Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Counselling in Fleet

Photo of Maria Fragkou, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Maria Fragkou
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fleet GU51
In addition to my core training in CBT, I draw on a variety of cognitive and behavioural approaches, such as DBT, compassion-focused therapy, schema-based cognitive therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and ACT.
I am a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, an EMDR Therapist, and a clinical supervisor. I offer CBT and EMDR, and I work collaboratively with my clients to identify how therapy can meet their needs and alleviate distress. I work with people with a variety of psychological difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, PTSD / C-PTSD, and loss. I work with people who experience distress in the perinatal period and I also offer parenting support. I also specialise in adapting CBT for Autism Spectrum Condition and ADHD. You can find more information about me on www.adapted-therapies.com
In addition to my core training in CBT, I draw on a variety of cognitive and behavioural approaches, such as DBT, compassion-focused therapy, schema-based cognitive therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and ACT.
I am a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, an EMDR Therapist, and a clinical supervisor. I offer CBT and EMDR, and I work collaboratively with my clients to identify how therapy can meet their needs and alleviate distress. I work with people with a variety of psychological difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, PTSD / C-PTSD, and loss. I work with people who experience distress in the perinatal period and I also offer parenting support. I also specialise in adapting CBT for Autism Spectrum Condition and ADHD. You can find more information about me on www.adapted-therapies.com
01689 664654 View 01689 664654
Photo of Angela Robertson, ACC-AC, Counsellor
Angela Robertson
Counsellor, ACC-AC
Verified Verified
Fleet GU51
I am an experienced counsellor, supporting clients through specific and multiple, complex issues. I am trained in most areas and techniques, including: CBT, psychodynamic, mindfulness, attachment, creative, Imago. I am integrative in my approach to meet the needs of the individual client.​ I focus on the client's journey, building awareness and the tools to manage life's situations. The client sets the pace and decides the content, and we explore thoughts, feelings and experiences. The aim is to release understanding, acceptance, and a greater self awareness, discovering answers and choice in a way forward. ​
I am an experienced counsellor, supporting clients through specific and multiple, complex issues. I am trained in most areas and techniques, including: CBT, psychodynamic, mindfulness, attachment, creative, Imago. I am integrative in my approach to meet the needs of the individual client.​ I focus on the client's journey, building awareness and the tools to manage life's situations. The client sets the pace and decides the content, and we explore thoughts, feelings and experiences. The aim is to release understanding, acceptance, and a greater self awareness, discovering answers and choice in a way forward. ​
01689 664434 View 01689 664434
Photo of Elizabeth (Known As Jayne) Jayne Cookson, MBACP, Counsellor
Elizabeth (Known As Jayne) Jayne Cookson
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fleet GU51
I have over 15 years of experience of counselling and psychotherapy working with people with a wide variety of issues, such as relationship issues, anxiety, stress, loss and depression. My aim is to help you achieve what you need to feel happier in your life feeling listened to and understood. Repeating old patterns and ways may lead us to feel unhappy with ourselves and our lives. I will help you work through things that may be keeping you stuck and find new ways to move forward, helping you to be more the way you want to be.
I have over 15 years of experience of counselling and psychotherapy working with people with a wide variety of issues, such as relationship issues, anxiety, stress, loss and depression. My aim is to help you achieve what you need to feel happier in your life feeling listened to and understood. Repeating old patterns and ways may lead us to feel unhappy with ourselves and our lives. I will help you work through things that may be keeping you stuck and find new ways to move forward, helping you to be more the way you want to be.
07492 885653 View 07492 885653
Photo of Kirsty Bunce, MBACP, Counsellor
Kirsty Bunce
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fleet GU51
Struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings can be horrible, but asking for help and embarking on change can be scary too. I can help you to discover a way forward from where you're feeling stuck, be the person who truly listens and understands your unique experience, and helps you to understand it. There may be lots of reasons why you're considering counselling - difficulties or worries in your emotional life, feeling distressed and needing help with a specific issue, struggling to come to terms with a traumatic event or loss, or seeking a clearer perspective on your life, I can help you to explore and move on with living.
Struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings can be horrible, but asking for help and embarking on change can be scary too. I can help you to discover a way forward from where you're feeling stuck, be the person who truly listens and understands your unique experience, and helps you to understand it. There may be lots of reasons why you're considering counselling - difficulties or worries in your emotional life, feeling distressed and needing help with a specific issue, struggling to come to terms with a traumatic event or loss, or seeking a clearer perspective on your life, I can help you to explore and move on with living.
01252 942442 View 01252 942442
Photo of Barbara Katharina Freeman, MBACP, Counsellor
Barbara Katharina Freeman
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Fleet GU51
I work as an integrative counsellor, which means I use a flexible, interactive approach that can be adapted to individual needs. I believe we are all unique individuals and as such different therapeutic approaches or techniques may be helpful.
I work as an integrative counsellor, which means I use a flexible, interactive approach that can be adapted to individual needs. I believe we are all unique individuals and as such different therapeutic approaches or techniques may be helpful.
01202 099921 View 01202 099921
Photo of Ann-Marie Masson - TLC Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
TLC Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Fleet GU51
I spent 15 years working as a Relate Counsellor, alongside this I have built up a successful Practice Practice working with couples, individuals, children and young people, supporting them in improving their emotional and mental well-being. I offer a bespoke ‘wrap-around’ approach setting activities between each session, which allows on-going personal growth and development. By supporting you to explore difficulties, my aim is to facilitate you to have a deeper awareness of your core triggers and understanding of your patterns of behaviours, leading to lasting change.
I spent 15 years working as a Relate Counsellor, alongside this I have built up a successful Practice Practice working with couples, individuals, children and young people, supporting them in improving their emotional and mental well-being. I offer a bespoke ‘wrap-around’ approach setting activities between each session, which allows on-going personal growth and development. By supporting you to explore difficulties, my aim is to facilitate you to have a deeper awareness of your core triggers and understanding of your patterns of behaviours, leading to lasting change.
01256 679807 View 01256 679807
Photo of Sue Elizabeth Ivey - Sue Ivey Counselling, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Sue Ivey Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Fleet GU51
Are you feeling troubled, distressed or even confused by relationship difficulties, life transitions, crises, helplessness, grief, isolation, anxiety, depression or loss of direction? Talking to a professional counsellor in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment can enable you to understand yourself better, make your situation more manageable and lead to lasting behavioural change. As a BACP accredited counsellor with 23 years experience of counselling adults with various difficulties, I understand how important it is to find the right counsellor to help you. For this reason I offer a free one hour initial session.
Are you feeling troubled, distressed or even confused by relationship difficulties, life transitions, crises, helplessness, grief, isolation, anxiety, depression or loss of direction? Talking to a professional counsellor in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment can enable you to understand yourself better, make your situation more manageable and lead to lasting behavioural change. As a BACP accredited counsellor with 23 years experience of counselling adults with various difficulties, I understand how important it is to find the right counsellor to help you. For this reason I offer a free one hour initial session.
07723 458110 View 07723 458110

