Make an Appointment: (207) 294-7471 | (207) 294-7470 | laura@slapsheltonneuro.org

SlapShelton Neuropsychology Group

  • Home
  • About
    • Dr. Laura Slap-Shelton, Psy.D.
      Licensed Psychologist
      Owner
    • Dr. Ann Palozzi, Psy.D.
      Licensed Psychologist
  • Services
    • Neuropsychological Evaluations of Children and Adolescents
    • Neuropsychological Evaluations of Adults
    • Psychotherapy for Children, Adolescents and Adults
    • Specialized Diagnosis of Autism across the lifespan
    • Group Therapy for Autistic Adults
    • Life Coaching: Executive Functioning
    • Stress Management and Resilience Training (SMART) Coaching Groups forming now!
  • Getting Started
    • FAQ
    • Rates and Insurance
    • Client Forms
    • Appointment Request
  • Resources
    • Recent News
    • Autism and Neurodiversity
    • Mental Health Links
    • Physical Health Links
  • Contact us
  • Blog

What is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy?

By Laura Slap-Shelton, posted 05.12.2020

You’ve probably heard of mindfulness meditation, but what exactly is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)? This form of therapy uses mindfulness practices like breathing exercises and meditation to help clients break free of negative thought patterns.

What Can MBCT Treat?

MBCT was first developed to prevent individuals who were struggling with repeating episodes of depression and anxiety from relapsing. Studies have found MBCT to be very effective at helping people with major depressive disorder who have experienced at least 3 instances of depression in their life. This therapy approach may also be helpful in improving the symptoms of depression in those with disease and physical illness, such as cancer and traumatic brain injuries.

How Does Mindfulness Help Depression?

You may think that meditation is something only monks or yoga masters do, but everyday people are reaping the major mind and body benefits through mindfulness meditation. Depressed people suffer rumination, that is they become stuck in mental patterns. They often mistake their rumination for problem-solving, but in reality, rumination prolongs a negative mental state.

Meditation works by disrupting the mental process of rumination. When you focus your mental attention on the present moment, you cannot ruminate. While it’s hard for any person to completely stop the mental process of rumination, it’s our choice whether or not we engage with it. Meditation helps us “just say no.”

How to Find an MBCT Therapist

MBCT is usually held in group sessions once weekly for 2-hours each. The meditations and breath work will be led by your therapist. He or she will not only lead you in these techniques but also the fundamentals of cognition, such as the relationship between your thoughts and how they make you feel. Your therapist will also most likely give you homework to practice the breathing and meditation techniques you’ve learned that week.

An MBCT therapist is a cognitive behavioral therapist who will have had additional training in mindfulness-based practices and techniques and is able to teach these to others. Beyond looking for these specific credentials, you’ll also want to find a therapist you feel comfortable working with. After doing a bit of research for qualified therapists in your area, get on the phone and talk to a few to see who you may like working with the best.

If you or someone you know may be interested in exploring MBCT, please reach out to me. I’d be happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Depression, Women's Issues

28 West Cole Road Suite 101

Biddeford, ME 04005

(207) 294-7471

(207) 294-7470

Send Us Your Question

By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.

Contact Us

28 West Cole Road Suite 101

Biddeford, ME 04005

(207) 294-7471

(207) 294-7470

laura@slapsheltonneuro.org

Connect Online

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Instagram

Privacy Policy | Website by Brighter Vision