Introduction to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
for Depression
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) was specifically designed to reduce
risk of relapse and recurrence in patients who suffer from depression. Combining
intensive training in mindfulness and elements from cognitive therapy, the
treatment is aimed at helping patients become better able to recognize and
disengage from distressing mental habits that are at the core of their continuing
vulnerability. The group-based intervention is recommended by NICE guidelines,
and in the 10 years since its publication has served as a blueprint for the
development of a number of mindfulness-based interventions for other emotional
problems.
This one-day workshop will:
 Provide an understanding of the cognitive vulnerabilities underlying
recurrent depression and the ways in which the mindfulness approach
responds to these
 Offer an opportunity to experience, and thereby gain a ‘first-hand’
understanding of the key practices of MBCT
 Summarize current research evidence on the use of MBCT in people with
recurrent depression, and outline the pathways of teacher training
Topics that will be covered:
 The cognitive model of relapse in depression
 The rationale of MBCT for relapse prevention
 The basic components of MBCT
 Experiencing MBCT in practice
 Evidence-base and training in MBCT
Learning objectives:
 To understand the psychological processes underlying relapse in recurrent
depression and the rationale of MBCT
 To understand the link between clinical theory and the practice of
mindfulness
 To gain an understanding of the practices of MBCT through experience
 To gain an appreciation of the stages involved in training to become a MBCT
instructor
Teaching methods
 Presentation
 Experiential exercises/guided meditations
 Video demonstration
 Group enquiry
Facilitator
Thorsten Barnhofer, Ph.D., Psy.D. (German equivalent)
Biography
Thorsten Barnhofer, Ph.D., is currently a Heisenberg-Fellow at
the Charite Clinic and Freie Universitaet Berlin, where he
conducts research into the effects of mindfulness-based
interventions in emotional disorders and their mechanisms of
action. For over eight years, he has worked in Prof. Mark
Williams’ team at the University of Oxford, where he has been
involved in research on the effects of Mindfulness-Based
Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in suicidal and chronic depression,
as a clinician, mindfulness teacher, and researcher. He is
enthusiastic about practicing and teaching meditation, and
leads MBCT workshops and retreats for mental health
professionals internationally and in the UK.