Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists in Haddam, CT

Photo of Diane Allen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, NSW-C
Diane Allen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, NSW-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Have you been experiencing anxiety due to a recently diagnosed of Cancer or a chronic medical condition? Are you starting a new phase of life and feel overwhelmed? Did you recently experience the loss of your beloved spouse or dear friend? All of these are anxiety producing and very difficult. It can be hard to navigate these life transitions when you feel as though you lost control and feel uncertain about who to turn to for help. I am here to help you with these overwhelming feelings so that you can handle these hard life events in the best way possible.
Have you been experiencing anxiety due to a recently diagnosed of Cancer or a chronic medical condition? Are you starting a new phase of life and feel overwhelmed? Did you recently experience the loss of your beloved spouse or dear friend? All of these are anxiety producing and very difficult. It can be hard to navigate these life transitions when you feel as though you lost control and feel uncertain about who to turn to for help. I am here to help you with these overwhelming feelings so that you can handle these hard life events in the best way possible.
(860) 358-0948 View (860) 358-0948
Photo of Lauren Crowley - Pawsitive Therapy, LLC ~Lauren Crowley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHAIS, MEd
Pawsitive Therapy, LLC ~Lauren Crowley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHAIS, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
As of 2/17, no availability. My therapy dogs and I are here to help with challenges in life. We can help you deal with life transitions, stressful situations, relationships, school and work stress, sadness, self esteem, anxiety, health issues, and other challenges. As a former college athlete, I have learned the many ways that sports and other areas in life can help us learn about ourselves. I have over 15 years of experience and enjoy working with teens, adults, and families. I was a middle school teacher and coach prior to becoming a therapist.
As of 2/17, no availability. My therapy dogs and I are here to help with challenges in life. We can help you deal with life transitions, stressful situations, relationships, school and work stress, sadness, self esteem, anxiety, health issues, and other challenges. As a former college athlete, I have learned the many ways that sports and other areas in life can help us learn about ourselves. I have over 15 years of experience and enjoy working with teens, adults, and families. I was a middle school teacher and coach prior to becoming a therapist.
(860) 852-4720 View (860) 852-4720

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Ashley Marie Nuzzo, Licensed Professional Counselor, MHSV, LPC
Ashley Marie Nuzzo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHSV, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I use a person centered approach, emphasizing the importance of the therapeutic relationship as well as mindfulness therapies and CBT to reduce troubling symptoms and enhance daily functioning.
****Now Accepting New Clients**Welcome! My approach is holistic, using the connection between mind, body and spirit to help enhance self-discovery and encourage the freedom to look at where you come from, where you are now and where you want to go. I am experienced working with both adult and childhood trauma, substance use, depression and anxiety. I provide a safe, comfortable and non judgmental environment where clients can begin to explore thoughts, feelings, memories and dreams.
I use a person centered approach, emphasizing the importance of the therapeutic relationship as well as mindfulness therapies and CBT to reduce troubling symptoms and enhance daily functioning.
****Now Accepting New Clients**Welcome! My approach is holistic, using the connection between mind, body and spirit to help enhance self-discovery and encourage the freedom to look at where you come from, where you are now and where you want to go. I am experienced working with both adult and childhood trauma, substance use, depression and anxiety. I provide a safe, comfortable and non judgmental environment where clients can begin to explore thoughts, feelings, memories and dreams.
(860) 852-4595 View (860) 852-4595
Photo of Deirdre Ekholdt, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Deirdre Ekholdt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
I utilize DBT, CBT, EFT and mindfulness (and associated behavior techniques), integrative medicine and other evidence-based therapy interventions.
My name is Deirdre Ekholdt, LCSW and have been working as a psychotherapist for 20 years. Originally from Chicago, I have traveled widely and lived in Hong Kong, Florida and now Connecticut. My focus is to assist my clients with reducing the roadblocks of anxiety, thought rumination, addiction, codependency through somatic approaches and behavioral/skill building techniques. I am an empathetic listener, engaged with a strength perspective. I also assign homework to ensure that you are building a toolbox to utilize the rest of your life.
I utilize DBT, CBT, EFT and mindfulness (and associated behavior techniques), integrative medicine and other evidence-based therapy interventions.
