Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Generally, most of us are going about our day on autopilot and not really thinking about what we’re doing or why we’re doing it. Research shows that when it comes to harboring trauma or any unhealthy emotional or mental health condition, living in this autopilot mode can be a recipe for disaster. If you’re not tuned into why you’re doing what you’re doing, how can you turn around your unhealthy thought patterns in order to get life going in the right direction?
Being aware of what’s happening in your mind and using mindfulness meditation are at the core of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), a psychotherapy intervention that can be enormously effective. Originally developed to treat those struggling with recurring bouts of depression, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy incorporates mindfulness techniques and practices, such as meditation, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It’s a way of altering the way you think (cognitive therapy) in order to alter any unhealthy patterns of behavior born from those thoughts.
Perhaps mindfulness-based cognitive therapy was best characterized by Psychology Today, “Sometimes normal sadness is a powerful trigger for someone who has recovered from a depressive state to relapse into another bout of depression. Rather than try to avoid or eliminate sadness or other negative emotions, one learns to change their relationship with these emotions by practicing meditation and other mindfulness exercises.”
Thus, mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, or MBCT, is designed for people who suffer repeated bouts of depression or chronic unhappiness. Recent research has also shown that people who have been clinically depressed three or more times in their life find that learning mindfulness-based skills helps to considerably reduce their chances of depression returning.
What does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy help treat?
- Depression and anxiety
- Food and eating issues
- Low mood and negative thoughts
- Body sensations such as weariness and sluggishness
- Psychosis
If you can relate to any of the above issues, mindfulness-based therapy may be right for you. MBCT helps people separate themselves from their thoughts and moods and teaches them how to recognize their sense of being. It aims to give participants the necessary tools to combat depressive symptoms as they arise.
Evidence indicates that mindfulness-based therapy may reduce the rate of depressive relapse by 50%. If you or someone you know will benefit from mindfulness-based therapy, please contact us today so we can schedule your appointment. We would be happy to speak with you about how we may be able to help.
Designed Health Options, LLC
Click on the Health Condition or Treatment of your Interest
Calls, questions and appointments are welcomed. We’re in Corrales, 8 minutes North of Albuquerque toward Rio Rancho