Mindfulness based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) are similar in basic

format and structure however, although MBCT is an integration of MBSR, it differs by incorporating elements of

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

 

MBSR

 

MBSR was originally developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn.  He was the founder of the Centre for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society in the University of Massachusetts Medical School.  MBSR is a practical, participatory, group based program for individuals with a wide range of physical and psychological illnesses.  It teaches self-awareness and how to be more attuned with our thoughts, feelings, emotions and behaviour.  It teaches how to recognise our unconscious habitual and often unhelpful reactions by adopting a more adjustable response to stressful situations in an intentional and skilful manner by focusing only on the present moment experience.  MBSR is learning how to develop a relationship with yourself with a non-judgemental, kindly curiosity and acceptance to difficult experiences.  Studies have shown the MBSR has proven successful for chronic pain conditions, stress and anxiety, as well as coping with the constant flux of everyday life.

 

MBCT

 

MBCT was developed by Zindel Segal, Mark Williams and John Teasdale and was based on the MBSR program.  It was designed specifically to help people who suffer repeated bouts of depression.

MBCT focuses on specific patterns of negative thinking that people with depression are susceptible to but which we all suffer from at some point in our lives.  MBCT gives an understanding of the psychological and cognitive aspects of our experience.  When we begin to observe our rumination and notice our patterns of negative thinking which are encouraged by our low moods, we can change these with the acquired CBT skills to detach and shift from unhelpful cognitive patterns.

 

MBCT has proven effective in clinical trials for preventing serious recurrent depression and is approved and recommended in the UK by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).

 

For more information call

Jill on 01638 742167 / 07712446264 or email: jill@evokeresilience.co.uk

 

"Between stimulus and response there's a space, in that space lies our power to choose our response,

 in our response lies our growth and our freedom”

Viktor Frankl