At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we have numerous ways to treat your depression and other mental health conditions.
We want you to not only feel better and have improved quality of life, but we also want to ensure your symptoms don’t return. This can be difficult with depression as many people do see a return of their symptoms; however, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can prevent relapse.
Several of our mental health experts have special training and expertise in this type of psychotherapy, so you can be confident in your care when it comes to mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).
What is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?
MBCT is an eight-week, group-based intervention designed to facilitate recovery from depression and prevent future relapse. This evidence-based program combines elements of cognitive therapy with meditative practices and attitudes that are based on the cultivation of mindfulness. This helps you develop new ways of relating to experiences that are protective for mood and well-being and encourages you to use acceptance, compassion and curiosity.
MBCT was developed by Zindel Segal, Mark Williams and John Teasdale based on Jon Kabat-Zinn’s mindfulness-based stress reduction program. It’s based on the premise that mindfulness helps increase awareness of habitual patterns that increase vulnerability to downward spirals and getting stuck.
Two large randomized clinical trials of MBCT showed that it reduced rates of relapse by 50% among those who suffer from recurrent depression.
Ohio State’s MBCT program
Our mindfulness-based cognitive therapy program requires a strong commitment on your part to be successful. We ask that you commit to:
- One initial, individual evaluation for screening and orientation
- Attending weekly group sessions (lasting two hours each) for eight weeks and one daylong retreat
- Practicing for 40 to 50 minutes daily at home during the program (audio files are provided to guide home practice)
Who should participate in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?
We recommend people participate in MBCT if they have a diagnosis of depression or anxiety. You should also be functioning well in daily life with the energy and motivation to engage in assigned home practices consistently.
Who shouldn’t participate?
MBCT isn’t for everyone. We don’t recommend it if you:
- Have experienced symptoms of psychosis
- Have received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the past six months
- Are actively using substances
- Have current suicidal thoughts
- Can’t function appropriately in group settings
How to enroll in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?
If you’re interested, please contact our team at mbct@osumc.edu for more information on joining the MBCT groups.
MBCT was designed to help individuals who experience repeated bouts of depressed mood and chronic unhappiness. It integrates ideas of cognitive therapy with meditative practices toward the cultivation of mindfulness. MBCT uses mindfulness to help participants understand their depression and anxiety. The core of the work is creating increased awareness of the modes of mind that characterize negative mood states while ultimately learning to relate to them in ways that are more helpful than hurtful. Mindfulness helps increase awareness of habitual patterns that increase vulnerability to downward spirals and getting stuck. You will develop the skills to see the connection between downward spirals and certain habits of responding (impossibly high standards, thoughts about being “not good enough,” and ways we make ourselves miserable with overwork). Practice helps us see how these habits lead us to lose touch with what we value most in our lives. This new way of relating involves greater acceptance and kindness towards whatever arises.
The UK National Institute of Clinical Excellence has recently endorsed MBCT as an effective treatment for the prevention of depressive relapse. Research from several large research trials has shown that for people who have been clinically depressed three or more times, completing the program and learning these new skills significantly reduces the chances that their depression will return. Two large randomized clinical trials of MBCT showed that it reduces rates of relapse by 50% among those who suffer from recurrent depression.
Additional Resources
- Brach, T. (2004). Radical acceptance: Embracing your life with the heart of a Buddha. NY: Bantam.
- Chödrön, P. (2002). When things fall apart: Heart advice for difficult times. Boston: Shambhala.
- Chödrön, P. (1994). Start where you are: A guide to compassionate living. Boston: Shambhala.
- Germer, C. K. (2009). The mindful path to self-compassion: Freeing yourself from destructive thoughts and emotions. NY: Guilford.
- Goleman, D. (2003). Destructive emotions: How can we overcome them?: A scientific dialogue with the Dalai Lama. NY: Bantam Dell.
- Gunaratana, H. (1991). Mindfulness in plain English. Boston: Shambhala.
- Hanh, T.N. (1976). The miracle of mindfulness: An introduction to the practice of meditation. Boston: Beacon.
- Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever you go, there you are: Mindfulness meditation in everyday life. NY: Hyperion.
- Kornfield, J. (2008). The wise heart: A guide to the universal teachings of Buddhist psychology. NY: Bantam.
- Neff, K. (2011). Self-compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. NY: HarperCollins
- Orsillo, S. M., & Roemer, L. (2011). The mindful way through anxiety: Break free from chronic worry and reclaim your life. NY: Guilford.
- Salzberg, S. (1995). Loving-kindness: The revolutionary art of happiness. Shambala Publications.
- Williams, M., Teasdale, J. D., Segal, Z. V., & Kabat-Zinn, J. (2007). The mindful way through depression: Freeing yourself from chronic unhappiness. NY: Guilford.
Be sure to visit individual sites for updates on times and pricing. We're not endorsing these centers, but providing information about local resources.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is attention to the present moment with curiosity and non-judgment. While there are many different definitions of mindfulness, the spirit of mindfulness is increased awareness of each moment of our life with an attitude of acceptance and compassion.
How might mindfulness meditation benefit my life?
There are many well-documented benefits of mindfulness including decreased anxiety and depression, as well as greater stability in physical symptoms such as blood glucose and blood pressure. One benefit commonly reported by patients is a greater appreciation of simple things in their lives, such as a cup of coffee or the color of the trees in autumn. In this way, we begin to experience our lives in each moment, rather than operating on “automatic pilot” or living in the past or future. Through practice, we may come to realize that there is more “right” than “wrong” with us and engage in our lives more fully.
In reality, what each person takes from mindfulness is unique, so please find out for yourself how mindful meditation can enrich your life.
Do I need to have experience with meditation or yoga prior to the course?
No. There is no expectation that participants have previous experience with meditation, mindfulness, or yoga. Everyone will have the chance to experience and explore mindfulness with the assistance of a skilled teacher to help guide them and answer any questions. For those with meditation experience, the course can be a helpful refresher and way to reconnect with the practice.
Will MBCT disrupt ongoing psychotherapy?
This course can be a great compliment to psychotherapy. Please speak with your provider about the program, as it is most helpful to have your other mental health providers be in support of you participating in the program. If you choose, with your consent we can speak with your therapist as you go through the program.
Is mindfulness compatible with my faith?
MBCT offers mindfulness in a way that is accessible to everyone, regardless of religious traditions or faith. Because mindfulness helps us be more awake in our lives, it can be a good compliment to many religious traditions.
I am learning that I have the patience and ability to do this. I am learning how my mind works. - Noah M
It has now become virtually an automatic thought: Am I acting wisely, or are my actions driven by emotions? – Anonymous
The breathing space has been very helpful for stopping me in my tracks. I can pause for a moment and reflect on my thoughts. – Katie L.
MBCT has helped me realize my limitations and be less critical of myself. – Janet H
This practice can help me to live life and not have my negative thoughts control me. – Pam R
With the negative emotions, anxiety in particular, I am better at not fighting it or trying to do something to rationalize it or ignore it—but allow it and can see that it passes – Anonymous
Our Team
Sophie Lazarus, PhD
MBCT groups will be led by Sophie Lazarus, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Ohio. Dr. Lazarus is a long time mindfulness-practitioner and a certified teacher of MBCT at the UCSD Mindfulness-Based Professional Training Institute. She completed an intensive training in MBCT under the guidance of one of the treatment developers, Dr. Zindel Segal and another expert in MBCT, Susan Woods, MSW, LICSW. Dr. Lazarus may be joined by a co-facilitator who is an advanced trainee in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, including predoctoral clinical psychology interns and advanced clinical psychology graduate students who have been trained by Dr. Lazarus in the MBCT model.
Maureen Maher-Bridge, LISW-S
Maureen Maher-Bridge, LISW-S is a Lead Psychotherapist in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and is a licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Ohio. Maureen was trained at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh, PA in CBT and has over 25 years of clinical experience in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. She completed the Teacher Training Intensive in MBCT through the Centre for Mindfulness Studies in Toronto, Canada and is currently leading MBCT groups.