Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combines certain elements of cognitive therapy with meditation techniques. It was developed with the specific aim of reducing relapse and recurrence of depression in people who are vulnerable to repeated episodes and it is recommended by the National Institute for Clinical and Health Excellence (NICE) as an effective treatment in such circumstances.
As well as being used in treatment for depression, MBCT has been proven to help people with other issues such as:
- Anxiety
- Bipolar and mood issues
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Insomnia
How mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) works
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) aims to teach people greater awareness about their own body and mind and teaches them to identify the habits and warning signs of negative thinking that can lead them back into depression. Therefore it breaks the cycle between negative moods and negative thinking, stopping it at the root.
Research shows that if a person has had one experience of depression there’s a 50% chance of them having another. If they’ve had two or three depressive episodes, the risks increase to 80%. MBCT is proven to be as effective as anti-depressants in preventing a relapse and more effective in enhancing people’s quality of life.
MBCT teaches people to focus on the ‘here and now’ rather than worrying about the past or the future, and to let go of the negative thoughts that lead them into depression. Therefore MBCT is imperative in helping people battle depression and other similar conditions.
What does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) involve?
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) typically consists of regular sessions. The course involves a combination of mind-body techniques such as meditation and breathing work combined with exercises from cognitive therapy, such as role-playing stressful situations, goal setting and also will include basic education about mental health issues.
Find out more
To find out more about cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) at our Borders centre or to book an initial session with one of our experienced practitioners, please contact us.