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Alice Liddell, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Alice Liddell
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Petersfield GU31
For a more practical, goal-oriented skills-focused approach CBT and Mindfulness can be highly effective.
If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, overwhelming emotions or complex trauma, I am here help. Perhaps you've had low mood for a while and want to find enjoyment in life again. Maybe there have been chronic stressors and you've often anxious, tense and edge. Or there could be longstanding problems with self-esteem or relationships. Whether you've been feeling flat, low or overwhelmed for a few months or your whole life, I can help you reconnect with what's important to you and start living the life you want to.
For a more practical, goal-oriented skills-focused approach CBT and Mindfulness can be highly effective.
If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, overwhelming emotions or complex trauma, I am here help. Perhaps you've had low mood for a while and want to find enjoyment in life again. Maybe there have been chronic stressors and you've often anxious, tense and edge. Or there could be longstanding problems with self-esteem or relationships. Whether you've been feeling flat, low or overwhelmed for a few months or your whole life, I can help you reconnect with what's important to you and start living the life you want to.
01273 076757 View 01273 076757
Photo of Ruth Heatherley, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Ruth Heatherley
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Petersfield GU31
These include traditional talking therapies such as psychodynamic and person centred approaches but also mindfulness and psycho-education.
If you are struggling with your relationships, feeling depressed, anxious or sad, or have difficult feelings about yourself and are finding it hard to enjoy life, I would like to help. Perhaps you keep repeating a pattern of behaviour that is difficult for you, or perhaps you just want to grow, change and develop. Experiencing difficulty is such a normal part of life. Counselling and psychotherapy can help you to process past experiences and gain a greater understanding of behaviours, thoughts and feelings in the present.
These include traditional talking therapies such as psychodynamic and person centred approaches but also mindfulness and psycho-education.
If you are struggling with your relationships, feeling depressed, anxious or sad, or have difficult feelings about yourself and are finding it hard to enjoy life, I would like to help. Perhaps you keep repeating a pattern of behaviour that is difficult for you, or perhaps you just want to grow, change and develop. Experiencing difficulty is such a normal part of life. Counselling and psychotherapy can help you to process past experiences and gain a greater understanding of behaviours, thoughts and feelings in the present.
07552 796722 View 07552 796722
Photo of Candice Collins, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Candice Collins
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Alton GU34
Specific experience: Couples in Conflict: Affairs, Jealousy and Betrayal - Bereavement, Grief and Loss - Emotionally-focused Couple Therapy - Shame and Vulnerability - Asperger Syndrome/autism and Relationships - Lifting effects of Trauma - LGBTQ and Awareness - Monogamy and Non-monogamy - Anger Management and Relationships - Narrative Therapy - Mindfulness.
I specialise in working with couples and individuals, and regularly work with clients in areas including: communication, affairs and infidelity, blended families, bereavement (loss and grief), embedded trauma, depression and anxiety. In my practice, I endeavour to work with clients in an empathic, collaborative and non-judgemental way. My integrated approach uses systemic theory (including exploring your thought processes and present situation) and psychodynamic theory (historical exploration linking to unconscious thoughts and behaviour). I also apply aspects of emotionally-focused therapy (EFT); and trauma focused therapies.
Specific experience: Couples in Conflict: Affairs, Jealousy and Betrayal - Bereavement, Grief and Loss - Emotionally-focused Couple Therapy - Shame and Vulnerability - Asperger Syndrome/autism and Relationships - Lifting effects of Trauma - LGBTQ and Awareness - Monogamy and Non-monogamy - Anger Management and Relationships - Narrative Therapy - Mindfulness.
I specialise in working with couples and individuals, and regularly work with clients in areas including: communication, affairs and infidelity, blended families, bereavement (loss and grief), embedded trauma, depression and anxiety. In my practice, I endeavour to work with clients in an empathic, collaborative and non-judgemental way. My integrated approach uses systemic theory (including exploring your thought processes and present situation) and psychodynamic theory (historical exploration linking to unconscious thoughts and behaviour). I also apply aspects of emotionally-focused therapy (EFT); and trauma focused therapies.
