Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists in Paradise Valley, AZ

Photo of Meredith Waller, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCATP
Meredith Waller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCATP
2 Endorsed
Online Only
react- so I incorporate many other tools (like mindfulness and nervous system calming skills) to help!
It gets exhausting... the racing thoughts, self-doubt, and the pressure to keep everything together. Maybe you’re overwhelmed by overthinking, feeling stuck, or questioning your worth. You’ve tried your best to manage, but it’s draining to keep pretending you’re okay. You’re not alone and you don’t have to face this by yourself. I support adults struggling with anxiety, ADHD, self-worth, and relationship challenges with warmth, curiosity, and intention. Together, we’ll explore what’s beneath the surface, let go of what no longer serves you, and develop tools to help you feel grounded and confident.
react- so I incorporate many other tools (like mindfulness and nervous system calming skills) to help!
It gets exhausting... the racing thoughts, self-doubt, and the pressure to keep everything together. Maybe you’re overwhelmed by overthinking, feeling stuck, or questioning your worth. You’ve tried your best to manage, but it’s draining to keep pretending you’re okay. You’re not alone and you don’t have to face this by yourself. I support adults struggling with anxiety, ADHD, self-worth, and relationship challenges with warmth, curiosity, and intention. Together, we’ll explore what’s beneath the surface, let go of what no longer serves you, and develop tools to help you feel grounded and confident.
(480) 771-5176 View (480) 771-5176
Photo of Jeanine Marie Austin Stotts - Compassion Centered Therapy for Women, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Compassion Centered Therapy for Women
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I provide many therapies including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Solution-Focused Therapy, Sensorimotor, Transactional Analysis, Art therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and bibliotherapy.
I am a therapist with nearly 4 decades of experience supporting clients through complex emotional and relational challenges. I am licensed in California and Arizona and currently serve as a Therapeutic Consultant for Gila River Health Care, a Native American hospital system, where I provide clinical consultation and program development support. I specialize in working with women experiencing trauma, anxiety, caregiving stress (for both children and aging parents), the effects of parental narcissism, and neurodiversity. I particularly enjoy working with professional women who are navigating demanding lives.
I provide many therapies including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Solution-Focused Therapy, Sensorimotor, Transactional Analysis, Art therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and bibliotherapy.
I am a therapist with nearly 4 decades of experience supporting clients through complex emotional and relational challenges. I am licensed in California and Arizona and currently serve as a Therapeutic Consultant for Gila River Health Care, a Native American hospital system, where I provide clinical consultation and program development support. I specialize in working with women experiencing trauma, anxiety, caregiving stress (for both children and aging parents), the effects of parental narcissism, and neurodiversity. I particularly enjoy working with professional women who are navigating demanding lives.
(623) 232-0419 View (623) 232-0419
Photo of Anna Darbonne-Bjorndal - Bamboo Center for Grief, Growth, & Well-being, Psychologist, PsyD, DO
Bamboo Center for Grief, Growth, & Well-being
Psychologist, PsyD, DO
Online Only
You aren't living up to your own ideal. You need things to be better - less stressful & overwhelming, more fulfilling & meaningful - but you're not sure how. You're ready to heal what's wounded & create the life that you envision for yourself with the support of a high level provider. Your wellness journey needs to consider you as a holistic person with services that address well-being across psychological, professional, health, social, spiritual & environmental domains. Our holistic & integrative psychology and psychiatry services are client-specific with emphasis on helping you feel your best as quickly and naturally as possible.
You aren't living up to your own ideal. You need things to be better - less stressful & overwhelming, more fulfilling & meaningful - but you're not sure how. You're ready to heal what's wounded & create the life that you envision for yourself with the support of a high level provider. Your wellness journey needs to consider you as a holistic person with services that address well-being across psychological, professional, health, social, spiritual & environmental domains. Our holistic & integrative psychology and psychiatry services are client-specific with emphasis on helping you feel your best as quickly and naturally as possible.
(480) 382-3953 View (480) 382-3953
Photo of Nicole Otis, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CSAT
Nicole Otis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CSAT
Online Only
Are you struggling with pornography or sexual compulsivity? Is secrecy, broken trust or loss of intimacy hurting your relationship? Or maybe you’re not in crisis, but you know your marriage could be stronger, more connected, more alive? You’re not alone–we have been through these issues personally and know what it’s like. I’m a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), and Hunter is a Certified Mentor Coach in long-term recovery. Together, we help men break free (porn, sexting, affairs, prostitution, etc) and we help couples rebuild trust and real intimacy.
