Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists in San Francisco, CA

Photo of Matt McKeithan, PsyD, MA, LPC-A, Psychologist
Matt McKeithan
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94121  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating those with various mental disorders and behavioral issues to include: ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, and Personality Disorders. I utilize detailed Psychological Assessment, and empirically supported treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. I am certified as a DBT practitioner and a life coach. Lastly, I integrate a holistic mindset into my practice, where emphasis is placed on gut/brain health, sleep quality, lifestyle, and diet.
I specialize in treating those with various mental disorders and behavioral issues to include: ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, and Personality Disorders. I utilize detailed Psychological Assessment, and empirically supported treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. I am certified as a DBT practitioner and a life coach. Lastly, I integrate a holistic mindset into my practice, where emphasis is placed on gut/brain health, sleep quality, lifestyle, and diet.
(628) 214-2794 View (628) 214-2794
Photo of Pia B. Crosby - Fierce Therapy , MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Fierce Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94117  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I will incorporate expressive arts, music, the sense of smell, and mindfulness & gratitude.
I believe in meeting the client where they are, facing the issues presented with an open mind, and to always establish healthy boundaries. My approach is to help manage life's transitions together in a way that provides a nurturing & empathetic experience.
I will incorporate expressive arts, music, the sense of smell, and mindfulness & gratitude.
I believe in meeting the client where they are, facing the issues presented with an open mind, and to always establish healthy boundaries. My approach is to help manage life's transitions together in a way that provides a nurturing & empathetic experience.
(510) 240-1830 View (510) 240-1830
Photo of Meghan Crane, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Meghan Crane
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Welcome! Mindfulness is a practice of self awareness where one learns the significance of what I call the "emotional pause", this is essential in both individual and couples work. Being able to pause allows our minds and bodies to process and integrate information, creating space for self acceptance and making choices that support and align with our personal wellbeing. It also allows us to "respond" rather than "react" in relationship. My approach is direct yet compassionate,I use talk therapy and somatic practices to help couples and individuals fully get to know themselves and make choices that create lasting change.
Welcome! Mindfulness is a practice of self awareness where one learns the significance of what I call the "emotional pause", this is essential in both individual and couples work. Being able to pause allows our minds and bodies to process and integrate information, creating space for self acceptance and making choices that support and align with our personal wellbeing. It also allows us to "respond" rather than "react" in relationship. My approach is direct yet compassionate,I use talk therapy and somatic practices to help couples and individuals fully get to know themselves and make choices that create lasting change.
(415) 639-9917 View (415) 639-9917
Photo of Julia Forberg, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julia Forberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
Drawing from Somatic and Internal Family Systems models, as well as mindfulness and self-compassion, we'll help you gently turn towards yourself and learn the resources to end the war within yourself that is causing suffering.
Are you a woman struggling in your relationships? Pregnant or a new mom? I help women who feel hopeless and anxious about their lives feel more empowered. Perhaps you've been stuck in the same patterns in your relationships. Or you are navigating new motherhood and are understandably impacted by the massive changes happening. Together, we'll help you learn the tools to understand the meaning underneath your emotions and move beyond feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Using both talk therapy and somatic (body-based) tools, therapy is a place for you to heal, grow, and explore your inner world in a compassionate and non-judgmental space.
Drawing from Somatic and Internal Family Systems models, as well as mindfulness and self-compassion, we'll help you gently turn towards yourself and learn the resources to end the war within yourself that is causing suffering.
Are you a woman struggling in your relationships? Pregnant or a new mom? I help women who feel hopeless and anxious about their lives feel more empowered. Perhaps you've been stuck in the same patterns in your relationships. Or you are navigating new motherhood and are understandably impacted by the massive changes happening. Together, we'll help you learn the tools to understand the meaning underneath your emotions and move beyond feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Using both talk therapy and somatic (body-based) tools, therapy is a place for you to heal, grow, and explore your inner world in a compassionate and non-judgmental space.
(415) 841-2737 View (415) 841-2737
Photo of Yvonne Guertin, LMFT, RMBP, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Yvonne Guertin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RMBP, SEP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109
My approach is influenced by my personal mindfulness, contemplative, yoga and interspiritual practices.
