Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

What is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy?

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, or MBCT, was developed by Dr.’s Segal, Williams and Teasdale and is a treatment to break the cycle of chronic depression and unhappiness once and for all. Research indicates that after one episode of depression the probability of another is 50%; after two episodes it rises to 70-80%. MBCT teaches those with chronic depression how to sidestep the mental habits that lead to despair, rumination and self-blame by incorporating skills from both Eastern meditative traditions and cognitive therapy.

MBCT Group Therapy

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy is an 8-week psycho-educational program that is specifically designed to address the problem of the re-occurring nature of depression.

This program provides a supportive environment in which individuals with mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety, or depression in remission, learn simple mindfulness meditation techniques to support their recovery. The practice of mindfulness helps participants see clearly that thoughts and emotions are transient events, and relaxes the hold that thinking and mood have on choices and behaviors. Hands-on instruction and cognitive therapy-based skill-building exercises are incorporated into the program. The program also utilizes CDs, a workbook and related readings.

The end result of learning a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy approach for depression is the development of a fresh and new perspective that widens the range of options for skillfully addressing emotional difficulties.

To schedule an appointment with one of our clinicians, or learn more about mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, please call our office (804-591-0002) or request an appointment online.