Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a therapeutic approach combining techniques from these powerful and effective approaches. It was initially developed to help prevent relapse in individuals who have experienced recurrent episodes of depression. I provide this method as a subset of CBT to a wide variety of clients, from teenagers to adults. It can also be done with families (with older children) and couples. I also use it in my clinical specialties, including Sports Psychology and Executive Coaching. Finally, I offer two specific types: mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression. The following is a guide to help you decide whether mindfulness based cognitive therapy might be for you, but feel free to get in touch any time.
What is Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)? 
The core idea behind MBCT is to cultivate an awareness of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. This involves practicing meditation, body scanning, and other exercises to develop a non-judgmental awareness of the present moment.
In MBCT, cognitive techniques are integrated with these practices. It aims to help you recognize and change automatic negative thought patterns that can lead to depression or anxiety. By becoming more aware of these thoughts and feelings, you can learn to respond to them healthier rather than getting caught in cycles of rumination and distress.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Development
Mindfulness-based cognitive Therapy (MBCT) originated in the late 1990s as a response to the need for effective treatments to prevent relapse in individuals who had experienced recurrent episodes of depression. The development of MBCT involved the collaboration of several individuals, primarily Zindel Segal, Mark Williams, and John Teasdale. These pioneers combined elements from cognitive treatment, developed by Aaron Beck, with Jon Kabat-Zinn. They aimed to create a program that could address the tendency of individuals in remission from depression to relapse into depressive episodes.
The core concept was based on the idea that individuals who have recovered from depression might be at risk of relapse when faced with certain triggers or stressors. They may fall back into negative thinking patterns that contributed to their depression in the first place.
Research conducted on MBCT showed promising results, demonstrating its efficacy in reducing the risk of relapse in individuals with a history of depression. Over time, MBCT’s applications expanded beyond depression to address various mental health conditions and stress-related issues.
What is Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Used For?
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) follows a specific process designed to create change that improves well-being and contentment. The following is an overview of my MBCT process, though I tailor it more specifically to each person.
MBCT Structure
- Psychoeducation: Initially, clients learn about the interaction between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They begin to more fully understand the role of automatic negative thinking in maintaining emotional distress through cognitive therapy.
- Training: Clients are then introduced to paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Techniques such as focused breathing, body scans, and certain types of movement are taught to cultivate awareness.
- Cognitive Restructuring: MBCT incorporates cognitive techniques to identify and challenge negative thought patterns. Individuals learn to recognize automatic negative thoughts and develop more adaptive ways of responding to them.
In and Out of Session Work
In-person sessions involve guided exercises, discussions, and cognitive techniques. Clients are also encouraged to practice exercises daily outside of sessions. This regular practice helps reinforce skills learned during the sessions and integrates these practices into daily life.
What is Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy Succesful With?
The hoped-for outcomes of MBCT include:
- Increased awareness of thoughts and feelings: Clients learn to observe their thoughts and emotions without attaching judgment or reacting impulsively to them. This helps in creating a space between thoughts and reactions, leading to more adaptive responses.
- Coping: Clients develop skills to manage stress, negative emotions, and difficult situations by applying mindfulness techniques to stay grounded in the present moment. The stresses may not go away, but you’ll feel more capable of managing them and possibly putting them aside when needed.
- Reducing Relapse: For those prone to depression or other mental health issues, mindfulness based cognitive therapy aims to prevent relapse by teaching skills to recognize and interrupt negative thought patterns before they escalate.
- Enhancing Well-being: Beyond managing specific symptoms, MBCT aims to improve overall well-being by promoting self-awareness, self-compassion, and resilience. It is, therefore, a great approach for people feeling a general sense of malaise.
The effectiveness of MBCT often relies on regular practice and integrating these techniques into daily life. By consistently applying these skills, people can experience lasting benefits in managing their mental health and overall well-being.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Results
The effectiveness of MBCT has been studied in various contexts beyond depression, including anxiety disorders, stress reduction, chronic pain management, and more. It’s often offered in group settings but can also be adapted for individual therapy. Here are some key findings from studies exploring the effectiveness of MBCT:
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression
One of the primary areas of focus for MBCT research has been preventing relapse in individuals with a history of recurrent depression. Studies have demonstrated that this method can be as effective as maintenance antidepressant medication in preventing relapse for those with three or more previous depressive episodes. I have found mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression to be very helpful for those whose depression is longstanding and other methods have not worked.
Here is how I use mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression:
Combining Therapy with Mindfulness
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression integrates principles of cognitive treatment, which focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, with self-awareness practices. By becoming more aware of automatic negative thoughts and patterns that contribute to depression, you learn to step back from these thoughts and relate to them more skillfully.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression Practices
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression incorporates various mindfulness techniques, including meditation, body scans, and movement. These practices help you develop greater present-moment awareness, allowing them to observe their thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them.
Recognizing Triggers
Through mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression, you learn to recognize early signs and triggers of depressive relapse. By becoming more attuned to the onset of negative thoughts and emotions, you can intervene early and prevent a downward spiral into depression.
