Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a mindfulness-based intervention designed to help individuals who have suffered serious depression to learn skills that decrease the likelihood of depression coming back. Research studies have proven its effectiveness, and there is growing evidence that it is also helpful for those in the midst of a period of depression or who struggle with anxiety.
MBCT integrates principles of cognitive therapy into an eight week program with many similarities to MBSR. It was developed in the 1990’s by Drs. Zindel Segal from the University of Toronto, Mark Williams from Oxford University, and John Teasdale of the Medical Research Council in Cambridge, England, in conjunction with John Kabat-Zinn and others from the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts. Since 2004 MBCT has been endorsed by the United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence as an effective means for prevention of relapse and recurrence of serious depression.
The UVA Mindfulness Center will be offering this course in October, directed by David Silver, MD.
Filed Under: Monthly Musings