023 8202 8098 View 023 8202 8098
Photo of Janet Anne Smith - Janet Smith Emotional Wellness Coaching, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Janet Smith Emotional Wellness Coaching
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Petersfield GU31
If you are at a crossroads or struggling with your mental health and know that you need to make a change. I can help. Some of the key areas I work in are:- Depression Loss & Bereavement Stress & Anxiety Relationship issues Trauma/PTSD Emotional Eating/Eating Disorders & Weight Loss, Abuse, Addictions, Work/life balance, Senior Executive Coaching. I combine psychodynamic counselling, clinical hypnotherapy, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), Senior Executive Coaching & Mentoring, Mindfulness and Relaxation techniques to help clients who are experiencing emotional distress and want to make positive change in their life
If you are at a crossroads or struggling with your mental health and know that you need to make a change. I can help. Some of the key areas I work in are:- Depression Loss & Bereavement Stress & Anxiety Relationship issues Trauma/PTSD Emotional Eating/Eating Disorders & Weight Loss, Abuse, Addictions, Work/life balance, Senior Executive Coaching. I combine psychodynamic counselling, clinical hypnotherapy, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), Senior Executive Coaching & Mentoring, Mindfulness and Relaxation techniques to help clients who are experiencing emotional distress and want to make positive change in their life
023 8235 2065 View 023 8235 2065
Photo of Colin Chapman, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Colin Chapman
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Alton GU34
I also lead weekly mindfulness meditation groups, providing an opportunity to practice classical mindfulness in a peaceful setting.
There may be occasions in our lives when we struggle to make sense of what is happening to us and the world we experience. I provide an opportunity to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences within a relationship that is free of the fears we may hold about disclosing to people we know. I offer a relationship of trust, honesty and openness that allows you to explore your story, thoughts, hopes and fears, in a safe, supportive, confidential place, free of external influences and judgement, providing an opportunity for personal insight and change.
I also lead weekly mindfulness meditation groups, providing an opportunity to practice classical mindfulness in a peaceful setting.
There may be occasions in our lives when we struggle to make sense of what is happening to us and the world we experience. I provide an opportunity to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences within a relationship that is free of the fears we may hold about disclosing to people we know. I offer a relationship of trust, honesty and openness that allows you to explore your story, thoughts, hopes and fears, in a safe, supportive, confidential place, free of external influences and judgement, providing an opportunity for personal insight and change.
0330 058 1998 View 0330 058 1998
Photo of Olivia Thrift - The Psychology Company, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
The Psychology Company
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Petersfield GU31
We are a small team of highly trained and experienced Chartered Psychologists providing a range of evidence based therapies including CBT, Mindfulness based approaches, Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, DBT informed therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy.
We work with people with a range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, low self esteem, chronic health difficulties, eating disorders, emotional instability and self destructive coping patterns. In your initial consultation we will explore what brings you to therapy and make a plan for how we will work together. We offer evidenced based structured therapy to help you move forwards in your life. Most of is have doctorates in Clinical or Counselling Psychology and we have all undertaken many years of training and have a wealth of experience working in the NHS and the private sector.
We are a small team of highly trained and experienced Chartered Psychologists providing a range of evidence based therapies including CBT, Mindfulness based approaches, Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, DBT informed therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy.
We work with people with a range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, low self esteem, chronic health difficulties, eating disorders, emotional instability and self destructive coping patterns. In your initial consultation we will explore what brings you to therapy and make a plan for how we will work together. We offer evidenced based structured therapy to help you move forwards in your life. Most of is have doctorates in Clinical or Counselling Psychology and we have all undertaken many years of training and have a wealth of experience working in the NHS and the private sector.
