A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse with a master's or doctoral degree. Recognized by the California Association of Nurse Practitioners (CANP), NPs in California, licensed by the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), undergo additional education and training. Their role extends beyond traditional nurses, allowing them to assess, evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients.
In California, NPs can prescribe tests, medications, and rehabilitation treatments. They also counsel and educate patients on health maintenance. To achieve this, NPs must complete an accredited NP program and obtain certification from the BRN through board certifications. You may verify a nurse practitioner’s board certification status by checking here .
A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specializes in psychiatry and mental health. PMHNPs share foundational NP responsibilities but focus on managing psychiatric ailments through medication and psychotherapy.
A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) undergoes extra training to provide primary health care services to all age groups. FNPs address diverse needs across life stages and health conditions.
Theresa Johnson, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
What is a Nurse Practitioner?A PMHNP? An FNP?
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness offers the valuable ability to step back from emotions, label them, and allow the mind and body time to process situations where a particular behavior may or may not be warranted. I have personally embraced mindfulness since 2012, incorporating practices such as yoga, nightly hypnosis for better sleep, and a brief 3-minute morning meditation to kickstart the day. While my mindfulness practice isn't flawless, and I'm not fully aware all the time, I've found that during overwhelming moments, I can create distance between my thoughts and the situation.
How does mindfulness benefit me in practice?
Being mindful equips me to tolerate the psychological discomfort a client might share and provides the space to comprehend how a visit affects me, including occasional transference. It aids in cultivating a wise mind, combining emotional and rational thinking during unexpected situations. Full presence allows me to be curious and think carefully about a client's verbal or nonverbal expressions, understanding the assistance they may seek. Mindfulness, for me, involves acknowledging things as they are—without judgment, reflection, or predictions. Full awareness and attentional control, both outcomes of mindfulness, make it easier to validate the client's emotions and maintain focus.
Clients dealing with anxiety can significantly benefit from understanding present emotions and thoughts, as their distress often stems from future situations. Starting a mindfulness practice requires acknowledging that the mind tends to wander, and it's crucial not to judge this natural tendency. Conducting a body scan meditation can refocus the mind, especially during autopilot moments induced by stress. This practice helps us pay attention to physical experiences without immediate reactions, fostering a space of gentle curiosity.
In essence, mindfulness provides an agency for individuals to simply be and offers a headspace where the potential for healing can happen.
Here are my favorite mindfulness apps:
Insight timer (free)
Aura - hypnosis, meditation for kids; link comes with 1 month guest pass
Balance - simple meditations; link comes with free 1 year guest pass
Disclaimer: The links provided are not my own; rather, they lead to YouTube videos that I found helpful in grasping these concepts. The app links shared are referral links, and using them may grant me a few days of access to the app as a reward.