My name is Deirdre Ekholdt, LCSW and have been working as a psychotherapist for 20 years. Originally from Chicago, I have traveled widely and lived in Hong Kong, Florida and now Connecticut. My focus is to assist my clients with reducing the roadblocks of anxiety, thought rumination, addiction, codependency through somatic approaches and behavioral/skill building techniques. I am an empathetic listener, engaged with a strength perspective. I also assign homework to ensure that you are building a toolbox to utilize the rest of your life.
(475) 290-6475 View (475) 290-6475
Photo of Michelle M Pellin, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LPC, LLC
Michelle M Pellin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LPC, LLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I also use Mindfulness, as I believe peace lies in the now, not in the past (where depression is) or in the future (where anxiety lives).
Do you feel lost? Is everyday a chore to get through? Do you want to feel heard and validated? Let me help you facilitate your healing journey and find the joy in life again by using many different conventional techniques (and spiritual, only for those who are open to it), in an open and affirming space to all walks of life. My services include both clinical counseling and/or life coaching services, in order to help you be the best version of you and find happiness again. One of my favorite techniques is called Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which assists in removing the intense emotions related to traumatic flashbacks.
I also use Mindfulness, as I believe peace lies in the now, not in the past (where depression is) or in the future (where anxiety lives).
Do you feel lost? Is everyday a chore to get through? Do you want to feel heard and validated? Let me help you facilitate your healing journey and find the joy in life again by using many different conventional techniques (and spiritual, only for those who are open to it), in an open and affirming space to all walks of life. My services include both clinical counseling and/or life coaching services, in order to help you be the best version of you and find happiness again. One of my favorite techniques is called Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which assists in removing the intense emotions related to traumatic flashbacks.
(203) 496-4923 View (203) 496-4923
Photo of Joy Zuzel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Joy Zuzel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Colchester, CT 06415
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused Mindfulness and EMDR treatments to better understand what holds us back from being our best selves, and perhaps more importantly- how to adapt and grow.
Life involves constant changes, and is not always easy. Change is necessary for growth, but can cause confusion and discomfort, which may impair our ability to move towards the fulfilling lives we envision. Feelings of hopelessness and isolation often lead to unhelpful means of coping, which create a new set of problems. No matter what your struggle, you don't have to do this alone. I believe that a supportive, therapeutic relationship, with you in the driver's seat, can provide clarity and direction. My person-centered approach can help you feel more secure as you navigate your own path. I look forward to walking it with you.
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused Mindfulness and EMDR treatments to better understand what holds us back from being our best selves, and perhaps more importantly- how to adapt and grow.
Life involves constant changes, and is not always easy. Change is necessary for growth, but can cause confusion and discomfort, which may impair our ability to move towards the fulfilling lives we envision. Feelings of hopelessness and isolation often lead to unhelpful means of coping, which create a new set of problems. No matter what your struggle, you don't have to do this alone. I believe that a supportive, therapeutic relationship, with you in the driver's seat, can provide clarity and direction. My person-centered approach can help you feel more secure as you navigate your own path. I look forward to walking it with you.
(860) 851-4771 View (860) 851-4771
Photo of Rebecca DeMusis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Rebecca DeMusis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Higganum, CT 06441
My treatment approach is to work with clients collaboratively giving them a safe space to express and process their feelings, work on personal goals, and assist them in becoming empowered using a variety of skills including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and psychoeducation.
As a clinician I believe that if given the space to receive positive regard and nonjudgmental feedback, we all are able to find the resilience within ourselves.
My treatment approach is to work with clients collaboratively giving them a safe space to express and process their feelings, work on personal goals, and assist them in becoming empowered using a variety of skills including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and psychoeducation.
As a clinician I believe that if given the space to receive positive regard and nonjudgmental feedback, we all are able to find the resilience within ourselves.
(860) 909-8579 View (860) 909-8579
Photo of Mallory LaFayette, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Mallory LaFayette
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Middlefield, CT 06455
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Psychoeducation.
