Psychology South Essex

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

MBCT combines mindfulness techniques like meditation, breathing exercises and stretching, with elements from cognitive therapy to help break the cycle of negative thoughts. MBCT invites people to pay attention to the present moment, rather than worrying about the past or the future, and to let go of negative thoughts, and offers strategies and practices which help to achieve that. It also gives people a greater awareness of their own body, helping them to identify the signs of oncoming stress and ward off the difficulties before they start. MBCT is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as an effective intervention  for people who suffer from recurrent episodes of depression. There is also compelling evidence from clinical trials across the globe for MBCT’s usefulness for recurrent worry, low self-esteem and managing stress and similar experiences.