Unlocking Mindfulness: Insights from Matt O'Connor of Abaya Wellness

Welcome to another episode of the Finding New Waters Podcast! In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Matt O'Connor, the founder and owner of Abaya Wellness in Durham, North Carolina. Matt shares his insights on mindfulness, recovery, and the importance of individualized therapy practices. **About Our Guest:** Matt O'Connor is the Owner and Director of Clinical Services at Abaya Wellness. As a psychotherapist, he specializes in helping individuals who are interested in learning and growing in self-awareness and confidence. Matt works well with people exploring patterns of substance use, intimate relationships, performance anxieties, lack of confidence/satisfaction, and major life transitions. Trained as a Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapist, Matt believes in the inherent wisdom and compassion within each person. With a decade of experience, his therapeutic style is patient, humorous, honest, and kind. He has extensive training in various modalities, including ACT, DBT, CBT, MI, Mindfulness-Based approaches, Family Systems, and EMDR. Matt is dedicated to serving as a guide on the path of wellness, welcoming all aspects of his clients' experiences. **Chapters:** 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 01:00 - Meet Matt O'Connor 02:00 - Matt's Mindfulness Practice 04:00 - What is Abaya Wellness? 07:00 - The Impact of Mindfulness on Recovery 10:00 - Working with Adults in Therapy 12:00 - Matt's Journey and Background 16:00 - Growing Up in Buffalo, NY 19:00 - College and Early Career 23:00 - Moving to New York City 26:00 - Beginning the Recovery Journey 28:00 - Naropa University Experience 32:00 - Insights on Therapy and Meditation 36:00 - Practical Applications of Mindfulness 40:00 - Reflections on Personal Growth 45:00 - Conclusion and Contact Information **Links:** - Matt O'Connor: [https://www.abayawellness.com](https://www.abayawellness.com) - New Waters Recovery: [https://www.newwatersrecovery.com](https://www.newwatersrecovery.com) **Watch & Listen:** - **Podcast Website:** [https://www.findingnewwaters.com](https://www.findingnewwaters.com) - **Spotify:** [https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw?si=f485f70900204da4](https://open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw?si=f485f70900204da4) - **Apple Podcast:** [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608) - **YouTube:** [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw) - **YouTube Music:** [https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn&feature=share](https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn&feature=share) - **Google Podcast:** [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZmI2YTk3NC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZmI2YTk3NC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw) **Follow Us:** - **Instagram:** [https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery](https://www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery) - **Facebook:** [https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery](https://www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery) - **LinkedIn:** [https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery](https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery) - **TikTok:** [https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc](https://www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc) Stay connected with us for more episodes that provide valuable resources for families navigating the complexities of supporting a loved one struggling with substance use or mental health. **SEO Hashtags:** #Mindfulness #Recovery #Therapy #MentalHealth #SubstanceUse #SelfAwareness #Confidence #LifeTransitions #MentalHealthPodcast #FindingNewWaters #MattOConnor #AbayaWellness #Podcast