Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for Recurrent Depression
MBCT
What is MBCT?
So often we are on automatic pilot, reacting to life. Mindfulness involves intentionally stepping out of automatic pilot to be present, aware and responsive. The attention has a quality of curiosity, patience, spaciousness and care.
The 8 week course includes information about depression as well as cognitive therapy-based exercises linking thinking and its resulting impact on feeling. The group-based course is suitable for people with a history of recurrent depression (usually 3 or more previous episodes of depression), who are currently well, wishing to learn tools and techniques focusing on prevention and learning how to take care of themselves. People who have gone through an MBCT course say it can halt the downward spiral into depression. They also describe how the course helped them to develop a more accepting relationship to bodily sensations, feelings and thoughts. Finally, people say they value meeting other people in the group with whom they have a lot in common.
Introductory Online Taster Session
This year, the AccEPT Clinic has been offering FREE online MBCT sessions for anyone that would be suitable for MBCT in Devon. This 30 minute video takes you through aspects of how MBCT is delivered online, and may be of particular interest to those reluctant to commit to a course, or worried about attending an online group.
The course consists of an individual orientation session followed by eight weekly two and a ¼ hour sessions and reunion sessions. Reunions are available to past and current participants of MBCT and MBSR classes. They are an opportunity to engage with other participants and a great refresher to help encourage practice.
Participating in the mindfulness courses requires an on-going commitment. Participants will be asked to attend all sessions, and to practice daily home assignments for approximately 40 minutes per day.
Each group lasts for 8 weeks with weekly attendance for a 2 hours and 15 minute session.
MBCT is for people who have a history of recurrent depression but are currently well and wanting to find ways of preventing relapse and relating differently to thoughts.
To take part you must;
- have experience of several episodes of depression
- not be currently depressed (you may still experience possible residual symptoms)
- be 18 and over
- motivated and able to engage in MBCT
We offer groups in many locations; predominantly Exeter with other groups in the East, Mid & North Devon area. The Exeter groups are based on the University of Exeter campus within the Sir Henry Wellcome Building for Mood Disorders Research and the other groups vary depending on location.
This page will be updated with future groups as and when they are arranged. However, our groups run on a regular basis so referrals are always open and we encourage them to be sent continuously throughout the year.
The next available groups are:
| Date | Area | When |
|---|---|---|
|
25th Jan - 15th March 2023 |
Sir Henry Wellcome Building for Mood Disorders Research |
Wednesday Morning 10:00 - 12:15 |
| 19th April - 14th June 2023 |
Online via Zoom |
Wednesday Afternoon 13:00 - 15:00 |
|
|
If you would like any further information about these groups please contact the Clinic Coordinator or complete a AccEPT Clinic Referral Form
You can find out more about MBCT and mindfulness approaches via these websites and resources:
- Interview with Professor Kuyken: 'Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy halves the chance of depression recurring' (72kB PDF).
- Preliminary information for clients considering MBCT (52kB PDF).
- 'Taming the monkey mind', Sunday Telegraph (820kB PDF).
- 'De-clutter your mind', The Independent (104kB PDF).
- 'Study at retreat', The Observer (471kB PDF).
- Mindfulness patient Q&A leaflet, (316kB PDF).