Richard Sears – Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Experiential Workshop

Outline

Competencies of MBCT

• Foundations of MBCT
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)​
  • Original MBCT trials
  • Evidence base for MBCT
  • Neurological evidence
• Principles
  • Adaptation and expansion of CBT principles
  • Decenter from strong and persistent negative thoughts
  • Leading mindfulness exercises skillfully
  • Mindful inquiry

MBCT Curriculum & Core Therapeutic Tasks

• Session 1: Awareness and Automatic Pilot
  • Raisin exercise – distinguish thinking and feeling
  • Body scan – foundation to build attention
  • Mindfulness of daily activities
• Session 2: Living in Our Heads
  • ABC model for linking thoughts and emotions
  • Pleasant events calendar to foster attention to the positive
  • Mindful breathing for stress and focus
• Session 3: Gathering the Scattered Mind
  • Mindful stretching for working with discomfort
  • Mindful walking for dynamic mindfulness
  • Unpleasant events calendar to relate differently to difficulty
  • 3-Minute breathing space
• Session 4: Recognizing Aversion
  • Mindfulness of breath, body, sounds to deepen awareness
  • Working with difficulties without struggle
• Session 5: Allowing/Letting Be
  • Exposure to difficult thoughts and feelings to transform them
  • Noticing thoughts without getting lost in them
• Session 6: Thoughts are Not Facts
  • Purposefully exposing to strong thoughts and feelings
  • Techniques for working wisely with difficult thoughts
• Session 7: How Can I Best Take Care of Myself?
  • Recognize relapse signatures to prevent future problems
  • Develop self-care action plans
• Session 8: Maintaining and Extending New Learning
  • Personalize mindfulness practices for individual clients
  • Maintain momentum of positive gains

Clinical Issues – Advanced Strategies for Working with Challenging Clients

• Adaptations of MBCT for:
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Chronic Pain
  • PTSD
  • Substance Use Disorders
  • Children & Adolescents

Limitations of the Research & Potential Risks

• Most research has been done in group settings
• Best when clients have the cognitive capacity to engage in the practices
• Adaptations must be made for acute conditions and special populations
• Mindfulness involves moving into experiences, which may cause a temporary exacerbation of symptoms

Evaluations and Dissemination