Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Combine the science of CBT with mindfulness to build lasting mental wellbeing.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based programme that weaves together elements of cognitive behavioural therapy with mindfulness meditation. Originally developed to prevent relapse in recurrent depression, it has since been shown to help with a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, stress, and burnout. MBCT is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for people with recurrent depression.
Signs & symptoms
- History of recurrent depression (3+ episodes)
- Feeling stuck in unhelpful thinking patterns
- Difficulty staying present — living on autopilot
- Stress, burnout, or emotional exhaustion
- High emotional reactivity
- Anxiety or low-level persistent worry
- Difficulty with self-compassion
- Wanting to build long-term mental resilience
- Feeling disconnected from your life
- Wanting to prevent future mental health difficulties
How CBT can help
MBCT teaches you to step back from the stream of thoughts, feelings, and body sensations — observing them with curiosity rather than being swept away by them. Rather than trying to change your thoughts (as in traditional CBT), MBCT changes your relationship to your thoughts, so that negative thinking patterns are less able to take hold and drag you back into depression or anxiety.
- Develop moment-to-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, and body sensations
- Learn to recognise early warning signs of depression or anxiety
- Step out of 'autopilot' — respond to life rather than react to it
- Build self-compassion and reduce harsh self-criticism
- Develop a personalised action plan for maintaining wellbeing
- Significantly reduce the risk of depression relapse
How is MBCT different from standard CBT?
Traditional CBT focuses on identifying and changing the content of negative thoughts. MBCT is less concerned with what you are thinking and more concerned with your relationship to thoughts — how you respond to them, and whether you get caught up in them. Both approaches work well for depression and anxiety, and many people benefit from a combination of both.
What does MBCT involve?
MBCT is typically delivered as an 8-week programme, with weekly sessions and daily home practice between sessions. The home practice is a key component — mindfulness, like any skill, develops through regular practice. Karyn adapts the programme individually, working at a pace that suits you.