Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy

An 8 week group treatment for people who have experienced recurring episodes of depression, but are currently in recovery or are currently experiencing mild to moderate depression. It teaches mindfulness to help you to prevent depression from returning or find new ways to respond to current difficulties.

Depression can affect anyone, and around 1 in 4 of us will experience symptoms of depression at some point in our life. Whilst many experience depression once or twice, for some it can be a repeat visitor.

Our Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) treatment is designed for people who have experienced depression multiple times, but are currently in recovery, to help you to prevent your symptoms from returning.

Whilst it may seem unusual to consider accessing talking therapy when you are feeling well, this treatment works by helping you to stay well. 

 

How does it work? 

Mindfulness is practiced in a lot of ways, but the way we use mindfulness in our MBCT group is to help us bring our attention to the present moment, and be more aware of our thoughts and feelings. 

This doesn't mean clearing your mind, or controlling your thoughts. Instead, it means noticing your thoughts and feelings as they arise, and being curious about what they are and how they affect you. In this way, mindfulness can help us to create some space to reflect, consider all of our options, perhaps see things a different way, and feel more confident in our choice of how to respond. 

Mindfulness is a skill that takes practice, so you won't be alone if you find it difficult at first, but you'll have the support of the group and your facilitators to help you along the way. Alongside the 8 week course, you'll be provided with exercises to practice at home. 

 

What is it like? 

Our MBCT course is held in a small group, led by two of our expert practitioners, and lasts for 8 weeks. 

At the moment, our MBCT group is held online using Zoom.

We know that many people feel nervous about joining a group, so our facilitators are well practiced in helping people to feel at ease. Our patients find it really makes a difference to learn together, with people who understand what it's like to have recurring depression.

One of our patients said:

“I would like to express my gratitude for the facilitators presence, gentle inquiry and input into my ongoing mindfulness journey. I have enjoyed it immensely. It has been a helpful life skill and extremely valuable in my life. It needs practise, but it does work.”

 

Who is it for?

Our Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy treatment is designed for people who are currently well, but have had several episodes of depression in the past or are currently experiencing mild to moderate depression. 

MBCT may be helpful for you if you: 

• Have had repeated episodes of depression or currently have mild to moderate symptoms of depression
• Notice you can tend to dwell on problems, judge yourself harshly, or worry about the future
• Are motivated to attend weekly 2-hour sessions over an 8 week period
• Can commit to practicing what you learn at home between sessions (30 - 40 minutes per day)
• Are able to access Zoom
• Consent to the sessions being recorded for quality purposes, within your practitioner's professional supervision and assessment. (Recordings are treated strictly confidentially according to our Privacy Policy).

MBCT may not be helpful for you if you:

• Are currently experiencing severe symptoms of depression or anxiety
• Feel you would have difficulties working in a group

If one of these apply, please take a look at our other treatments, as we offer a wide range of support that may be more helpful. 

We are unfortunately not able to treat patients who: 

• Have a dependence on alcohol or other substances. If this is the case, please consider contacting Inclusion for support around addiction.
• Are currently involved in psychotherapy or counselling. We recommend to wait until your current treatment ends, and then consider accessing our support if you still feel it would be helpful. 
• Have longstanding difficulties that would require specialist support such as diagnosed or suspected bipolar, psychosis or personality disorder. If this may be the case, consider speaking to your GP about support options. 
• Are currently experiencing high levels of stress or emotional distress. For example, if you are going through a bereavement we would recommend contacting Cruse for specialist grief counselling. 

You can find more information on our eligibility criteria and other helpful information on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

 

How can I join? 

If you feel you could benefit from Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, please get in touch.

There are three steps to getting started:

1. Check the criteria above to see if MBCT is likely to be helpful for you
2. Complete our self-referral form, and in the text box at the bottom called "about your mental health" let us know that you're interested in this group by mentioning "MBCT"
3. Look out for our call or email. Like any NHS healthcare treatment we need to ensure it's going to be safe and effective for you, so one of our practitioners will contact you to discuss the group and see if it's right for you. It's important to get the right support for you, so if we believe there's an option better suited to you, we will recommend one of our other treatments or another trusted service. 

Refer Here