Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists in Orinda, CA

Photo of Dr. Joshua Robert Wilson, PsyD, LMFT, Psychologist
Dr. Joshua Robert Wilson
Psychologist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
I am the president and co-founder of East Bay Mindfulness Center, West Coast Mindfulness Institute, Samsara Recovery Center, and Organizational Solutions.
Working in the SF, Bay Area, CA. for 15+ years providing assessment and evidence-based therapy/treatment for children, adolescents, adults, and families. My areas of specialties include anxiety, depression, stress management, adhd, aspergers, emotional regulation difficulties, relational challenges, addiction, life transitions, and executive coaching. I am a solution focused therapist who is warm, approachable, compassionate, and results oriented. I am well versed in several therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.
I am the president and co-founder of East Bay Mindfulness Center, West Coast Mindfulness Institute, Samsara Recovery Center, and Organizational Solutions.
Working in the SF, Bay Area, CA. for 15+ years providing assessment and evidence-based therapy/treatment for children, adolescents, adults, and families. My areas of specialties include anxiety, depression, stress management, adhd, aspergers, emotional regulation difficulties, relational challenges, addiction, life transitions, and executive coaching. I am a solution focused therapist who is warm, approachable, compassionate, and results oriented. I am well versed in several therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.
(925) 406-3544 View (925) 406-3544
Photo of Kimberly Kerlin, MA, LMFT, C-PMH, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kimberly Kerlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, C-PMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
AEDP is an integration of many approaches, such as attachment theory, mindfulness, somatic healing, and psychodynamic theory.
Our earliest experiences of life form the foundation for the rest of our life. I work with adults struggling to heal old wounds and reduce anxiety and conflict in their lives. Whether you're finding your own childhood experiences being triggered by your child's or partner's behavior today; a working parent attempting to balance competing needs of your workplace, partner, or child; feeling overwhelmed by life transitions (ie. divorce, loss of a loved one, new job, etc), suffering from perinatal anxiety or depression, or someone who has experienced a trauma or distressing memory and wants to be free of its grip, I welcome you.
AEDP is an integration of many approaches, such as attachment theory, mindfulness, somatic healing, and psychodynamic theory.
Our earliest experiences of life form the foundation for the rest of our life. I work with adults struggling to heal old wounds and reduce anxiety and conflict in their lives. Whether you're finding your own childhood experiences being triggered by your child's or partner's behavior today; a working parent attempting to balance competing needs of your workplace, partner, or child; feeling overwhelmed by life transitions (ie. divorce, loss of a loved one, new job, etc), suffering from perinatal anxiety or depression, or someone who has experienced a trauma or distressing memory and wants to be free of its grip, I welcome you.
(510) 246-3494 View (510) 246-3494
Photo of Sarah E. Wilson - Sarah E. Wilson, PhD, PhD, Psychologist
Sarah E. Wilson, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I take an active role in our sessions, utilizing cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, interpersonal, and client-centered interventions, to explore the causes of your distress and how to resolve them.
Many of my clients describe me as compassionate, open-minded, and patient, while maintaining a good sense of humor. I utilize these traits to build rapport with clients, while also drawing upon my knowledge and skill in research-supported interventions to alleviate mental and emotional distress. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety, stress management, and life transitions. I also work with people to accept and tolerate their emotional distress, to appropriately communicate their needs in relationships, and to find meaning and purpose in their work, academic, and personal lives.
I take an active role in our sessions, utilizing cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, interpersonal, and client-centered interventions, to explore the causes of your distress and how to resolve them.
Many of my clients describe me as compassionate, open-minded, and patient, while maintaining a good sense of humor. I utilize these traits to build rapport with clients, while also drawing upon my knowledge and skill in research-supported interventions to alleviate mental and emotional distress. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety, stress management, and life transitions. I also work with people to accept and tolerate their emotional distress, to appropriately communicate their needs in relationships, and to find meaning and purpose in their work, academic, and personal lives.
(510) 757-9392 View (510) 757-9392
Photo of Ashley Bascherini, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ashley Bascherini
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
Through mindfulness and self-compassion my hope is that you’ll let me help you discover your concept of best self.
Thank you for your interest in my practice! I offer my support to people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations. I have a focus on clients who are going through large transitions or grief, deal with anxiety and depression, who have experienced trauma and PTSD, and are over all looking to discover their life’s course. A genuine relationship is at the root of my practice. My hope is that my clients feel they can enter the therapy room as their authentic selves and that they feel an authentic person is also sitting in front of them.