Welcome! It is so hard to reach out and ask for help but you are here looking in the right direction. Are you or your child struggling with daily life, feeling overwhelmed, sad, depressed, lonely and not sure where to turn? Are you or your child not attending school, having trouble in school and struggling to manage different relationships? You have come to the right place, please reach out so I can help you reach your full potential, reach the goals you wish to achieve or manage your current situation.
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Psychoeducation.
Welcome! It is so hard to reach out and ask for help but you are here looking in the right direction. Are you or your child struggling with daily life, feeling overwhelmed, sad, depressed, lonely and not sure where to turn? Are you or your child not attending school, having trouble in school and struggling to manage different relationships? You have come to the right place, please reach out so I can help you reach your full potential, reach the goals you wish to achieve or manage your current situation.
(860) 845-0604 View (860) 845-0604
Photo of Sarah Thibodeau, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Sarah Thibodeau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Middletown, CT 06457
I also incorporate Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Acceptance-based approaches.
In this fast-paced and overstimulating world, it's easy to lose sight of our own needs. The demands of daily life can feel overwhelming, often derailing your efforts to care for yourself. Reaching out for support when you are distressed is a big step and I am so glad you’re here. My goal is to provide a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space where you can receive the care you need to create a balanced, fulfilling life. I specialize in helping individuals struggling with anxiety, OCD, navigating life transitions, and those in all stages of parenting.
I also incorporate Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Acceptance-based approaches.
In this fast-paced and overstimulating world, it's easy to lose sight of our own needs. The demands of daily life can feel overwhelming, often derailing your efforts to care for yourself. Reaching out for support when you are distressed is a big step and I am so glad you’re here. My goal is to provide a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space where you can receive the care you need to create a balanced, fulfilling life. I specialize in helping individuals struggling with anxiety, OCD, navigating life transitions, and those in all stages of parenting.
(860) 854-8095 View (860) 854-8095
Photo of Michael Probert, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Michael Probert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Middletown, CT 06457
I have been trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, and the therapeutic use of mindfulness.
My therapeutic approach is flexible and tailored to you. We will get to know each other at a comfortable pace and collaborate on developing goals for treatment. I will help you develop a better understanding of the struggles you face and help you overcome them.
I have been trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, and the therapeutic use of mindfulness.
My therapeutic approach is flexible and tailored to you. We will get to know each other at a comfortable pace and collaborate on developing goals for treatment. I will help you develop a better understanding of the struggles you face and help you overcome them.
(860) 854-4425 View (860) 854-4425
Photo of Sara Janowski-Therion, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Sara Janowski-Therion
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
We will collaborate using cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques, along anxiety resolution, mindfulness, and humor to help you be more empowered, relaxed, and engaged in life.
Depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's, career, coping skills, divorce, marital discord, parenting, life transitions, stress, self-esteem, school, family conflict, gender, grief, relationship conflict, and family issues.
We will collaborate using cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques, along anxiety resolution, mindfulness, and humor to help you be more empowered, relaxed, and engaged in life.
Depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's, career, coping skills, divorce, marital discord, parenting, life transitions, stress, self-esteem, school, family conflict, gender, grief, relationship conflict, and family issues.
(475) 267-1144 View (475) 267-1144
Photo of Ramon Estrada, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Ramon Estrada
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Middletown, CT 06457
In the initial weeks of our sessions, our focus revolves around cultivating relaxation techniques and coping strategies through practices such as Mindfulness, Guided Imagery, and Imaginal Experiential Exposure.
The challenges of life’s situations, the loss of a loved one, underlying trauma, mental illness, substance misuse, intimate partner violence can bring on feelings of loneliness, sadness, fear, anger, desperation, hopelessness, and grief to name a few. These emotions can at times leave us feeling “not like ourselves,” overwhelmed, and out of control, thereby, interfering with our daily lives and our ability to enjoy life to the fullest. Take a moment to imagine your life without these problems.
In the initial weeks of our sessions, our focus revolves around cultivating relaxation techniques and coping strategies through practices such as Mindfulness, Guided Imagery, and Imaginal Experiential Exposure.
The challenges of life’s situations, the loss of a loved one, underlying trauma, mental illness, substance misuse, intimate partner violence can bring on feelings of loneliness, sadness, fear, anger, desperation, hopelessness, and grief to name a few. These emotions can at times leave us feeling “not like ourselves,” overwhelmed, and out of control, thereby, interfering with our daily lives and our ability to enjoy life to the fullest. Take a moment to imagine your life without these problems.
