Identifying Adverse Effects of Meditation, with Dr. Willoughby Britton

Meditation’s benefits are often overhyped, while its discomfort, challenges, or ongoing adverse experiences tend to be little mentioned - even though the latter happens to around 1 in 10 meditators. This disparity can leave those who struggle with meditation feeling very alone and unsure where to find help.

In this episode, we hear from clinical psychologist, professor and mindfulness expert Dr. Willoughby Britton. Willoughby presents a thorough, research-based overview on how to identify the adverse effects of meditation. She explains which ones are most likely to happen during mindfulness-based meditations. Perhaps more importantly, she offers both practitioners and teachers suggestions on what to do and where to go for help with the challenges of contemplative practice.

This talk is a brief excerpt from Dr. Willoughby Britton’s guest teacher presentation to those enrolled in the Mindfulness Exercises Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Program. This unique, online, self-paced certification program balances pre-recorded webinars with live mentorship. Students in the program learn directly from Sean Fargo, his team, and some of the world’s most respected mindfulness and meditation experts.

Welcome to the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast. If you find these episodes valuable, I’d be grateful if you left a 5-star review. As a thank-you, I’ll send you free access to The Complete Mindfulness Toolkit — everything you need to deepen mindfulness and make a greater impact. Just leave the review and let me know, and I’ll send it your way. Thank you for helping us share mindfulness with others.

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Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life.

Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work.

Each episode offers a mix of:

• Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings
• Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers
• Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers
• Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change

If you’re interested in:

• Mindfulness meditation for everyday life
• Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices
• Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way
• Deepening your own practice while supporting others

…you’re in the right place.

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