Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an 8 week course for people who experience depression. It is recommended by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) as an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression. It is also recommended by NICE for those who have recovered from depression, as a way of reducing the chances of experiencing depression again in the future.
MBCT courses combines two helpful approaches: Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Our MBCT courses are a great way to understand thought patterns and how to work with these in more helpful ways.
Is this right for me?
- I want to learn mindfulness techniques to help me manage mild or moderate depression
- I am aged 18 or over
- I can attend all sessions online or in person
- I am willing to practice meditation exercises at home between sessions
- I am happy to be involved in a group format
A bit more about the course
This short animation film explains what mindfulness is.
Mindfulness is a particular way of paying attention to the present moment. When we’re tuned in to the present moment, the mind is less likely to get caught up in unhelpful patterns of thinking and feeling.
How will this help me?
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our thoughts and emotions and relate to them in a different way. We learn skills that can help us to:
- Become more focussed and steady
- Feel less overwhelmed
- Respond more wisely to difficulties and stress
- Be kinder to ourselves and more accepting of how things are
This can reduce symptoms of depression and reduce the chances of depression returning.
The following film shares the personal experiences of participants who have attended MBCT at another NHS centre and the benefits they have experienced.
What can I expect?
The course is taught over 8 weekly sessions, in small groups of 8 to 12. Sessions last two hours and 15 minutes. The sessions are run by a small group of experienced NHS professionals who are trained mindfulness teachers.
Each session will include guided meditation exercises and plenty of opportunities to talk about your experience of the meditation practice. Throughout the course, we will explore what it’s like to live with depression and how mindfulness can help.
The course takes time and effort and involves practising the meditations at home on a daily basis. In order to benefit from the course, it is important to attend regularly and to practise the approaches at home every day.
You can try mindfulness meditation by listening to this guided exercise:
Course dates
This course runs throughout the year, with our next courses starting on the dates below.
How do I book a place?
If you would like to book a place on this course all you need to do is fill in our online referral form.
Select the ‘Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Course’ as your preferred treatment option.
You can also call us on 0114 226 4380 and speak to one of our team.
Once you have completed your referral you will be invited for a short assessment call with one of our Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners.
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