Acceptance and Self-Compassion
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression emphasizes acceptance of one’s experiences, including difficult emotions associated with depression, without judgment or self-criticism. By cultivating self-compassion and kindness toward yourself, you learn to respond to depressive symptoms with greater understanding and gentleness.
Research has shown that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression can be effective in reducing the risk of depressive relapse for individuals with a history of recurrent depression.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Anxiety
While the primary focus has been on depression, MBCT has also shown efficacy in reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, and panic disorder. It helps you become more aware of their anxious thoughts and teaches you skills to respond more effectively. I like MBCT, in particular, with people who have several different anxiety symptoms.
Here’s how I use mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety:
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Anxiety Techniques
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety incorporates various practices, including meditation, body scanning, and mindful breathing. These methods help you become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the present moment without judgment.
Cognitive Restructuring
Like traditional cognitive therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety also focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. You learn to observe their thoughts and emotions without becoming entangled in them, allowing for greater perspective and the opportunity to reframe unhelpful thoughts.
Acceptance and Compassion
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety emphasizes acceptance of one’s experiences, including anxiety symptoms, without trying to suppress or avoid them. This acceptance, coupled with self-compassion practices, can reduce the tendency to react with fear or avoidance to anxiety-provoking situations.
Relapse Prevention
A significant aspect of mindfulness based cognitive therapy for anxiety is its focus on preventing relapse. Individuals learn skills to recognize early signs of anxiety and depressive relapse, allowing them to intervene effectively using this combined technique.
Research has shown that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety can be quite effective.
MBCT and Stress Reduction
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety is effective in reducing perceived stress levels. By cultivating non-reactivity to stressors, people often report feeling less overwhelmed and better equipped to manage life’s challenges. I have used mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, which is great for athletes, people with stressful jobs, and the therapy for college and graduate students.
MBCT and Enhancing Well-being
Beyond clinical conditions, MBCT has been associated with improved overall well-being and quality of life. It can lead to greater self-awareness, increased emotional regulation, and improved interpersonal relationships. It is a great approach with existential therapy and couples and families facing similar challenges and stressors together.
While these results are promising, it’s essential to note that individual experiences with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety and depression may vary. Factors like the severity of the condition, individual differences, and adherence to the program (e.g., doing assigned homework) can influence outcomes. Nonetheless, the overall body of research suggests that MBCT can be a valuable tool in promoting mental health and well-being, and it is certainly a strong piece of my integrative practice.
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Case Example
Alex is a 20-year-old college sophomore majoring in biology. Over the past year, he’s struggled with anxiety, particularly around exams, presentations, and deadlines. He often procrastinates and then panics as deadlines approach. He reports racing thoughts, physical tension, and trouble sleeping before tests. Alex has a history of mild depression in high school but hasn’t received formal therapy until now.
He was referred to me, and after hearing about the approaches I can provide, he opted for Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Goals:
- Reduce academic anxiety and rumination
- Improve attention and emotional regulation
- Build self-awareness of automatic negative thoughts
- Prevent a relapse into depression
Intervention Plan:
Structure:
8-week mindfulness based cognitive behavioral therapy, with weekly sessions + daily home practice.
Key Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques
- Body Scan Meditation:
Helped Alex become aware of tension he carried in his shoulders and jaw before exams. He began practicing this daily to manage physical symptoms of stress. - Three-Minute Breathing Space:
Alex used this quick technique before studying to anchor himself and redirect attention. It helped him observe his anxious thoughts without reacting automatically. - Awareness of Thoughts:
He learned to recognize his recurring thought, “I’m going to fail no matter what,” and label it as just a thought—not a fact.
→ This reduced its power over him and interrupted the rumination cycle. - Activity Monitoring:
Identified avoidance behaviors, like scrolling social media or over-cleaning when he felt overwhelmed.
Check-ins helped him notice these impulses and re-engage with his work more consciously. - Loving-Kindness Meditation:
Encouraged a more compassionate internal dialogue. Alex reported feeling less self-critical when he didn’t meet his own expectations.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Outcome:
By the end of 8 weeks of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Alex reported lower anxiety scores on the GAD-7 scale.
- He felt more in control of his attention and emotional responses.
- He began to study earlier, with fewer last-minute cramming episodes.
- Sleep improved, and he noticed a more balanced approach to his workload.
He continues using these practices independently and occasionally checks in with me.
MBCT Conclusions and My Work
Overall, MBCT equips people with skills to manage difficult emotions, reduce stress, and prevent relapses by fostering greater self-awareness and promoting a more balanced way of relating thoughts and emotions. I use it in my work with individuals, couples, families, and various clinical specialties. I deliver MBCT via virtual therapy and in person, so I’m happy to provide this approach to people nationwide. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression or anxiety can be delivered alone or as part of a more integrated approach. I also provide mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy.
If you have any questions about mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression or anxiety, mindfulness counseling in general, or want to discuss my services, please feel free to contact me anytime.