01483 363058 View 01483 363058
Photo of Rachel Podger, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Rachel Podger
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alton GU34
I offer a wealth of experience in the field of psychotherapy and mindfulness based on a foundation of over 20 years of working in the field of massage and lymphatic drainage.
Are you feeling lonely, isolated, anxious, depressed, sad or angry? Do you need to give yourself time and space to explore these feelings and find some clarity around these feelings and come to an understanding of yourself? To feel more accepting and fulfilled and to be more loving, kind and compassionate towards yourself and others.
I offer a wealth of experience in the field of psychotherapy and mindfulness based on a foundation of over 20 years of working in the field of massage and lymphatic drainage.
Are you feeling lonely, isolated, anxious, depressed, sad or angry? Do you need to give yourself time and space to explore these feelings and find some clarity around these feelings and come to an understanding of yourself? To feel more accepting and fulfilled and to be more loving, kind and compassionate towards yourself and others.
01420 554958 View 01420 554958
Photo of Louise O'Connell Bacp Accredited Emdr Trained, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Louise O'Connell Bacp Accredited Emdr Trained
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Farnham GU9
I have additional post graduate training in CBT, Attachment Theory, Mindfulness, EMDR and energy psychotherapy which includes emotional freedom technique.
BACP Accredited Psychotherapist, EMDR, attachment-based, energy psychology. With over 15 years of broad clinical experience. I can help you process and recover from challenging and traumatic experiences, losses or endings, including relationships breakdown. Our sessions will help you to create strategies, manage feelings including anxiety panic, gain emotional regulation. Sessions can help you to understand yourself from an attachment theory point of view, helping you understand how you get your needs met, help you to grow in self-awareness, self-acceptance deepen compassion, and help you access joy and contentment in life.
I have additional post graduate training in CBT, Attachment Theory, Mindfulness, EMDR and energy psychotherapy which includes emotional freedom technique.
BACP Accredited Psychotherapist, EMDR, attachment-based, energy psychology. With over 15 years of broad clinical experience. I can help you process and recover from challenging and traumatic experiences, losses or endings, including relationships breakdown. Our sessions will help you to create strategies, manage feelings including anxiety panic, gain emotional regulation. Sessions can help you to understand yourself from an attachment theory point of view, helping you understand how you get your needs met, help you to grow in self-awareness, self-acceptance deepen compassion, and help you access joy and contentment in life.
01689 667427 View 01689 667427
Photo of Amanda Croft, MSc, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Amanda Croft
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Liphook GU30
I use an integrative approach, along with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness, which focuses primarily on the relationship between client and therapist.
Welcome. Life can be tough. Sometimes we simply need to talk with someone who can listen without judgement; who does not 'give advice' but holds the space for personal reflection, growth and development. As a registered and accredited member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP), I am an independent, experienced and professional counsellor / psychotherapist, an approved Adoption counsellor and qualified in EMDR therapy. I work with young people and adults, including couples and families, across such issues as anxiety, bereavement, depression, relationships and trauma.
I use an integrative approach, along with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness, which focuses primarily on the relationship between client and therapist.
Welcome. Life can be tough. Sometimes we simply need to talk with someone who can listen without judgement; who does not 'give advice' but holds the space for personal reflection, growth and development. As a registered and accredited member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP), I am an independent, experienced and professional counsellor / psychotherapist, an approved Adoption counsellor and qualified in EMDR therapy. I work with young people and adults, including couples and families, across such issues as anxiety, bereavement, depression, relationships and trauma.
01428 772843 View 01428 772843
Photo of Dr Michelle Ruger, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Michelle Ruger
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Farnham GU9
I am trained to Doctoral level in a variety of therapeutic models such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) including mindfulness based models, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Person Centred Therapy and Gestalt.
