Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a mindfulness-based intervention designed to help individuals who have suffered serious depression learn skills that decrease the likelihood of depression coming back. Research studies have proven its effectiveness in limiting the risk of further episodes of depression, 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.<\/p>\n
MBCT integrates principles of cognitive therapy into an eight week program with many similarities to MBSR. It was developed in the 1990\u2019s 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\u2019s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence as an effective means for prevention of relapse and recurrence of serious depression.<\/p>\n
The next MBCT class will take place on Thursday evenings, February 11 through March 31, with a daylong retreat on Saturday, March 19, and will be taught by David Silver, M.D. Participants in the course will learn mindfulness skills in a supportive environment, with instruction, practice together, discussion, and time to address the challenges that come up when dealing with depression or anxiety, and when learning new tools to address these difficult emotions.<\/p>\n
What participants in previous MBCT courses at UVA had to say as the class ended:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI feel like the importance of the program will continue to reveal itself to me, as time moves on . . . I imagine and hope that the things I\u2019ve learned\u2014how to meditate, new ways to think and to approach my feelings, thoughts, etc. will prove very helpful . . . David is outstanding, a gentle, caring, sensitive, perceptive, patient person\u2014just the sort of leader for this kind of work, and this collection of good and challenged people.\u201d<\/p>\n Thursdays Daylong retreat: Saturday, March 19<\/p>\n\n
\nFeb. 11 \u2013 March 11
\n6:00 \u2013 8:30 p.m.
\nLocation: A Place to Breathe
\n4405 Ivy Commons, Charlottesville, VA 22903<\/p>\n