Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a group intervention designed to train recovered recurrently depressed patients to disengage from dysphoria-activated depressogenic thinking that may mediate relapse/recurrence. It is based on an integration of aspects of CBT for depression with components of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn and colleagues.

Key themes of this intervention include a focus on awareness of moment-by-moment experience (i.e., mindfulness), experiential learning and empowerment of the individual. Participants are helped to cultivate an open and acceptant mode of response, in which they intentionally face and move into difficulties and discomfort, and to develop a “decentered” perspective on thoughts and feelings, in which these are viewed as passing events in the mind. Increased mindfulness facilitates the early detection of relapse-related patterns of negative thoughts, feelings, and body sensations, thus allowing these patterns to be nipped in the bud. Further, entering a mindful mode of processing at such times allows disengagement from the relatively “automatic” ruminative thought patterns that would otherwise fuel the relapse process. Formulation of specific relapse and recurrence prevention strategies are also included in the later stages of treatment.

In this workshop you will learn:

  • The link between the development of MBCT and a model of cognitive vulnerability to depression;
  • Outcomes from randomized trials of MBCT for the prevention of depressive relapse;
  • The structure of MBCT and the core therapeutic tasks that accompany each of the group sessions; and,
  • Three forms of mindfulness training utilized in MBCT- the body scan, mindfulness of the breath, and 3-minute breathing space.

Recommended Reading:  Segal, Z.V., Williams, J.M.G., & Teasdale, J.D. (2002).  Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A new approach to preventing relapse. New York: Guilford Press.

Workshop Agenda

Time

Topic

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Registration

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Why combine CBT with mindfulness based techniques?
• Theoretical rational underlying the development of MBCT
• What is mindfulness?
• Empirical support for MBCT in preventing depressive relapse

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Break

10:45 AM - 12:00 Noon

Structure of program:
• Session 1: Body scan
• Session 2

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Lunch (on your own)

1:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Structure of program (cont'd):
• Session 3: Breathing meditation
• Session 4: 3-minute breathing space
• Session 5

2:45 PM - 3:00 PM

Break

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Structure of program (cont'd):
• Session 6: Thoughts are not facts
• Sessions 7-8: Relapse prevention

3:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Wrap-up and evaluation

Mark Lau - Biography

Mark Lau, Ph.D., is a Psychologist and Deputy Head of the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Unit at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Clarke Site. The CBT Unit at CAMH is the only centre in North America developing and researching MBCT as well as providing training in this modality. Dr. Lau is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto and a Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. He specializes in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy to prevent the relapse of depression and CBT of patients with depression and anxiety disorders. He is an active teacher and trainer in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy and CBT across Canada and in the United States. Finally, his research interests include identifying the mechanisms underlying mindfulness-based clinical interventions, and investigating the role of cognitive inhibitory deficits in depression.

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