The information in this program outline is provided by the program representative and edited by the CEBC staff. The Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program has been rated by the CEBC in the area of: Depression Treatment (Adult).

• Child Welfare Outcome: Child/Family Well-Being
• Types of Maltreatment: Does not target any specific kind of maltreatment
• Target Population: Adults (between 18-70 years old) who have suffered three or more prior episodes of major depression.

MBCT is based on Jon Kabat Zinn’s Stress Reduction program at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, which was developed to help people suffering with chronic physical pain and disease. It includes simple meditation techniques to help participants become more aware of their experience in the present moment, by tuning in to moment-to-moment changes in the mind and the body. Participants learn the practice of mindfulness meditation through a course of eight weekly classes (the atmosphere is that of a class, rather than a therapy group) and through daily practice of meditation skills while listening to tapes at home. MBCT also includes basic education about depression and suicidality, and a number of exercises derived from cognitive therapy. These exercises demonstrate the links between thinking and feeling and demonstrate ways that participants can care for themselves when they notice their mood changing or a crisis threatens to overwhelm them.