About the Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy course

The Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) programme has been shown to be very effective in preventing depressive relapse and in helping people who are struggling with other difficulties, including:

  • anxiety

  • stress-related issues

  • physical pain

MBCT is included in the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines as a recommended line of treatment for adults who experience recurrent depression: Recommendations | Depression in adults: treatment and management | Guidance | NICE

Through the programme, we will cultivate a gentle and compassionate curiosity to our moment-to-moment experience. This group provides a supportive space with others who can relate.

How can MBCT help?

Through MBCT we can learn to reduce the impact of worry and rumination, which can increase our mental wellbeing. MBCT can help by strengthening our ability:

  • to notice when we are caught up in unhelpful thoughts

  • to let these thoughts go and bring our attention back to the present moment

  • to relate to ourselves and our experience with greater gentleness and kindness.

At the end of the course, participants will feel better equipped to cope with life challenges, using the tools, skills and understanding they have gained.

Course format

  • The course consists of 8 weekly 2 hour sessions. The initial session is 2.5 hours

  • Sessions include guided practices, group discussion, and home practice

  • The approach works through practice, and people benefit the most if they commit to the daily practice at home of up to 40 minutes

  • No, this course is open to everyone and you don’t need to have attended a Mindfulness course or have an existing meditation practice in order to attend.

  • Each week there will be an opportunity to share, but you won’t be asked to share anything pertaining to your personal life. If you’re feeling nervous about being in a group setting do let us know when you sign up for the course and we’ll be happy to offer additional support as needed to help you feel comfortable.

  • If you are currently experiencing severe mental health difficulties, addiction issues or are currently going through stressful life events, such as a recent bereavement, MBCT may not be advisable. If you’re unsure if now is the right time, we can discuss this with you.