I am a Chartered Psychologist (BPS) offering therapy to individuals, couples and groups. I have experience working with a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, bereavement, addiction, eating disorders, relationship problems, stress, burnout, PTSD, postnatal depression, existential crisis and many more mental health issues which are detailed below. I am also a senior lecturer on the subject of contemporary psychotherapeutic practice and clinical research for a highly regarded clinical doctoral programme in London.
I am trained to Doctoral level in a variety of therapeutic models such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) including mindfulness based models, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Person Centred Therapy and Gestalt.
I am a Chartered Psychologist (BPS) offering therapy to individuals, couples and groups. I have experience working with a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, bereavement, addiction, eating disorders, relationship problems, stress, burnout, PTSD, postnatal depression, existential crisis and many more mental health issues which are detailed below. I am also a senior lecturer on the subject of contemporary psychotherapeutic practice and clinical research for a highly regarded clinical doctoral programme in London.
01252 986441 View 01252 986441
Photo of Dave Davidson, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Dave Davidson
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Alton GU34
Many people come to therapy needing support but not being sure how therapy can help. Life may have become difficult to cope with or feel unhappily limited. You may be seeking to understand why things are the way they are; you may be uncertain about what changes are needed, or your capacity to make them; perhaps you just need to talk to someone not directly involved in your situation. My approach is designed to meet all of these concerns, beginning with supportive listening, facilitating insight into your situation, and ultimately supporting you to grow and nurture your inner resources to meet the challenges you face.
Many people come to therapy needing support but not being sure how therapy can help. Life may have become difficult to cope with or feel unhappily limited. You may be seeking to understand why things are the way they are; you may be uncertain about what changes are needed, or your capacity to make them; perhaps you just need to talk to someone not directly involved in your situation. My approach is designed to meet all of these concerns, beginning with supportive listening, facilitating insight into your situation, and ultimately supporting you to grow and nurture your inner resources to meet the challenges you face.
07480 802514 View 07480 802514
Photo of Sarah Jane Wiesendanger, MHGI, Counsellor
Sarah Jane Wiesendanger
Counsellor, MHGI
Verified Verified
Haslemere GU27
Hi. I work online and face-to-face. I specialise in supporting people who are struggling in relationship or would like to elevate their experience of relationship.The emphasis of my work is on empathic understanding and compassion while using the latest skills and interventions to support you in finding the way forward that allows you to thrive in relationship.
Hi. I work online and face-to-face. I specialise in supporting people who are struggling in relationship or would like to elevate their experience of relationship.The emphasis of my work is on empathic understanding and compassion while using the latest skills and interventions to support you in finding the way forward that allows you to thrive in relationship.
View
Photo of Carly Samson, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Carly Samson
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Haslemere GU27
I offer a safe, welcoming space to help you explore how you would like to live your life. I work with adults living with a range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, eating disorders, brain injury, interpersonal and relational difficulties, as well as psychosis. I am also passionate about supporting people through challenging life transitions for example becoming a new parent or starting retirement. I am an integrative clinical psychologist, with my practice drawing on a range of the latest evidence-based therapeutic approaches allowing therapy to be personalised and tailored to your individual needs.
I offer a safe, welcoming space to help you explore how you would like to live your life. I work with adults living with a range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, eating disorders, brain injury, interpersonal and relational difficulties, as well as psychosis. I am also passionate about supporting people through challenging life transitions for example becoming a new parent or starting retirement. I am an integrative clinical psychologist, with my practice drawing on a range of the latest evidence-based therapeutic approaches allowing therapy to be personalised and tailored to your individual needs.
01730 778028 View 01730 778028

