Mindfulness-Based Therapy
At Manatee Associates of Counseling & Assessment, we use a wide array of therapy approaches to help our clients achieve their counseling goals, including offering mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in our Palmetto, FL practice. This unique approach to therapy is proven effective in a range of situations, including improving experience for individuals who struggle with clinical depression.
What is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy?
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is often referred to simply as MBCT. It combines counseling practices from two related areas – cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people to understand the ways that thoughts influence our feelings and actions. Mindfulness-based therapy teaches individuals practices that keep them focused on the present moment. By combining these two areas, MBCT provides an effective way to help people struggling with mood disorders and other difficulties to recognize their problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Then, it gives them the tools to break free from negative thinking, feeling, acting cycles by focusing on their current experiences in positive ways to improve the symptoms they’re experiencing.
Who Could Benefit from MBCT?
MBCT was developed specifically for individuals who struggle with repeated episodes of clinical depression. Today, we utilize this therapy approaches for a wide range of concerns, including:
- Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
- Disordered eating
- Negative thinking
- Psychosis
- Addiction recovery
What Happens During MBCT Sessions?
During counseling sessions that utilize MBCT, you’ll work with a therapist to understand, accept, and validate your feelings and thoughts, but you’ll also create a separation between yourself and the thoughts and feelings you experience. Rather than simply allowing negative thinking or feeling to dictate your actions, MBCT teaches skills that help you to cope with symptoms of a range of concerns as they arise. The skills you’ll learn during MBCT sessions will offer you immediate relief and long term change.
Let’s Get Started!
We know it can be intimidating to take this next step to schedule an appointment with our team. You may have had negative experiences with therapy in the past, you may be worried about stigma surrounding counseling, or you may just be worried. We get it. The good news is we can help you put some of those worries aside and start feeling like yourself again. When you’re ready, the Manatee Associates of Counseling & Assessment team is here for you.