Stop Breathe & Think

Expert Evaluation

Stop, Breathe & Think is an easy-to-use meditation app. The basic free version provides a good number of meditations for users to practice. For beginner meditators, the app provides a text-based introduction, laying the foundation for learning the practice of mindfulness meditation; however, this introduction could be more engaging if presented using a non-text-based medium. Furthermore, although the program recommends meditation exercises based on user reports, beginners might lack some step-by-step tunneling of meditations and information based on their current experience. On the bright side, the app’s overall design is well thought out: The audios are clear and pleasant to listen to, and the app’s graphics are nice. The “check-in” step is engaging and gives the user a moment of self-reflection before meditating. The option for users to compare their state at the end of the meditation could provide positive reinforcement. This app would probably appeal most to a teenage-adult age group. The children’s program contains only 3 exercises, and parental guidance is advised, at least for the first few practices.

Stop, Breathe & Think is a good option for a free practice mindfulness app – for those who don’t require step-by-step guidance. The app could be used in between sessions to supplement treatment that incorporates relaxation techniques and meditation practices, preferably for the teen-adult age group. It could also be added to treatment where meditation is not explicitly taught but would benefit the patient’s progress. The therapist could incorporate in-session analysis of the app’s mood tracker.