MBCT

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and psychological therapies

MCBT is a term used to describe the combination of mindfulness methods with elements of CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). The NHS has developed as respect for MCBT, providing it in the UK. NICE have also recommended the use of MCBT in depression and other mental health conditions.

Unless stated otherwise therapy is provided under the accreditation of the NACHP.

Clinical Mindfulness

Mindfulness Coach

Mindfulness Informed Professional

What is MBCT?

Mindfulness is a system of eastern psychology originally found in Buddhism, and with variations found in Zen Buddhism.  MCBT is usually a rather limited and cut down version of mindfulness that is provided in MBCT, combined with cognitive leaning CBT. Typically some meditation, visualisation, mantra and exercise routines may be taught, alongside CBT to analyse and identify patterns of behaviour and new options.

MBCT trained

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a type of therapy that combines the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices. It was originally developed to help people who experience repeated episodes of depression, but it has also been found to be effective for other mental health conditions like anxiety and stress.

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of MBCT:

Core Idea:

MBCT is based on the understanding that when people become depressed, they often fall into patterns of negative thinking and rumination. These patterns can make it difficult to break free from the cycle of depression. MBCT aims to help people become more aware of these patterns and develop new ways of relating to them.

How it Works:

MBCT typically involves an 8-week group program where participants learn and practice mindfulness meditation techniques, such as:

  • Body scans: Paying attention to physical sensations throughout the body.
  • Mindful breathing: Focusing on the breath as an anchor to the present moment.
  • Walking meditation: Bringing awareness to the sensations of walking.
  • Sitting meditation: Observing thoughts and feelings without judgment.

These practices help participants develop a greater awareness of their thoughts and feelings, and to see them as mental events rather than absolute truths. They learn to observe their thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them, and to recognize when they are starting to fall into negative patterns of thinking.

Key Components:

  • Mindfulness practices: Regular practice of mindfulness meditation techniques.
  • Cognitive restructuring: Identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs.
  • Psychoeducation: Learning about depression and how it affects the mind and body.
  • Group support: Sharing experiences and learning from others in a supportive environment.

Benefits of MBCT:

  • Reduced risk of relapse: MBCT has been shown to be effective in preventing relapse in people with recurrent depression.
  • Improved mood: Participants often report feeling less depressed and more emotionally balanced.
  • Increased self-awareness: MBCT helps people become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.
  • Enhanced coping skills: Participants learn new ways of relating to difficult emotions and experiences.
  • Greater sense of well-being: MBCT can lead to a greater sense of peace, acceptance, and well-being.

Who Can Benefit:

MBCT is particularly helpful for people who:

  • Have experienced recurrent episodes of depression.
  • Are looking for a way to prevent relapse.
  • Want to develop greater self-awareness and emotional regulation skills.
  • Are interested in exploring mindfulness practices.

If you are interested in learning more about MBCT, it is recommended to consult with a mental health professional who is trained in this approach. They can help you determine if MBCT is right for you and can guide you through the program.

What type of MBCT is offered by Stuart in Edinburgh?

Stuart initially trained in psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, stress counselling and health education. Since then he has studied a variety of forms of psychotherapy, counselling, CBT, NLP, eastern psychology and has completed professional development training including a MSc Psychology. He also has a background in Martial Arts and related eastern topics. He has also studied a range of religions including Taoism and Buddhism. he has completed two separate accreditation processes, his first with his initial training organisation and this included elements of MBSR type stress management, and the second with NACHP, the President of which is a published authority on mindfulness with hypnosis in clinical practice.  Both accreditation routes are voluntary regulator and PSA AR access routes.

Stuart combines analysis, CBT and a more holistic range of eastern psychology including Mindfulness exercises such as those mentioned above, but also Naikan, Morita and Satori from the Zen and Japanese psychology background. As a clinical hypnotherapist he is also able to teach a wide range of meditation, self hypnosis and visualisation processes more advanced than typical MBCT provision. Stuart has completed CPD training in MBCT and CBT for depression. More information on the main mindfulness page. Stuart is registered with the FHT (who hold a PSA AR) under Mindfulness (as well as Hypnotherapy and EMMETT).  He has several competency certifications in Clinical application of Mindfulness for Clients and Groups.  He is also a practitioner member of the Mindfulness Association –  not a qualification as such but requires him to maintain personal mindful practice.

What is mindfulness based cognitive therapy, CBT and hypnotherapy good for?

NICE recommend hypnotherapy for IBS (a stress related condition), CBT based psychological therapies for almost all mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, and MBCT for depression and related conditions. Therefore the combination of therapies mentioned are known to be appropriate for the treatment of a range of mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

Moving away from the biomedical model of “treating”,  combined with psychoanalysis the able techniques can enable self development, unpicking of personal issues and patterns and greater self awareness. Therefore they can lead to a greater emotional development and sense of well being, and ability to modify or leave behind unwanted or outgrown patterns. Thus the human condition can be assisted!

Ghahari et al (2020) Showed MBCT effectiveness for adult Generalised Anxziety Disorder. Goldberg et al (2019) showed effectiveness for adult depression. McCartney et al (2021) showed effectiveness in preventing depression relapse. Xuan et al (2020) showed effectiveness in adult bipolar.

Ghahari, S., Mohammadi, -Hasel Kourosh, Malakouti, S. K., & Roshanpajouh, M. (n.d.).(2020) Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for generalised anxiety disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. East Asian Archives of Psychiatry, 30(2), 52–56. https://doi.org/10.3316/informit.310704814356937
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32611828/ 

Goldberg, S. B., Tucker, R. P., Greene, P. A., Davidson, R. J., Kearney, D. J., & Simpson, T. L. (2019). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for the treatment of current depressive symptoms: A meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 48(6), 445–462. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2018.1556330

McCartney, M., Nevitt, S., Lloyd, A., Hill, R., White, R., & Duarte, R. (2021). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for prevention and time to depressive relapse: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 143(1), 6–21. https://doi.org/10.1111/acps.13242

Xuan, R., Li, X., Qiao, Y., Guo, Q., Liu, X., Deng, W., Hu, Q., Wang, K., & Zhang, L. (2020). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research, 290, 113116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113116

Keywords

MBCT, mindfulness, CBT, cognitive therapy, cognitve behavioural therapy, psychology, counselling, life coaching, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, psychoanalysis, hypnosis, meditation, self hypnosis, relaxation, visualisation, stress, anxiety, depression, anxiety, mental health, IBS, anger, emotional issues, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Stirling, Glasgow, MBSR, DBT, ACT, mindfulness teaching, acceptance, commitment, relationships.

Contact via the contact us page HERE

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