Are you struggling with pornography or sexual compulsivity? Is secrecy, broken trust or loss of intimacy hurting your relationship? Or maybe you’re not in crisis, but you know your marriage could be stronger, more connected, more alive? You’re not alone–we have been through these issues personally and know what it’s like. I’m a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), and Hunter is a Certified Mentor Coach in long-term recovery. Together, we help men break free (porn, sexting, affairs, prostitution, etc) and we help couples rebuild trust and real intimacy.
(507) 585-4555 View (507) 585-4555
Photo of Eileen R. Borris, Psychologist
Eileen R. Borris
Psychologist
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
As a psychologist I have extensive experience in providing both brief counseling, long term in depth psychotherapy as well as marriage and relationship counseling. I know what anxiety and depression feel like. I know how difficult relationships can be. I know the pain you feel when you have been betrayed, especially when there has been an affair. I also know how emotionally difficult and alone people feel when going through a divorce. With any situation I will help you gain greater clarity as to what steps to take next. For those interested in wanting to forgive, I can help you learn how to forgive and support spiritual journeys.
As a psychologist I have extensive experience in providing both brief counseling, long term in depth psychotherapy as well as marriage and relationship counseling. I know what anxiety and depression feel like. I know how difficult relationships can be. I know the pain you feel when you have been betrayed, especially when there has been an affair. I also know how emotionally difficult and alone people feel when going through a divorce. With any situation I will help you gain greater clarity as to what steps to take next. For those interested in wanting to forgive, I can help you learn how to forgive and support spiritual journeys.
(480) 712-5794 View (480) 712-5794
Photo of Kim Leatherdale, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR-BC, NCC, BCC
Kim Leatherdale
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR-BC, NCC, BCC
3 Endorsed
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
**Offering video/phone sessions for over a decade!** Relationship counseling is not about being broken, sick or wrong. It's about courage & moving forward. Maybe you fell in love with your partner, enjoyed heady days, but things changed. Maybe your relationship isn't what you want, you "can't seem to get it right", or you're afraid to take the next step. The "happily ever after" soured; however, you can have it better! Your love story can be far more interesting and fulfilling than any fairy tale. Maybe all you need is a little clarity & some skills. It is exciting to discover what makes a great relationship.
**Offering video/phone sessions for over a decade!** Relationship counseling is not about being broken, sick or wrong. It's about courage & moving forward. Maybe you fell in love with your partner, enjoyed heady days, but things changed. Maybe your relationship isn't what you want, you "can't seem to get it right", or you're afraid to take the next step. The "happily ever after" soured; however, you can have it better! Your love story can be far more interesting and fulfilling than any fairy tale. Maybe all you need is a little clarity & some skills. It is exciting to discover what makes a great relationship.
(908) 444-0205 View (908) 444-0205
Photo of Abraham Nuno - PSY Clinical Services PLLC / Abraham Nuno, Counselor, MS, LAC
PSY Clinical Services PLLC / Abraham Nuno
Counselor, MS, LAC
Online Only
Hi, I’m Abraham Nuno, a Clinical Mental Health Counselor licensed in Arizona and a Certified Trauma Support Specialist. I’m also licensed as a psychologist in Mexico, which gives me the unique opportunity to connect with clients in Spanish. I am the owner of PSY Clinical Services. I specialize in helping people boost confidence, find more fulfillment, and navigate life’s challenges with resilience. Whether you’re a teen learning to manage stress, an adult seeking balance, or someone facing difficult life circumstances, my goal is to meet you where you are and help you grow into the best version of yourself.
Hi, I’m Abraham Nuno, a Clinical Mental Health Counselor licensed in Arizona and a Certified Trauma Support Specialist. I’m also licensed as a psychologist in Mexico, which gives me the unique opportunity to connect with clients in Spanish. I am the owner of PSY Clinical Services. I specialize in helping people boost confidence, find more fulfillment, and navigate life’s challenges with resilience. Whether you’re a teen learning to manage stress, an adult seeking balance, or someone facing difficult life circumstances, my goal is to meet you where you are and help you grow into the best version of yourself.
(520) 597-2551 View (520) 597-2551
Photo of Dr. Goali Saedi Bocci, Psychologist, PhD
Dr. Goali Saedi Bocci
Psychologist, PhD
Online Only
Having trained at Stanford, Berkeley and Notre Dame, I specialize in working with millennials and high-achieving students (high school, college, post-bacc, law, medicine and graduate school) who are often thriving academically or professionally, but struggling internally. They may be suffering from anxiety, depression, body image issues or self-doubt. My clients often put others first and themselves last. By the time they come to therapy, concerns have been going on for some time and they've reached a breaking point. They may feel they "should" be able to handle things on their own.
