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.

• Mindful Way Through Anxiety
• Mindful Self-Compassion
• UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
• UCSD Center for Mindfulness

• 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.

• Buddhist Network of Central Ohio
• Shambala Columbus
• Bodhi Buddhist Association of Columbus
• Mind Body Spirit Academy
• Dragonfly Counseling and Wellness
• Yoga on High

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