Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for Depression

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an 8 week course for people who experience depression. It is recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) as an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression. It is also recommended by NICE for those who have recovered from depression, as a way of reducing the chances of experiencing depression again in the future.

MBCT courses combines two helpful approaches: Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Our MBCT courses are a great way to understand thought patterns and how to work with these in more helpful ways.

More About Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a particular way of paying attention to the present moment. When we’re tuned in to the present moment, the mind is less likely to get caught up in unhelpful patterns of thinking and feeling.

This short animated film provides a helpful explanation of what mindfulness is:

What Is MBCT - Video

How Might MBCT Help Me?

Depression is much more common in people living with long-term health conditions, cancer, pain, and persisting physical symptoms. This can impact on people’s ability to manage to their condition, work, and overall health and wellbeing. Over time, this can lead to repeated episodes of depression and lead to poorer health.

Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our thoughts and emotions and relate to them in a different way. We learn skills that can help us to:

• Become more focused and steady.
• Feel less overwhelmed.
• Respond more wisely to difficulties and stress.
• Be kinder to ourselves and more accepting of how things are.
• This can reduce symptoms of depression and reduce the chances of depression returning.

The following film shares the personal experiences of participants who have attended MBCT at another NHS Trust and the benefits they have experienced:

Is MBCT Right For Me?

MCBT may be for you if:

• I am aged 18 or over.
• I want to learn mindfulness techniques to help me manage mild or moderate depression.
• I can attend all sessions online or in person.
• I am willing to practice meditation exercises at home between sessions.
• I am happy to be involved in a group format.

What Can I Expect?

The course is taught over 8 weekly sessions, in small groups of 8 to 12. Sessions last two hours and 15 minutes. The sessions are run by a small group of experienced NHS professionals who are trained mindfulness teachers.

Each session will include guided meditation exercises and plenty of opportunities to talk about your experience of the meditation practice. Throughout the course, we will explore what it’s like to live with depression and how mindfulness can help.

The course takes time and effort and involves practising the meditations at home on a daily basis. In order to benefit from the course, it is important to attend regularly and to practise the approaches at home every day.

You can try mindfulness meditation by listening to this guided exercise:

How Do I Enrol?

Although MBCT can be helpful, it is not suitable for everyone. If you are interested in enrolling on the course, please speak with the clinician who has assessed you, or who has been working with you. They will be able to discuss your options regarding attending the group, current suitability, and preferred options for attendance.

If you meet the suitability criteria, a member of the MBCT Team will contact you for a short assessment and welcome chat in order to provide some further information to you before starting the group.

For more information, please contact us via email at: ppss@ncic.nhs.uk