What is MBCT?
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based therapy that combines mindfulness with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It helps you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment so you can prevent depression from coming back and reduce anxiety and stress. By being mindful you can respond to emotional challenges more clearly and resiliently.
A primary assumption of cognitive therapy is that thoughts precede emotions. Negative self-thoughts and emotions may lead to negative moods, such as depression. MBCT utilizes elements of cognitive therapy to help you recognize and reassess patterns of negative thinking. Rather than replacing negative thoughts, MBCT encourages you to observe these thoughts non-judgmentally, allowing you to respond more effectively and disengage from harmful thought patterns. Challenging negative patterns of thought will allow you to recognize thoughts that reflect present reality.
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What are the benefits of MBCT?
- Reduces the risk of depression relapse, particularly for those with recurrent depression
- Becomes more aware of thoughts and feelings
- Reduces stress and promotes a sense of calm
- Improves emotional regulation and coping
- Builds resilience against anxiety and rumination
How does MBCT bring positive change?
- Develops non-judgmental awareness of thoughts, helping you observe them without reacting emotionally or getting caught in unhelpful patterns
- Reduces emotional reactivity
- Teaches how to disengage from negative thinking
- Self-compassion and acceptance
- Focus and presence in daily life
What MBCT can help with
- Recurrent depression (proven to reduce relapse)
- Anxiety disorders
- Chronic stress and burnout
- Emotional resilience challenges
- Difficulty with rumination or negative thinking
- Sleep problems related to mental health
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MBCT for people with current depression? MBCT is most effective for people in remission from depression and those who want to prevent relapse but may also help with current symptoms when combined with other treatments.
How long is an MBCT program? MBCT is commonly offered as an 8-week structured program, but the number of sessions can vary based on individual needs. Your therapist can guide you on what will work best.
Do I need to have experience with mindfulness to do MBCT? No, MBCT is for beginners and includes step by step guidance in mindfulness practices.
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