Breath Counting Meditation
A simple mindfulness practice guide for counting breaths from one to ten, with instructions for handling mind-wandering and a 7-day log.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Mindfulness practice
- Approach / concern
- Meditation & Mindfulness
- Technique
- Mindfulness practice
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Breath Counting Meditation?
Breath counting is a traditional concentration practice in which a person counts out-breaths in cycles of ten, restarting when attention wanders. It trains sustained attention and meta-awareness of mind-wandering.
Why it works
Breath counting accuracy has been validated as a behavioural measure of mindfulness and relates to attention and wellbeing (Levinson et al., 2014). Breath-focused practices are core to mindfulness programs such as MBSR (Kabat-Zinn, 1990).
When to use it
- Beginners to meditation
- Rumination and racing thoughts
- ADHD and attention training (adapted, short sessions)
- Stress reduction
How to use it in session
- Explain that wandering is expected.
- Practise 3-5 minutes together.
- Encourage daily practice, building gradually.
- Log restarts and mind-wandering patterns.
- Discuss what the client notices.
Clinician tips
- Kindness when restarting matters more than reaching ten.
- Short daily practice beats occasional long sessions.
- Noticing themes in mind-wandering can be insightful.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
What if I never get to ten?
That’s very common. Every time you notice and restart, you’re strengthening attention.
Should I count in-breaths or out-breaths?
Out-breaths are traditional, but either works. Consistency matters more.
References
Levinson, D. B., Stoll, E. L., Kindy, S. D., Merry, H. L., & Davidson, R. J. (2014). A mind you can count on: Validating breath counting as a behavioral measure of mindfulness. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 1202.
Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Delacorte.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