Having trained at Stanford, Berkeley and Notre Dame, I specialize in working with millennials and high-achieving students (high school, college, post-bacc, law, medicine and graduate school) who are often thriving academically or professionally, but struggling internally. They may be suffering from anxiety, depression, body image issues or self-doubt. My clients often put others first and themselves last. By the time they come to therapy, concerns have been going on for some time and they've reached a breaking point. They may feel they "should" be able to handle things on their own.
(480) 351-4838 View (480) 351-4838
Photo of Dr. Della S. Lusk, Psychologist, PSYPACT, PhD
Dr. Della S. Lusk
Psychologist, PSYPACT, PhD
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or searching for answers about how your mind works? Our ideal clients are children, adolescents and adults who need clarity. We provide comprehensive treatment programs and assessment for clients seeking guidance through changes and difficulties in their lives. Our providers have extensive experience in counseling children, adolescents and families. Dr. Della Lusk's practice focuses primarily on individual psychotherapy, but she also offers group, couples and family counseling. Our practice also offers services by Licensed Professional Counselors (who accept Medicare) and Psychology Interns.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or searching for answers about how your mind works? Our ideal clients are children, adolescents and adults who need clarity. We provide comprehensive treatment programs and assessment for clients seeking guidance through changes and difficulties in their lives. Our providers have extensive experience in counseling children, adolescents and families. Dr. Della Lusk's practice focuses primarily on individual psychotherapy, but she also offers group, couples and family counseling. Our practice also offers services by Licensed Professional Counselors (who accept Medicare) and Psychology Interns.
(800) 404-5875 View (800) 404-5875
Photo of Sarah Strohmayer, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Sarah Strohmayer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
1 Endorsed
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
I typically work with women who feel they've lost their footing; exhausted from trying to hold everything together, often after a major change, but sometimes for reasons that are hard to even name. In our work together, I'll walk alongside you as we unravel what's gotten tangled. You can expect me to be curious, non-judgmental, patient, and empathetic. Together we'll clarify what you want and map a real path toward it. My practice is an affirming space for LGBTQ+ clients and those navigating experiences at the intersection of identity and systemic stress, including racial trauma.
I typically work with women who feel they've lost their footing; exhausted from trying to hold everything together, often after a major change, but sometimes for reasons that are hard to even name. In our work together, I'll walk alongside you as we unravel what's gotten tangled. You can expect me to be curious, non-judgmental, patient, and empathetic. Together we'll clarify what you want and map a real path toward it. My practice is an affirming space for LGBTQ+ clients and those navigating experiences at the intersection of identity and systemic stress, including racial trauma.
(314) 667-4023 View (314) 667-4023
Photo of David Abrams - Life Works AZ, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor, MAPC, LPC, CAGS
Life Works AZ, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAPC, LPC, CAGS
2 Endorsed
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
There is no "one-size-fits-all" model — I tailor treatment to your individual needs using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness.
I work with CHILDREN,TEENS, FAMILIES, ADULTS to create change in these areas: depression, anxiety, unhealthy- behaviors, self-esteem, ,anger, motivation in school, and more. I am passionate about my work. I love working with: adults, adolescents, couples,and families .I am able to connect with tots to teens to adults. Kids quickly feel safe and comfortable and parents feel encouraged with great results. I work with ADULTS: to effectively alleviate depressive and anxious moods, and learn to cope with grief, loss, and difficult and painful life situations. I work teaching skills to manage stress, create health and happiness in your life.
There is no "one-size-fits-all" model — I tailor treatment to your individual needs using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness.
I work with CHILDREN,TEENS, FAMILIES, ADULTS to create change in these areas: depression, anxiety, unhealthy- behaviors, self-esteem, ,anger, motivation in school, and more. I am passionate about my work. I love working with: adults, adolescents, couples,and families .I am able to connect with tots to teens to adults. Kids quickly feel safe and comfortable and parents feel encouraged with great results. I work with ADULTS: to effectively alleviate depressive and anxious moods, and learn to cope with grief, loss, and difficult and painful life situations. I work teaching skills to manage stress, create health and happiness in your life.
(480) 409-2459 View (480) 409-2459
Photo of Jessica Marie Cronk, Counselor, MA, LAC
Jessica Marie Cronk
Counselor, MA, LAC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My holistic approach integrates cognitive, somatic, and mindfulness-based strategies to help my clients manage stressful situations, difficult emotions, and break cycles of thinking and interacting that no longer work.
Using a CBT-informed approach, I'll help you identify and challenge thought patterns driving anxiety or self-doubt, while building practical coping strategies that reduce stress and support more balanced, flexible thinking. I'll also draw on interpersonal and attachment-based approaches to support you in developing secure, fulfilling relationships.