Through mindfulness and self-compassion my hope is that you’ll let me help you discover your concept of best self.
Thank you for your interest in my practice! I offer my support to people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations. I have a focus on clients who are going through large transitions or grief, deal with anxiety and depression, who have experienced trauma and PTSD, and are over all looking to discover their life’s course. A genuine relationship is at the root of my practice. My hope is that my clients feel they can enter the therapy room as their authentic selves and that they feel an authentic person is also sitting in front of them.
(510) 201-5583 View (510) 201-5583
Photo of Ryan Kellett Crochiere - Ryan Crochiere, LMFT, MA, BA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ryan Crochiere
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, BA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
I work from a multitude of modalities including but not limited to: attachment (AEDP), ecopsychology, R-CS (Hakomi), somatic inquiry, spiritual inquiry, metaphor, imagery, cognitive behavioral, psychosynthesis, and mindfulness.
The most important journey you may make in your life is the journey of building an honest and compassionate relationship with yourself. From shame, pride, trauma, and introjected "shoulds" there are so many reasons that we often operate from a partial and compassionless understanding of ourselves. These blind spots can cause us anxiety, depression, addictions and a multitude of other symptoms that we mistake to be "who we are". I have faith in the human condition and the ability our heal into our own fullness. Therapy is the place to make this journey.
I work from a multitude of modalities including but not limited to: attachment (AEDP), ecopsychology, R-CS (Hakomi), somatic inquiry, spiritual inquiry, metaphor, imagery, cognitive behavioral, psychosynthesis, and mindfulness.
The most important journey you may make in your life is the journey of building an honest and compassionate relationship with yourself. From shame, pride, trauma, and introjected "shoulds" there are so many reasons that we often operate from a partial and compassionless understanding of ourselves. These blind spots can cause us anxiety, depression, addictions and a multitude of other symptoms that we mistake to be "who we are". I have faith in the human condition and the ability our heal into our own fullness. Therapy is the place to make this journey.
(415) 630-5506 View (415) 630-5506
Photo of Andrew R Blair, MA, LPCC, Counselor
Andrew R Blair
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
From there we will use mindfulness and ACT to develop a more open and willing stance to lean into the full range of human experience.
I work primarily with high preforming athletes, artists, and creative types looking to find balance and live a richer more meaningful life. If painful or uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, memories or sensations are getting in the way of you moving toward what matters I will work with you to develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself and find peace of mind. I work with people struggling with anxiety, men's issues, relationship and work stress, unresolved trauma/grief, and life transitions. I help clients get in touch with their core values, develop mindfulness, so they can slow down and choose meaningful action.
From there we will use mindfulness and ACT to develop a more open and willing stance to lean into the full range of human experience.
I work primarily with high preforming athletes, artists, and creative types looking to find balance and live a richer more meaningful life. If painful or uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, memories or sensations are getting in the way of you moving toward what matters I will work with you to develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself and find peace of mind. I work with people struggling with anxiety, men's issues, relationship and work stress, unresolved trauma/grief, and life transitions. I help clients get in touch with their core values, develop mindfulness, so they can slow down and choose meaningful action.
(925) 854-4802 View (925) 854-4802
Photo of Brooke Rawdin, PsyD, Psychologist
Brooke Rawdin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
For example, I often implement techniques ( mindfulness, social experiments, grounding, mood tracking) that encourage practice in between sessions.
When your child, teenager, or family is struggling or even suffering, finding a therapist who is authentic, engaged, and a direct communicator is vital. As a clinician who is experienced addressing mood, anxiety, and behavioral disorders in both individual and group therapy settings, I strive to offer deep listening and effective strategies that lead to significant changes and greater well-being.
For example, I often implement techniques ( mindfulness, social experiments, grounding, mood tracking) that encourage practice in between sessions.
When your child, teenager, or family is struggling or even suffering, finding a therapist who is authentic, engaged, and a direct communicator is vital. As a clinician who is experienced addressing mood, anxiety, and behavioral disorders in both individual and group therapy settings, I strive to offer deep listening and effective strategies that lead to significant changes and greater well-being.
(925) 660-7971 View (925) 660-7971
Photo of Jennifer Pister, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Pister
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
Based in mindfulness, I work intuitively with curiosity and compassion.
