Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a healing approach that reduces emotional distress by combining cognitive-behavioral therapy, meditation, and the cultivation of a present-oriented, non-judgmental attitude called "mindfulness." MBCT empowers individuals to break free from habitual patterns that engender suffering, and to discover a more balanced emotional state. This 8-week series of group medical visits is led by integrative physician Dr. Sudha Prathikanti, and guides participants in developing the core skills of MBCT to respond more effectively to challenging situations and improve emotional well-being. Each session combines evidence-based interventions, group discussion, personal reflection, and strategies you can begin using right away.

Session 1: Introduction to mindfulness-based cognitive therapy; awareness of “automatic pilot” patterns of thinking, feeling and responding; mindful eating exercise  

Session 2: Developing non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and feelings; body scan exercise; mindful breathing exercise  

Session 3: Gathering the scattered mind thru attention to breath; awareness of sensations, emotions and thoughts during unpleasant experiences; mindful stretching  

Session 4: Recognizing aversion to unpleasant experiences and role of aversion to increasing suffering; sitting meditation; mindful walking  

Session 5: Allowing things to be: journaling about difficulties and aversions throughout the week; sitting meditation on working with difficulty; breathing space exercise  

Session 6: Seeing thoughts as thoughts, rather than facts; cognitive restructuring exercise; sitting meditation; breathing space exercise  

Session 7: Exploring link between activity and mood, and scheduling pleasure/mastery activities when mood threatens to overwhelm; Develop action plan in face of lowered mood   

Session 8: Course review and wrap-up; strategies to maintain future practice; final meditation