My holistic approach integrates cognitive, somatic, and mindfulness-based strategies to help my clients manage stressful situations, difficult emotions, and break cycles of thinking and interacting that no longer work.
Using a CBT-informed approach, I'll help you identify and challenge thought patterns driving anxiety or self-doubt, while building practical coping strategies that reduce stress and support more balanced, flexible thinking. I'll also draw on interpersonal and attachment-based approaches to support you in developing secure, fulfilling relationships.
(480) 565-8220 View (480) 565-8220
Photo of Lillie Cortes, Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LPC, SEP, CSAT
Lillie Cortes
Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LPC, SEP, CSAT
9 Endorsed
Serves Area
If you find yourself frequently feeling overwhelmed, struggling in your relationships or using alcohol, drugs, sex, food, exercise, pornography, or other types of behaviors to help deal with the highs or lows. If you look outside of yourself for validation or a sense of self, or the ways that you've learned how to deal with life are no longer working. It is possible to connect with yourself, experience your emotions in a healthy way, and feel intimate or balanced. Feeling more secure in yourself and the events of the past is achievable.
If you find yourself frequently feeling overwhelmed, struggling in your relationships or using alcohol, drugs, sex, food, exercise, pornography, or other types of behaviors to help deal with the highs or lows. If you look outside of yourself for validation or a sense of self, or the ways that you've learned how to deal with life are no longer working. It is possible to connect with yourself, experience your emotions in a healthy way, and feel intimate or balanced. Feeling more secure in yourself and the events of the past is achievable.
(602) 833-1028 View (602) 833-1028
Photo of Lindra Fishleder, Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LPC
Lindra Fishleder
Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LPC
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a trauma informed therapist and use an integrative approach that incorporates Attachment Theory, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, and Mindfulness.
Have you reached a point in life where it seems that something needs to change in order for you to be truly happy? Maybe you can't quite put your finger on it, or perhaps you thought you left it behind years ago. If you are living with depression, anxiety, unsatisfying relationships, addiction, or unresolved grief or trauma - there is hope and there is help. I strive to provide an honest, warm and collaborative environment so that you can feel safe embarking on your journey of self-exploration, healing and growth. This isn't easy work, but I truly believe that it is the most important work we can do for ourselves.
I am a trauma informed therapist and use an integrative approach that incorporates Attachment Theory, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, and Mindfulness.
Have you reached a point in life where it seems that something needs to change in order for you to be truly happy? Maybe you can't quite put your finger on it, or perhaps you thought you left it behind years ago. If you are living with depression, anxiety, unsatisfying relationships, addiction, or unresolved grief or trauma - there is hope and there is help. I strive to provide an honest, warm and collaborative environment so that you can feel safe embarking on your journey of self-exploration, healing and growth. This isn't easy work, but I truly believe that it is the most important work we can do for ourselves.
(480) 681-6932 View (480) 681-6932
Photo of Kay Butler-Lueking, Counselor, MC, NCC, LPC
Kay Butler-Lueking
Counselor, MC, NCC, LPC
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
My holistic orientation may include traditional talk therapy, mindfulness, experiential and somatic therapies and spirituality.
I've developed my practice around my own life experience in the recovery world. I specialize in powerful trauma approaches such as EMDR and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy which access and integrate the wisdom of the unconscious nervous system in the healing process.
My holistic orientation may include traditional talk therapy, mindfulness, experiential and somatic therapies and spirituality.
I've developed my practice around my own life experience in the recovery world. I specialize in powerful trauma approaches such as EMDR and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy which access and integrate the wisdom of the unconscious nervous system in the healing process.
(480) 269-9737 View (480) 269-9737
Photo of Dinh Tran, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Dinh Tran
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
5 Endorsed
Online Only
You've probably tried therapy before, or you've thought about it for years and kept talking yourself out of it. Maybe you're not sure you're "bad enough" to need it, or you're not sure anyone will really get you. You think deeply, feel things intensely, and you're exhausted from living inside your own head. I work with people who've never felt fully understood and are finally ready to be. I won't let you stay stuck.
You've probably tried therapy before, or you've thought about it for years and kept talking yourself out of it. Maybe you're not sure you're "bad enough" to need it, or you're not sure anyone will really get you. You think deeply, feel things intensely, and you're exhausted from living inside your own head. I work with people who've never felt fully understood and are finally ready to be. I won't let you stay stuck.