Whether you are depressed, anxious, confused, or wanting better communication between you and your partner, family, friends or self, I can help you get to know yourself and what is driving your thoughts and feelings. This self wisdom leads to greater choice in your relationships. You can only change you, but changing you leads to changes in the world around you, including the people in your life. I would love to help you listen to and trust your inner guidance in making choices that support you.
Based in mindfulness, I work intuitively with curiosity and compassion.
Whether you are depressed, anxious, confused, or wanting better communication between you and your partner, family, friends or self, I can help you get to know yourself and what is driving your thoughts and feelings. This self wisdom leads to greater choice in your relationships. You can only change you, but changing you leads to changes in the world around you, including the people in your life. I would love to help you listen to and trust your inner guidance in making choices that support you.
(510) 358-4933 View (510) 358-4933
Photo of Mitch Houston, PhD, Psychologist
Mitch Houston
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
My perspective has evolved to include Cognitive-Behavioral, Mindfulness and Acceptance/Committment approaches to Psychiatric and Psychological problems.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist working in both Hospital and Private Practice settings since 1987. I specialize in Anxiety and Mood Disorders as well as relationship and interpersonal issues. I have been working with individual adults and couples in Psychotherapy for over 30 years. I am very interested in helping individuals adapt to and solve conflicts related to major life transitions, relationships and work related problems.
My perspective has evolved to include Cognitive-Behavioral, Mindfulness and Acceptance/Committment approaches to Psychiatric and Psychological problems.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist working in both Hospital and Private Practice settings since 1987. I specialize in Anxiety and Mood Disorders as well as relationship and interpersonal issues. I have been working with individual adults and couples in Psychotherapy for over 30 years. I am very interested in helping individuals adapt to and solve conflicts related to major life transitions, relationships and work related problems.
(925) 962-5762 View (925) 962-5762
Photo of Kelly L Ravenel-Mueller, MA, MFT, CBT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelly L Ravenel-Mueller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CBT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I have a holistic somatic psychotherapy practice specializing in working with post-traumatic stress disorder, stress mgt, mindfulness techniques, eating disorders, body image issues, divorce, and separation, couples issues, addictions, and depression.
If you find yourself struggling in life to feel whole, happy, at ease with yourself and being in the world, or feel frustrated with a lack of intimacy in your relationships, I can help you. It is important when searching for a therapist that you feel an honest connection. I give a free 30-minute consultation to help you decide if working with me is a match. I have trained in trauma recovery, somatic work, psychodynamic, cognitive, mindfulness, bioenergetic analysis. My focus has been working with individuals around healing from PTSD, anxiety, eating disorders, bi-polar, and marital relationship issues.
I have a holistic somatic psychotherapy practice specializing in working with post-traumatic stress disorder, stress mgt, mindfulness techniques, eating disorders, body image issues, divorce, and separation, couples issues, addictions, and depression.
If you find yourself struggling in life to feel whole, happy, at ease with yourself and being in the world, or feel frustrated with a lack of intimacy in your relationships, I can help you. It is important when searching for a therapist that you feel an honest connection. I give a free 30-minute consultation to help you decide if working with me is a match. I have trained in trauma recovery, somatic work, psychodynamic, cognitive, mindfulness, bioenergetic analysis. My focus has been working with individuals around healing from PTSD, anxiety, eating disorders, bi-polar, and marital relationship issues.
(510) 851-8869 View (510) 851-8869
Photo of Jill Pettegrew, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jill Pettegrew
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
My approach combines somatic psychotherapy with the healing tools of Somatic Experiencing, mindfulness, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), and parts work.
Providing Somatic Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, and Psychedelic Integration. I specialize in supporting people with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mood-related issues. I am dedicated to helping you find balance, clarity and meaning in your livfe through evidence-based mind-body psychotherapy. My goal is to create a safe and comfortable space to explore and grow, going at a pace that does not overwhelm the nervous system, and allows for integration.
My approach combines somatic psychotherapy with the healing tools of Somatic Experiencing, mindfulness, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), and parts work.
Providing Somatic Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, and Psychedelic Integration. I specialize in supporting people with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mood-related issues. I am dedicated to helping you find balance, clarity and meaning in your livfe through evidence-based mind-body psychotherapy. My goal is to create a safe and comfortable space to explore and grow, going at a pace that does not overwhelm the nervous system, and allows for integration.
