Mental Health, ADHD, & MBCT - Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

What is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)?

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an 8-week wellness program initially developed to treat depression with a focus on preventing relapses of symptoms. MBCT was inspired by and follows the structure of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program (the first manualized program of its kind in the US). It has since been studied around the world for about two decades and is used to improve many conditions, like anxiety and more recently Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Difference (ADHD) in adults.

This evidence-based program combines principles of mindfulness, guided meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and neuroscience through varied guided exercises and practices, home practice leading up to a silent retreat. The program traditionally runs once a week for 8 weeks, including a half-day silent retreat on a weekend. Of note, many of the practices taught have origins in or were inspired by Buddhist Psychology, however, current mindfulness-based intervention programs in the US are secular and do not promote any religious affiliation.

Program Structure

Participants of the MBCT program will receive audio recordings of practices, worksheets for home practice, and support from the instructor through the 8 weeks. These materials, instruction, and communications will be provided digitally/virtually.

As a bonus, all participants are welcome to join any future silent retreats (for as long as they are held) in addition to the Silent Retreat originally included in their 8-week program.

• Initial Intake (30 minutes)
• Typically 8 MBCT classes (1 hr, 30 min each, breaks included)
  • We offer shorter sessions to be more inclusive of neurodiversity & disability
• Silent Retreat (4 hours)
• Total: 10 sessions
• Offered as a group or individually (one-on-one)
  • We offer these sessions as part of medical group visits in MA, GA, NJ (shared medical appointments, 3-10 people) & also as educational courses throughout the US (non-clinical/non-medical).
• Group courses usually require a minimum number of participants to proceed.

Becoming a Participant

Before being accepted into the program, participants are asked to please complete a brief health screening form for the instructor to know how to best support participants during class and in the event of an emergency. Additionally, registration will include asking participants to complete a safety plan, and provide emergency contact and health provider information (in the event any of that information is needed, we would like to have it from the beginning). Lastly, prior to the start of the 8-week program, you will be asked to schedule an initial, one-on-one session with the instructor. The instructor will discuss what you can expect, offer suggestions for practice modifications (as needed), and answer any questions or concerns that may arise.

Our Accommodations

Our offerings are facilitated with trauma-sensitivity, neuro-inclusivity, and disability inclusivity in mind. However, additional accommodations may be provided upon request, as everyone’s needs may be different. We will share any relevant limitations we may have regarding logistics.

You can learn more details about MBCT by reviewing the article we put together in PDF format. Please reach out if you have any questions about our MBCT & other mental health offerings. Thank you for reading & take care.