(520) 613-3073 View (520) 613-3073
Photo of Taalya T. Areli, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD
Taalya T. Areli
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD
2 Endorsed
Online Only
My integrative approach includes CBT, trauma-informed and somatically aware practices, mindfulness, Brainspotting,
You feel anxious, depleted, and disconnected, even though you are capable, self-aware, and functioning well. You sense that something essential is missing, even after a commitment to self growth. Whether its past trauma, grief, or just blocks you have accumulated from living life, from current and/or generations family, or perhaps even from past life experiences. I offer a compassionate, trauma-informed, integrative space where being safely seen and witnessed supports reclaiming self-worth, clarity, clearer boundaries, vitality, and deeper alignment. Free consultation available.
My integrative approach includes CBT, trauma-informed and somatically aware practices, mindfulness, Brainspotting,
You feel anxious, depleted, and disconnected, even though you are capable, self-aware, and functioning well. You sense that something essential is missing, even after a commitment to self growth. Whether its past trauma, grief, or just blocks you have accumulated from living life, from current and/or generations family, or perhaps even from past life experiences. I offer a compassionate, trauma-informed, integrative space where being safely seen and witnessed supports reclaiming self-worth, clarity, clearer boundaries, vitality, and deeper alignment. Free consultation available.
(442) 253-2651 View (442) 253-2651
Photo of Laura Merrill Jochai, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CCMHC
Laura Merrill Jochai
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CCMHC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Cycles of Life Counseling has added teletherapy services. Protect and care for your mental health and well-being while you protect and care for your physical health. My treatment philosophy is that people want to feel good and live with purpose. Sometimes though, life can feel too big to manage. Sometimes we feel stuck or unable to adjust when "life happens", We may have not learned a better way to cope or live well with or through challenges. Add to that, frustration and disappointment over feeling this way and we feel even worse. Let's consider another way for you ‘to be’ in the world, to live more fully, with emotional freedom.
Cycles of Life Counseling has added teletherapy services. Protect and care for your mental health and well-being while you protect and care for your physical health. My treatment philosophy is that people want to feel good and live with purpose. Sometimes though, life can feel too big to manage. Sometimes we feel stuck or unable to adjust when "life happens", We may have not learned a better way to cope or live well with or through challenges. Add to that, frustration and disappointment over feeling this way and we feel even worse. Let's consider another way for you ‘to be’ in the world, to live more fully, with emotional freedom.
(480) 470-5712 View (480) 470-5712
Photo of Rob Handelman, Psychologist, PsyD
Rob Handelman
Psychologist, PsyD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I Don’t Know—and That’s a Good Place to Start! Many people come to therapy feeling pressure to have answers: Why am I like this? What’s wrong with me? How do I fix it? In my work, “I don’t know” isn’t a failure—it’s often where change begins. I practice from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach. ACT is especially helpful for people who are smart, capable, and prone to overthinking, yet still feel stuck, anxious, or disconnected. Rather than trying to get rid of difficult thoughts or emotions, we focus on changing how you relate to them—so they stop running the show. Many of my clients “seem fine” on the outside, but…
I Don’t Know—and That’s a Good Place to Start! Many people come to therapy feeling pressure to have answers: Why am I like this? What’s wrong with me? How do I fix it? In my work, “I don’t know” isn’t a failure—it’s often where change begins. I practice from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach. ACT is especially helpful for people who are smart, capable, and prone to overthinking, yet still feel stuck, anxious, or disconnected. Rather than trying to get rid of difficult thoughts or emotions, we focus on changing how you relate to them—so they stop running the show. Many of my clients “seem fine” on the outside, but…
(718) 569-7972 View (718) 569-7972
Photo of Clare Pachuilo, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS MFT
Clare Pachuilo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS MFT
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
When life feels like it's looping in the same cycle of overwhelm, it can be hard to know where to turn. I work with individuals, teens, and couples who feel stuck, longing for deeper connection, clarity, and healing but unsure how to get there. Whether you’re navigating a tough transition, facing anxiety or depression, grieving a loss, or trying to repair your relationship, therapy can be a powerful step forward. I help clients understand what’s happening beneath the surface so they can live more fully, connect more deeply, and move through life with greater self-trust and peace.
When life feels like it's looping in the same cycle of overwhelm, it can be hard to know where to turn. I work with individuals, teens, and couples who feel stuck, longing for deeper connection, clarity, and healing but unsure how to get there. Whether you’re navigating a tough transition, facing anxiety or depression, grieving a loss, or trying to repair your relationship, therapy can be a powerful step forward. I help clients understand what’s happening beneath the surface so they can live more fully, connect more deeply, and move through life with greater self-trust and peace.
(480) 573-7088 View (480) 573-7088

See more therapy options for Paradise Valley

Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists
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 behavior 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 behaviors 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 behavioral habits.