(925) 308-6168 View (925) 308-6168
Photo of Andrea Colombu, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrea Colombu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
The interface between contemporary psychology and the wisdom of contemplative practice spirituality is central to my work with individuals and couples and to my general approach to therapy. With the use of MINDFULNESS based therapy and a non-judgmental and non-pathological approach I create a healing and supportive environment were growth and transformation can take place through our in depth process of exploration. From this general holistic and contemplative perspective I address a variety of issues of emotional, existential and relational nature with both individuals and couples and would be very happy to help you as well!
The interface between contemporary psychology and the wisdom of contemplative practice spirituality is central to my work with individuals and couples and to my general approach to therapy. With the use of MINDFULNESS based therapy and a non-judgmental and non-pathological approach I create a healing and supportive environment were growth and transformation can take place through our in depth process of exploration. From this general holistic and contemplative perspective I address a variety of issues of emotional, existential and relational nature with both individuals and couples and would be very happy to help you as well!
(925) 247-3565 View (925) 247-3565
Photo of Dr. Elizabeth Gayner, PsyD, PMH-C, Psychologist
Dr. Elizabeth Gayner
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
As a seasoned psychologist, I use mindfulness, DBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
I am a psychologist with 20+ years of experience helping adults and older teens overcome challenges to lead more balanced, fulfilling lives. Therapy is an opportunity to explore how you arrived here and chart a path forward. Working together, we will uncover tools and strategies to use both in and outside the session. Psychotherapy is usually once weekly and can be short or long-term. Brainspotting is efficient and can often be a brief treatment.
As a seasoned psychologist, I use mindfulness, DBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
I am a psychologist with 20+ years of experience helping adults and older teens overcome challenges to lead more balanced, fulfilling lives. Therapy is an opportunity to explore how you arrived here and chart a path forward. Working together, we will uncover tools and strategies to use both in and outside the session. Psychotherapy is usually once weekly and can be short or long-term. Brainspotting is efficient and can often be a brief treatment.
(415) 723-4161 View (415) 723-4161
Photo of Katie Byram, LMFT, LPCC, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katie Byram
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, MA
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
Katie also incorporates mindfulness and expressive arts into her work with clients.
Are you a teen or young adult working through depression, anxiety or trauma? Are you a new mom navigating the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, or parenthood? Katie is passionate about helping both adolescents and adults develop healthy emotional regulation strategies across a variety of circumstances. Katie has a specialty focus in maternal health, in particular, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Katie meets clients where they are with understanding, compassion, and respect in order to support the growth and healing process.
Katie also incorporates mindfulness and expressive arts into her work with clients.
Are you a teen or young adult working through depression, anxiety or trauma? Are you a new mom navigating the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, or parenthood? Katie is passionate about helping both adolescents and adults develop healthy emotional regulation strategies across a variety of circumstances. Katie has a specialty focus in maternal health, in particular, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Katie meets clients where they are with understanding, compassion, and respect in order to support the growth and healing process.
(925) 248-4693 View (925) 248-4693
Photo of Rose Markotic, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rose Markotic
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
I use a TEAM-CBT(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) approach and integrate ACT and mindfulness based methods.
At times we may find we are struggling to cope with our problems or effectively manage feelings. Maybe you are feeling anxious, stressed, depressed or you could be finding yourself constantly worried, tired, having trouble sleeping or struggling to connect in your relationships. Perhaps it is just harder to get out of bed and do things, leaving you to feel unmotivated. You may be searching for solutions so you can start feeling better and doing the things you want.
I use a TEAM-CBT(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) approach and integrate ACT and mindfulness based methods.
At times we may find we are struggling to cope with our problems or effectively manage feelings. Maybe you are feeling anxious, stressed, depressed or you could be finding yourself constantly worried, tired, having trouble sleeping or struggling to connect in your relationships. Perhaps it is just harder to get out of bed and do things, leaving you to feel unmotivated. You may be searching for solutions so you can start feeling better and doing the things you want.
(510) 422-1358 View (510) 422-1358
Photo of Sara Denman, PsyD, Psychologist
Sara Denman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
As a licensed clinical psychologist I offer compassionate therapy for change, helping people move from merely surviving to thriving. I work with clients struggling with a variety of issues such as: surviving after divorce, life changes, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, food/body image, addictions, and trauma/PTSD. Every effort is made to exceed clients' expectations by working with an individual's strengths to address, confront and finally overcome challenges. I provide a warm and supportive enviornment, enabling clients to build a solid foundation for a confident future.
