Mindfulness-Based Therapy

“Non-doing has nothing to do with being indolent or passive. Quite the contrary. It takes great courage and energy to cultivate non-doing both in stillness and in activity.”

— Jon Kabat Zinn

Mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (MBCT) is a modified form of traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that incorporates mindfulness practices. It was originally developed to help individuals with recurrent depression but has since been adapted for use in treating a variety of mental health concerns.

The goal of MBCT is to help individuals develop awareness and acceptance of their thoughts and emotions while learning how to respond in a more adaptive way. Like CBT, MBCT focuses on identifying negative thought patterns and beliefs that may be contributing to emotional distress. However, it also incorporates mindfulness practices such as meditation or body scan exercises.

One of the core principles of MBCT is developing an attitude of non-judgment towards one's experiences. This involves learning how to observe one's thoughts and emotions without reacting or judging them. By cultivating this attitude, individuals can learn how to respond to difficult experiences in a more flexible and compassionate way.

Another key component of MBCT is cognitive restructuring which involves challenging negative beliefs with evidence-based reasoning in order to replace them with more balanced and realistic ones.

MBCT also places an emphasis on self-compassion - treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and support even during challenging times. This can help individuals develop resilience and cope with difficult emotions more effectively.

Research has shown that MBCT can be effective for treating a range of mental health conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, substance use disorders, among others. In addition, it has been found that MBCT can be helpful for those who have not responded well to traditional forms of therapy.

If you are interested in learning more about mindfulness-based therapy approaches, please reach out.