See more therapy options for Fleet

Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Counsellors

How does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy work?

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy originated in the work of John Kabat-Zinn of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He developed mindfulness-based stress reduction, which is a technique found in yoga and meditation. MBCT is a combination of this type of stress reduction and cognitive behavioral therapy; it essentially quiets emotional distress through mindfulness, utilizing proper breathing and meditation. These techniques aim to bring the individual into the present moment when in a state of distress.

When do I know if I need treatment with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?

If an individual’s mind is filled with emotional distress and general negativity, the person may feel trapped. A mindfulness-based cognitive therapist can help a person change their thinking patterns as well as their behaviour through calm acceptance and compassion. This therapy can provide an individual with the coping skills needed for a healthier and more constructive life.

What should I expect from mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?

This therapy often takes place in group sessions. A therapist will work with the group as well as with each individual. Meditation and breathing exercises are core practices that aim to invite inquiry and discovery into a person’s troubled mental state. The objective is to identify and lessen negative thoughts and behaviours and move toward optimal health and productivity. The individual will see life in a more realistic way. This therapy is supportive, accepting, and warm.

Is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy effective?

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is evidence-based and effective. One study found that people with major depressive disorder have benefitted from this type of therapy; the person accepts their distressed thoughts and also moves into healthier patterns of thinking. This therapy also aims to move an individual away from automatic negative responses. This type of therapy can bring a person lifelong change, with higher levels of satisfaction, less stress, as well as positive emotional and behavioural habits.