasure of meeting Elise Labb so long ago I am sure neither of us wishes to remember exactly when. Although I cannot remember the date, I vividly recall my first impressions of her, which have endured. Here was a bright, talented scientist-scholar; someone more mature than her young age would suggest; someone who would be going places. At that time, we were engaged in similar research endeavors, and that alone might have accounted for my interest in following her work and budding career. However, there was more than that. I was witnessing her growing in stature, expanding her reach, and accomplishing more than is typical in the academic setting. Our research interests have diverged somewhat over the years, and our paths no longer cross as often as I wish. When she and her publisher asked me to prepare a foreword for this text, my answer was an enthusiastic yes. Here was my chance to catch up with her current work. The timing could have been better. I had just accepted a new position at the University of Memphis and was busy wrapping up my term as president of a national scientific society. For anyone else, I would have had to decline. In fact, I tried to convince myself to pass on this opportunity. But, for Professor Labb, I simply had no choice. And having read this text, it is clear I made the right choice. I predict with confidence that readers will feel likewise.

Why am I so enthusiastic about her book? Why could I not put it down? Here are just a few of the reasons. In many academic endeavors, scientists do science and practitioners do practice, and never the twain shall meet. Neither group seems to fully appreciate or understand the other. Each camp has well-articulated reasons for staying within the safe confines of their boundaries. Professor Labb, thankfully, is a member of a new group of professionals, a group that firmly believes these two camps must meet around the campfireno, not singing Kumbaya and pretending differences do not exist, but discussing these differences, learning from one another, translating the findings of science to effective practice, and seeking feedback from those in practice to make sure the translations reflect what the practitioners believe is truly important. Professionals who are likely to be most successful in bridging these camps are people like Professor Labb, who is deeply familiar with the science as well as the practice. She knows what the science says to do and she knows how to implement the science in real-world settings. Further, she has that unique gift of being able to instruct in a way that is understandable to people at all levels. Mindfulness and related approaches are quite popular, and books abound. Many begin with the premise This is what I believe or This is what I have found works. Professor Labb takes a refreshing approach, going where the science takes her.

As a child, I remember elders telling me things like Stop and smell the roses and The journey is more important than the destination. All of this sounded nice. How could anyone disagree with that advice? Yet, no one could answer my question about how this was best accomplished. Well, after reading this book, you will have lots of answers, answers grounded in science and tempered with Professor Labbs wealth of clinical experience. My intent in this foreword is only to whet your appetite. I leave it to Professor Labb to serve up the dishes. Savor the chapters to come. You certainly will not regret itand you may just learn things of value not only to the clients you serve but to yourself as well.