Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is based on Jon Kabat-Zinn’s ground-breaking Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), developed at the University of Massachusetts Medical Centre in 1979. MBCT was developed by Segal, Williams and Teasdale (2002), which is now provided for free by the NHS (National Health Service) in the UK for people affected by depression, low mood and anxiety. MBCT includes elements from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Research indicates that MBCT is highly effective in preventing relapse in depression in those with 3 or more episodes, and where there is relapse the symptoms are not so severe and the episodes don’t last as long.

Over the last 20 years MBCT has been adapted to meet  a much broader range of needs – the ordinary stresses of everyday life, work, family and relationships (which can all be very stressful from time to time), anxiety, low mood, low self-confidence, poor sleep, and so on.  Mindfulness helps us to wake up to our present moment experience instead of being lost in the past,  often in regret, or in the future, often in worry or obsessive planning.

This non-secular 8 week group programme consists of 2-3 hour sessions each week, for participants to experience and practice mindfulness. The teacher guides meditations, which is followed by discussion of participant’s direct experience of physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts, and talking about how they relate to these experiences and making links to identify patterns and habits.  Participants are asked to do home practice which includes daily guided meditations and exercises, such as eating a meal mindfully. Most 8 week MBA programmes have been adapted from the original MBSR

The 8 Week MBSR/MBCT programmes are not group therapy, although there can be healing. It is a very practical, educational programme which teaches us to apply mindfulness to our daily lives. This programme develops self-awareness, and resilience around pain, low mood, anxiety and depression in order to lead to improved well- being and healthier coping mechanisms.

Prior to the course Fiona will arrange an orientation phone call with you.  As this is an intensive 8 week course in mindfulness and meditation it is important that you understand fully what will be involved.  This call will help you to ascertain if it is the right course for you, and if it is the right time for you to do it.

MINDFULNESS RESEARCH FINDINGS

Mindfulness programmes are also being used to treat or support the treatment of: addiction, cancer, eating disorders, chronic pain, anxiety, suicide, borderline personality disorder, relationship enhancement in couples and many other areas such as supporting more joy and ease in life. There is a growing problem of depression and anxiety worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, it is estimated that by 2020, depression will be the second biggest health issue globally. Zylowski et al., (2007) argue that Mindfulness meditation “has emerged as a new approach for stress reduction and an important innovation in treating psychiatric disorders” (p. 2). Scientific studies have shown that mindfulness prevents depression and also positively affects the brain patterns underlying day-to-day stress, irritability and anxiety. Studies show regular meditators have improved attention, memory and faster reaction times. And even affects hypertension, the immune system, cancer and chronic pain     (Williams, 2011).