As a licensed clinical psychologist I offer compassionate therapy for change, helping people move from merely surviving to thriving. I work with clients struggling with a variety of issues such as: surviving after divorce, life changes, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, food/body image, addictions, and trauma/PTSD. Every effort is made to exceed clients' expectations by working with an individual's strengths to address, confront and finally overcome challenges. I provide a warm and supportive enviornment, enabling clients to build a solid foundation for a confident future.
(925) 238-3907 View (925) 238-3907
Photo of Alissa Scanlin, PsyD, Psychologist
Alissa Scanlin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
At times, life can be challenging. Children, adolescents, adults, couples, and even families may need to learn new coping skills. I believe working with a therapist can provide a pathway that allows people to reconnect with their strengths and discover new possibilities for their lives. You can be happier! As a therapist, I can facilitate your ability to understand yourself and the important people in your world. I encourage my clients to make changes that can help them live more happily. I provide a thoughtful, humanistic, solution-focused perspective and work collaboratively with my clients.
At times, life can be challenging. Children, adolescents, adults, couples, and even families may need to learn new coping skills. I believe working with a therapist can provide a pathway that allows people to reconnect with their strengths and discover new possibilities for their lives. You can be happier! As a therapist, I can facilitate your ability to understand yourself and the important people in your world. I encourage my clients to make changes that can help them live more happily. I provide a thoughtful, humanistic, solution-focused perspective and work collaboratively with my clients.
(925) 308-5607 View (925) 308-5607
Photo of Renee Zaloumis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Renee Zaloumis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563
I would be privileged to stand by you on your journey with a serious medical condition and/or mental health challenges. It takes courage and vulnerability to seek out therapy and having a supportive person can be life changing. You may be faced with cancer, a chronic condition, a terminal illness, grief, anxiety and depression. I believe one's physical health can play a role in their mental health and vice versa. I'm here to listen to your symptoms, help you weigh treatment options, review considerations with medications, discuss doctor visits and teach you skills to improve your state of mind.
I would be privileged to stand by you on your journey with a serious medical condition and/or mental health challenges. It takes courage and vulnerability to seek out therapy and having a supportive person can be life changing. You may be faced with cancer, a chronic condition, a terminal illness, grief, anxiety and depression. I believe one's physical health can play a role in their mental health and vice versa. I'm here to listen to your symptoms, help you weigh treatment options, review considerations with medications, discuss doctor visits and teach you skills to improve your state of mind.
(925) 267-6356 View (925) 267-6356
Photo of Dr. Adrienne Candell, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Adrienne Candell
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
Inner peace. Family harmony. Satisfying relationships. It’s what we all want, but obstacles get in our way. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 30 years experience helping people overcome these obstacles. Together, we will uncover the strengths and resilience you already have and discover new ways of thinking, communicating and interacting with the world that lead to a sense of balance and life satisfaction. I work with adults and young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, social problems, family conflict and life transitions.
Inner peace. Family harmony. Satisfying relationships. It’s what we all want, but obstacles get in our way. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 30 years experience helping people overcome these obstacles. Together, we will uncover the strengths and resilience you already have and discover new ways of thinking, communicating and interacting with the world that lead to a sense of balance and life satisfaction. I work with adults and young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, social problems, family conflict and life transitions.
(925) 396-9016 View (925) 396-9016
Photo of Melissa Friedman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa Friedman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Orinda, CA 94563
I am a Licensed MFT with extensive experience providing individual psychotherapy to teens and adults. I am trained and skilled in working with clients challenged with depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic suicidality, grief, substance use, relational and life transitions. My experience includes providing care to folks identifying as LGBTQIA+ and people living with HIV. My work and training also focuses on caring for cisgender and transgender women in all stages of the life span. I am currently working towards a specialization in prenatal and perinatal mental health.
I am a Licensed MFT with extensive experience providing individual psychotherapy to teens and adults. I am trained and skilled in working with clients challenged with depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic suicidality, grief, substance use, relational and life transitions. My experience includes providing care to folks identifying as LGBTQIA+ and people living with HIV. My work and training also focuses on caring for cisgender and transgender women in all stages of the life span. I am currently working towards a specialization in prenatal and perinatal mental health.
(925) 268-7806 View (925) 268-7806
1
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.