Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been a staple of mental health and drug treatment programs for many years. This form of therapy helps people address the negative thoughts and attitudes that keep them stuck and gives them the healthy coping skills to minimize those thoughts. Over the years, there have been numerous therapies under the CBT umbrella that have been adapted to help treat mental illnesses and other conditions. A great example is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).
Over the years, there have been numerous therapies under the CBT umbrella that have been adapted to help treat mental illnesses and other conditions
This article will further dive into the origins of MCBT, its uses, and its techniques as a functional and integrative medicine. Most importantly, you will learn where you can find mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in San Francisco. The Well Clinic is a top-tier counseling facility located in the Bay Area. Contact us today for more information on MBCT.
What is MBCT?
MBCT is designed to help people who suffer from chronic depression or have extended periods of significant unhappiness. It is a fusion of cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindful meditation, and other mindfulness-based techniques. This unique form of therapy helps people become familiar with the modes of their mind that give rise to their depression. As people learn more about the origins of their depression, they develop a sort of “relationship” with their feelings and work on ways to cope in a healthy manner.
When Was MBCT Developed?
MBCT was developed in 2002 by therapists Zindel Segal, Mark Williams, and John Teasdale. They were looking to expand on the effectiveness of CBT by utilizing a program developed in 1979 by Dr. John Kabat-Zinn called mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). MBSR was developed by Kabat-Zinn to help in stress reduction, but was adopted for other conditions such as anxiety, depression, and pain management, among other applications.
What Techniques are Used in MBCT?
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy augments cognitive behavioral therapy’s principles by adding mindful meditation techniques. A common example is self-guided or formal meditation practice which gives people a greater awareness of their body, thoughts, and sensations. Another technique used in MBCT is body scanning. With this technique, people lie on their backs and bring attention and awareness to specific body areas. Body scanning usually starts at the feet and gradually works up to the top of the head.
General mindfulness practices are also a common technique found in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in San Francisco. While commonly used during meditation practice, MBCT also focuses on helping people cultivate mindfulness into what they do daily. Additional techniques used include mindfulness-based stretching and yoga.
What is MBCT Used to Treat?
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is most commonly used to help minimize the chance of relapse in those dealing with depression. MBCT is also beneficial in treating those struggling with other mental health issues such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and any mental illness related to substance abuse and addiction. Additionally, this form of CBT is also used to help people better cope with chronic pain as well as those suffering from vascular diseases and traumatic brain injuries.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is most commonly used to help minimize the chance of relapse in those dealing with depression.
How to Find MBCT in San Francisco
If you are interested in MBCT and looking for this form of therapy, it is wise to pre-screen potential therapists either in person or by phone. During the screening process, it is important to ask prospective therapists about the process of their therapy session, if they have experience dealing with your type of problem, and a timeline for therapy. Therapists who practice MBCT in San Francisco need to have specialized training from accredited institutes or universities offering MCBT training and programs.
Well Clinic is a top-tier mental health center in the Bay Area that offers evidence-based MCBT programming. Our San Francisco mindful-based cognitive therapy programs are delivered by experienced professionals with a long track record of success. Well Clinic strives to deliver our MCBT and other programs with the lowest fees possible while delivering quality therapy services to all people. Call us today and begin your journey of healing and wellness and find a therapist in San Francisco.
