Let’s Learn About MBCT

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) bridges together cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and a present-oriented, non-judgemental state of mind referred to as “mindfulness”. This mindstate aims to help people become consciously aware of their thoughts, feelings, and somatic sensations whilst reserving judgement.

There are many mindfulness techniques that may be employed during MBCT, common ones include body scans and mindfulness practices. The former involves taking a moment to direct your attention to the different areas of your body. Imagine a scanner starting at the bottom of your feet tracing to the very top of your head, keeping in mind what sensations appear as the scanner progresses. The latter method involves choosing to direct your attention to the present moment, as to avoid people from mindlessly going from task-to-task in their daily lives without feeling in their body and in the moment.

When is MBCT Useful?

At its core, MBCT is based on the assumption that thoughts precede moods, such that negative self-beliefs result in negative emotions.

Accordingly, MBCT intervenes to encourage clarity of thought and provide skills that make it easier to let go of negative thoughts rather than letting them contribute to negative emotions.

It accomplishes this by utilizing mindfulness techniques to help clients enter a non-judgemental state of awareness that eases their ability to become cognizant of their thoughts. While also using CBT elements that help clients reframe negative thinking patterns with more adaptive thinking patterns.

In doing so, decreasing the probability that clients with a history of depression and distress will engage in previous automatic thought processes that knowingly precede depressive episodes.

Essentially intervening the automatic thought processes a client may have established and allowing them to work through their feelings in a more healthy way.