Mindful Exploration of the Vulva: A Response to Gregori-Labarta et al. (2026)

Abstract

Abstract This correspondence piece examines the study by Gregori-Labarta et al. (2026), which experimentally investigated the vulva mirror exercise, a widely used intervention in sex therapy aimed at improving genital self-image. While the study demonstrated that a brief, single-session mirror exercise can modestly enhance genital self-image in a non-clinical sample, it also raised important questions regarding underlying mechanisms and methodological considerations. Here, I discuss the implications of these findings from the perspective of mindfulness and embodied awareness, suggesting the potential role of non-reactivity in shaping responses to self-observation exercises. I consider how mindfulness processes may emerge naturally during mirror exposure, even in the absence of explicit instructions, and how such processes may constitute the experiential conditions under which exposure-based learning processes occur, facilitating acceptance of previously avoided or stigmatised aspects of the body. The correspondence also addresses conceptual and methodological issues, including the measurement of mindfulness, participant selection and the modest effect sizes reported. Finally, I reflect on directions for future research, including the potential for repeated practice, the inclusion of diverse and clinical populations and the integration of qualitative methods to better understand subjective experiences. By situating Gregori-Labarta et al.’s findings within broader theoretical and clinical frameworks, this correspondence illustrates the promise of simple, accessible interventions for sexual well-being while highlighting the complexity of mindfulness mechanisms in body-focused therapies.