Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
When Your Mind Keeps Going, You Can Learn to Step Out of the Cycle
Sometimes thoughts can become repetitive, critical, or overwhelming, especially when you're already feeling stressed, anxious, or low. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) can help you notice thoughts and emotions with greater awareness, step out of unhelpful thinking patterns, and develop new ways of responding to what you're experiencing.
When Your Thoughts Keep Pulling You In
You may notice that certain thoughts seem to repeat themselves, especially when you're stressed, anxious, or struggling with your mood. MBCT can help you become more aware of these patterns and explore what happens when you relate to your thoughts differently.
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Your Mind Keeps Going in Circles
You may replay conversations, worry about what could happen, or dwell on what went wrong. MBCT can help you notice when your mind gets caught in repetitive patterns.
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A Thought Quickly Becomes a Feeling
One difficult thought can lead to worry, sadness, frustration, or self-criticism before you have time to notice what's happening. MBCT can help you recognize these patterns as they unfold.
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It's Hard to Stay Present
You may spend a lot of time caught up in the past or anticipating what's next, making it difficult to fully experience the moment you're actually in. MBCT can help you practice returning your attention to the present.
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You Want to Respond Instead of React
You may understand that certain thought patterns aren't helpful but still find yourself pulled into them. MBCT can help you create more space to notice what's happening and choose how you want to respond.
What MBCT Therapy Can Feel Like
MBCT combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy to help you become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and reactions. Rather than trying to push difficult thoughts away, you and your therapist can explore how you relate to them and practice responding with greater awareness.
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You Learn to Notice What's Happening
You practice paying attention to thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations as they arise, rather than automatically getting pulled into them.
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You Practice Coming Back to the Present
Mindfulness exercises can help you notice when your attention has wandered and gently bring it back to what's happening right now.
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You Explore Your Thinking Patterns
You and your therapist can look at recurring patterns in your thinking and explore how they influence your emotions and responses.
When You Can Notice a Thought Without Getting Pulled Into It, You Have More Choice
You may not be able to stop difficult thoughts from appearing, but you can learn to notice them without automatically following where they lead. MBCT can help you recognize unhelpful thinking patterns, reconnect with the present moment, and create more space between a thought and your response. Over time, this can make it easier to step out of cycles of worry, rumination, or self-criticism and respond to difficult experiences with greater awareness and intention.
Your Path Through Healing
There isn't one approach that works for everyone. Therapy can be tailored to your experiences, needs, and goals, drawing from different approaches to support you along the way.
Find a Therapist Who Feels Like a Good Fit
Finding the right therapist can make a meaningful difference in your experience of therapy. Get to know our therapists, learn about their approaches and areas of focus, and find someone who feels like a good fit for you. And if you're not sure where to start, that's okay—we can help you explore what kind of support may be right for you.
FAQs
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Mindfulness practices are an important part of MBCT, but you don't need prior meditation experience to begin. Your therapist can introduce practices gradually and help you find ways to apply mindfulness skills that feel manageable and relevant to your everyday life.
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No. MBCT isn't about replacing difficult thoughts with positive ones or forcing yourself to look on the bright side. Instead, it helps you notice thoughts and thinking patterns with greater awareness so you can relate to them differently and decide how you want to respond.
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A wandering mind is a normal part of mindfulness practice. MBCT isn't about keeping your mind completely still. You learn to notice when your attention has wandered and gently bring it back, building awareness without judging yourself for getting distracted.
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Both approaches can help you recognize patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, but they approach that work differently. CBT often focuses on examining and changing unhelpful patterns, while MBCT combines cognitive therapy with mindfulness practices to help you notice thoughts and emotions without automatically getting caught up in them. Your therapist can help you determine which approach may be a better fit for what you're experiencing.
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Yes. Our therapists participate with a variety of insurance plans. Your cost will depend on your individual insurance benefits and the therapist you choose. We also offer self-pay options for clients who are not using insurance.
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Step 1: Connect With Us
Take the first step by contacting us. We're here to answer your questions and help you get started.
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Step 2: We'll Guide You
Together, we'll help you find the therapist who is the best fit for your needs, goals, and preferences.
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Step 3: Begin Healing Together
Meet your therapist, build a trusting relationship, and begin working toward meaningful growth and lasting change.