Mississippi Monday | Mindful Therapy
Today is Mississippi Monday, we are excited to share with you our interview with Dr. Megan Clapton, owner and practitioner at Mindful Therapy. We love how Megan integrates art and meditation as part of integrative health psychology. Her mindfulness-based psychotherapy is designed to help others stay present in the moment, anchor themselves, and find balance. Megan has collaborated with artists, acupuncturists, and others whose offerings complement mindfulness and meditation. Read on below for our interview with this talented lady, and be sure to follow her on social media for upcoming workshops.
What exactly is Mindful Therapy? Mindful Therapy is a culmination of years of dreaming, life experience and hard work. It is clinical mindfulness-based psychology practice that serves individuals, families and groups. We also host wellness workshops on different health topics throughout the year.
How did you get started and what was the inspiration to take the small business leap ? Like every small business owner, it was a leap of faith to open my own business. I had spent years working in schools and other private practices, and I was ready to dive headfirst into becoming a “girl boss”. I used the “if you build it, they will come” theory!
How does Mississippi play a role in your business? First of all, I am a seventh generation Mississippian and proud daughter of small business owners. Mindfulness based practice is relatively new to Mississippi, and I wanted to spread the word about the effectiveness of meditation for coping with life stress. What are your goals for your business? I want to take over the world with loving kindness! My goal is to support each person that comes through Mindful Therapy develop new coping skills and a successful engagement in life. I consider it an honor to walk beside and bear witness to people suffering and offer a helping hand. 
What is your background? I have an undergraduate degree in philosophy and religious studies, a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Counseling. I have worked with all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds in clinical and community counseling. While my school and work experience gave me the formal training to be a therapist, I profoundly understood the power of the mind-body connection when my life fell apart due to a severe illness. In those 4 years, I had to put my life on hold and face the impermanence of all things. Perhaps the most valuable lesson that I had to learn was the necessity of giving up control and accepting what is. I learned how to meditate in an MRI machine, and this was a more powerful teacher than all of my educational experience. I want to be an advocate for those who suffer, either physically or emotionally. Where do you find inspiration? I was an Art History minor in college and have always loved the stories behind beautiful works of art and have been interested in the lives of creators and creative people. I am so lucky to have so many local artist friends whose work inspires me! In fact I loved Ginger Williams Cook’s work so much that we have collaborated on many art meditation workshops offered at Mindful Therapy. Mississippi outdoors offers a lot of inspiration as well. Nature gives me a reminder of the most important lesson in life and that is that all things are constantly changing. There is changing energy that flows through nature and us. Mindful therapy strives to help people through all the seasons of their lives. 
What do you like to do when you aren't "at the office"? Currently, I find peace and grounding in creating my own natural remedies from my herb and flower garden that I inherited from my grandmother. Also I am a bit of a fantasy sci-fi nerd! I have been known to dress up in cosplay and go to Comic Con. I find encouragement in the mythic characters of comic books. Joseph Campbell’s archetypal "heroes journey” can be found in all great story-telling, especially Jedi knights and super heroes. What are some of the reasons you call Mississippi home? Home is where your family and friends are! I love going to the store and running in to my 1st grade teacher, my cousin, and my best friends, all at once. Also just by voting and paying taxes in the state makes a bigger impact than in any other place. It is so hopeful to see young entrepreneurs thrive in the Jackson area despite the many challenges. 
How do you think what you are doing is helping to shape your community, as well as the image of Mississippi? Mindful Therapy hopes to share the importance of mind-body wellness and the essential task of emotional health. Anyone can access the benefits of a daily contemplative practice, which is important in a state with very scarce mental health resources. I hope to make meditation accessible both as a preventive practice and an emotional coping skill.
Are there any upcoming events or workshops that you'd like readers to know about? I am working on some exciting new art meditation workshops, as well as some for women’s health. Please check the Mindful Therapy website for upcoming dates!
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