(203) 651-5784 View (203) 651-5784
Photo of Diana Anderson, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LADC
Diana Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LADC
Verified Verified
Middletown, CT 06457
Diana's preferred interventions to utilize are CBT, EMDR, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness approach, Self Compassion techniques, Attachment Based theory, and Existential therapy.
Diana is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC), who also is EMDR trained. Diana received her Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). Diana has worked in various clinical settings, including addiction services, therapeutic in-home family services, and private practices. Diana’s primary focus is to work collaboratively with individuals seeking empowerment and resiliency from their traumatic experiences. This includes negative self-view, shame, trust issues and fear of vulnerability.
Diana's preferred interventions to utilize are CBT, EMDR, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness approach, Self Compassion techniques, Attachment Based theory, and Existential therapy.
Diana is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC), who also is EMDR trained. Diana received her Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). Diana has worked in various clinical settings, including addiction services, therapeutic in-home family services, and private practices. Diana’s primary focus is to work collaboratively with individuals seeking empowerment and resiliency from their traumatic experiences. This includes negative self-view, shame, trust issues and fear of vulnerability.
(860) 609-3317 View (860) 609-3317
Photo of Liz Talbot, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, CGP
Liz Talbot
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, CGP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
By using mindfulness-based techniques and exploring the connection between your thoughts, emotions and behaviors you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself and untangle what may be holding you back.
Feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of motherhood? Maybe you're grieving the loss of a loved one or a relationship, or struggling to move forward from the weight of depression and anxiety symptoms. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Grief Professional and owner of Whole Wellness Counseling, LLC. I specialize in working with mothers of young children with training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders; pregnancy loss; those struggling with PTSD, and am trained in Grief and Loss. In our sessions together, I will meet you with compassion and grace using evidence- based techniques with a laid-back approach.
By using mindfulness-based techniques and exploring the connection between your thoughts, emotions and behaviors you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself and untangle what may be holding you back.
Feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of motherhood? Maybe you're grieving the loss of a loved one or a relationship, or struggling to move forward from the weight of depression and anxiety symptoms. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Grief Professional and owner of Whole Wellness Counseling, LLC. I specialize in working with mothers of young children with training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders; pregnancy loss; those struggling with PTSD, and am trained in Grief and Loss. In our sessions together, I will meet you with compassion and grace using evidence- based techniques with a laid-back approach.
(203) 989-4613 View (203) 989-4613
Photo of Jillian Walsh Rosoff, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CT
Jillian Walsh Rosoff
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CT
Verified Verified
Online Only
This might include talking through your feelings, mindfulness exercises, meditation, or expressive arts.
I have new client availability in early May 2025. Helping clients facing grief or chronic illness is my passion. I work with clients experiencing many kinds of losses, including death of a parent, partner, beloved pet, or loss of one's own health. I help clients find meaning after devastating challenges, while developing practical coping strategies. My approach to therapy is informed by my own experiences of grief and living with a chronic illness. I do not believe ‘everything happens for a reason’, but I know hope and healing can be found even after life’s most devastating experiences
This might include talking through your feelings, mindfulness exercises, meditation, or expressive arts.
I have new client availability in early May 2025. Helping clients facing grief or chronic illness is my passion. I work with clients experiencing many kinds of losses, including death of a parent, partner, beloved pet, or loss of one's own health. I help clients find meaning after devastating challenges, while developing practical coping strategies. My approach to therapy is informed by my own experiences of grief and living with a chronic illness. I do not believe ‘everything happens for a reason’, but I know hope and healing can be found even after life’s most devastating experiences
(650) 686-2232 View (650) 686-2232
Photo of Shirley Gedney-Rubel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Shirley Gedney-Rubel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Online Only
I use techniques from many different therapy models, including CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and narrative therapy.
I have worked with many different clients from many different backgrounds. The clients that seem to match best with me are women and folks from the LGBTQ+ community. My therapeutic focus is on anxiety, depression, and trauma.
I use techniques from many different therapy models, including CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and narrative therapy.
