Mindfulness Cognitive Therapy MBCT in Farnham Surrey by Anna Kenyon
Mindfulness based cognitive therapy has been found to be very effective at treating depression and anxiety, as well as helping individuals to cope with chronic pain and those suffering from stress related illness. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has endorsed MBCT as a successful treatment for the prevention of relapse in individuals suffering from depression.
Mindfulness practice helps us to see the activity and patterns of the mind more clearly. Clients are encouraged to notice and observe these patterns, without engaging with the content. By doing this, the power of negative thoughts to adversely impact mood is weakened, and thoughts can be seen for what they are – just thoughts, not as a reflection of reality or truth.
Mindfulness teaches us to get back in touch with our experience in the present moment, rather than reliving the past or pre-living the future. By practicing this skill, we are more able to derive pleasure from our experiences, being fully present and engaging in the moment rather than missing the experience because our minds are elsewhere. Mindfulness can also develop our willingness to experience emotions, giving us the courage to allow distressing mood, thoughts and sensations to come and go without battling with them.
At The Psychology Clinic, mindfulness is incorporated into treatment where appropriate, optimising treatment outcome and helping to prevent relapse post-treatment. A six-week mindfulness programme is offered for individuals looking to develop their mindfulness practice and group workshops can also be arranged on request.
Quotes:
“Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t)”
James Baraz.
“Don’t believe everything you think. Thoughts are just that – thoughts”
Allan Lokos.
“Start living right here, in each present moment. When we stop dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we’re open to rich sources of information we’ve been missing out on—information that can keep us out of the downward spiral and poised for a richer life”
Mark Williams.
“You might be tempted to avoid the messiness of daily living for the tranquility of stillness and peacefulness. This of course would be an attachment to stillness, and like any strong attachment, it leads to delusion. It arrests development and short-circuits the cultivation of wisdom”
Jon Kabat-Zinn.