Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a modified form of cognitive therapy that incorporates mindfulness practices such as meditation and breathing exercises. Using these tools, clients learn how to break away from negative thought patterns that can cause a downward spiral.
The word mindfulness has been defined as ‘being in the present moment with intention’ or ‘the state of being conscious or aware of something’. The aim of mindfulness is to be aware of your present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations.
MBCT typically involves:
- Creating distance from your thoughts and learning how to be in the “here and now”
- Acknowledging that you have choices other than your automatic responses
- Noticing small beauties and pleasures in the world around you instead of living in yourhead; for example, reflecting on what you can be grateful for
- Being kind to yourself instead of wishing things were different all the time, or driving yourself to meet impossible goals
- Developing more empathy, compassion and self-compassion
- Accepting yourself as you are, rather than judging yourself all the tim