I have worked with many different clients from many different backgrounds. The clients that seem to match best with me are women and folks from the LGBTQ+ community. My therapeutic focus is on anxiety, depression, and trauma.
(475) 267-2969 View (475) 267-2969
Photo of Orquidea Burgos-Jimenez, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Orquidea Burgos-Jimenez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Manchester, CT 06042
I work from a variety of evidence-based approaches cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness.
Licensed Professional Counselor (Bilingual-English & Spanish speaker). I specialize in anxiety, trauma, sexuality, substance abuse, depression, and relationship struggles. Through my many years of experience, I believe that everyone has the power to find their own strengths and solutions to attain success in their lives. I am committed to helping you overcome your struggles and accomplish your optimum goals. My focus is to help the individual find inner strengths to overcome difficult challenges by providing psychoeducation and specific skill sets to guide you through the process in reaching your therapeutic goals.
I work from a variety of evidence-based approaches cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness.
Licensed Professional Counselor (Bilingual-English & Spanish speaker). I specialize in anxiety, trauma, sexuality, substance abuse, depression, and relationship struggles. Through my many years of experience, I believe that everyone has the power to find their own strengths and solutions to attain success in their lives. I am committed to helping you overcome your struggles and accomplish your optimum goals. My focus is to help the individual find inner strengths to overcome difficult challenges by providing psychoeducation and specific skill sets to guide you through the process in reaching your therapeutic goals.
(860) 579-1392 View (860) 579-1392
Photo of Elia Vecchitto, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Elia Vecchitto
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
I use a variety of therapeutic techniques including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker trained from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. I am very passionate about helping individuals work through stressors, thoughts, behaviors, and any challenges that have them feeling stuck in place in their lives, and to help support you move forward.
I use a variety of therapeutic techniques including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker trained from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. I am very passionate about helping individuals work through stressors, thoughts, behaviors, and any challenges that have them feeling stuck in place in their lives, and to help support you move forward.
(475) 252-5614 View (475) 252-5614
Photo of Liza Beth Josephson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Liza Beth Josephson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Newington, CT 06111
Whether it’s to tackle relationship or family difficulties, anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, ADHD, or pain management, I draw on many strategies including Internal Family Systems; Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction; ACT; and cognitive, body- centered, and neuroscience- informed techniques help you get unstuck and moving in a more fulfilling direction.
If you feel like some parts of your life aren’t going the way you’d like them to go, therapy in a warm, supportive, and professional environment may help you get things moving in the right direction. I enjoy working with college-age students and adults, and I work together with each client to create an individualized approach based on your unique goals, strengths, challenges, and preferences.
Whether it’s to tackle relationship or family difficulties, anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, ADHD, or pain management, I draw on many strategies including Internal Family Systems; Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction; ACT; and cognitive, body- centered, and neuroscience- informed techniques help you get unstuck and moving in a more fulfilling direction.
If you feel like some parts of your life aren’t going the way you’d like them to go, therapy in a warm, supportive, and professional environment may help you get things moving in the right direction. I enjoy working with college-age students and adults, and I work together with each client to create an individualized approach based on your unique goals, strengths, challenges, and preferences.
(959) 230-0810 View (959) 230-0810
Photo of Michelle Marais - Mindful Mending, LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Mindful Mending, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
We like to use mindfulness in some of our sessions to help ground individuals, couples and families in order to manage day to day anxieties that occur when necessary.
Welcome to Mindful Mending, LLC! We are happy you are here to explore our services. It is our hope to help you manage through the changes and transitions that happen day to day in your life. Reaching out is the first step towards achieving the goals you have set forth but are struggling to get to. Please visit our website to learn more about our practice and what we have to offer!
We like to use mindfulness in some of our sessions to help ground individuals, couples and families in order to manage day to day anxieties that occur when necessary.
Welcome to Mindful Mending, LLC! We are happy you are here to explore our services. It is our hope to help you manage through the changes and transitions that happen day to day in your life. Reaching out is the first step towards achieving the goals you have set forth but are struggling to get to. Please visit our website to learn more about our practice and what we have to offer!
(475) 221-6030 View (475) 221-6030

See more therapy options for Haddam

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.