Coming from a holistic, mind-body, humanistic, compassionate perspective, I work with clients who desire to improve the quality of their lives, reducing stress and emotional pain. Clients may suffer from loneliness, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety or loss. They may need help with communication awareness, grounding methods, self-care, sexual fulfillment or life purpose. These conditions are more normal than abnormal, while sometimes feeling overwhelming. I invite clients to listen to and trust their innate wisdom, guiding them to identify and move through the obstacles preventing them from living their life to the fullest.
My approach is influenced by my personal mindfulness, contemplative, yoga and interspiritual practices.
Coming from a holistic, mind-body, humanistic, compassionate perspective, I work with clients who desire to improve the quality of their lives, reducing stress and emotional pain. Clients may suffer from loneliness, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety or loss. They may need help with communication awareness, grounding methods, self-care, sexual fulfillment or life purpose. These conditions are more normal than abnormal, while sometimes feeling overwhelming. I invite clients to listen to and trust their innate wisdom, guiding them to identify and move through the obstacles preventing them from living their life to the fullest.
(415) 800-4671 View (415) 800-4671
Photo of David Jay Goldman, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
David Jay Goldman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
With the goal of creating deep and lasting change, my work often entails using mindfulness and body awareness to help clients think more clearly, feel more balanced, and act more effectively.
'Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?' - Mary Oliver. Choosing a therapist can be an intimidating process and reaching out for help can be uncomfortable, but we all need support in order to thrive. Within a warm, open and compassionate environment, my practice helps clients make sense of the challenges they face and use this understanding to navigate their lives with increased resilience and grace.
With the goal of creating deep and lasting change, my work often entails using mindfulness and body awareness to help clients think more clearly, feel more balanced, and act more effectively.
'Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?' - Mary Oliver. Choosing a therapist can be an intimidating process and reaching out for help can be uncomfortable, but we all need support in order to thrive. Within a warm, open and compassionate environment, my practice helps clients make sense of the challenges they face and use this understanding to navigate their lives with increased resilience and grace.
(415) 942-8947 View (415) 942-8947
Photo of Helen Star, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Helen Star
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
I use a variety of tools including mindfulness practices, somatic awareness exercises and cognitive behavioral strategies.
Sometimes anxiety, depression and trauma responses impact your relationships and work. My approach is to provide deep, abiding support to help you come back to center, allowing a more resilient self to emerge. Together we will build on your strengths to address life challenges with the aim that the consultation room is a safe space where actual life strategies are developed. You and I can address issues ranging from phase of life challenges, Work stress, relationship conflicts, trauma resolution, depression and anxiety management or the impacts of addictive processes in your life.
I use a variety of tools including mindfulness practices, somatic awareness exercises and cognitive behavioral strategies.
Sometimes anxiety, depression and trauma responses impact your relationships and work. My approach is to provide deep, abiding support to help you come back to center, allowing a more resilient self to emerge. Together we will build on your strengths to address life challenges with the aim that the consultation room is a safe space where actual life strategies are developed. You and I can address issues ranging from phase of life challenges, Work stress, relationship conflicts, trauma resolution, depression and anxiety management or the impacts of addictive processes in your life.
(415) 237-6307 View (415) 237-6307
Photo of Ismael de Guzman, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ismael de Guzman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
I also integrate mindfulness and bring a solution-focused approach.
I recognize seeking support can be daunting, but you don't have to face your life challenges alone. I am committed to helping individuals from marginalized communities who are seeking therapy to get help with anxiety, depression, identity exploration, or trauma-related experiences. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space to explore what might be coming up for you in these areas. Together we will work to develop resilience, a stronger self-esteem, healthier relationships, personal agency, insight, and strong coping skills.
I also integrate mindfulness and bring a solution-focused approach.
I recognize seeking support can be daunting, but you don't have to face your life challenges alone. I am committed to helping individuals from marginalized communities who are seeking therapy to get help with anxiety, depression, identity exploration, or trauma-related experiences. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space to explore what might be coming up for you in these areas. Together we will work to develop resilience, a stronger self-esteem, healthier relationships, personal agency, insight, and strong coping skills.
(415) 942-5447 View (415) 942-5447
Photo of Renee Hawley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Renee Hawley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches including talk therapy, CBT, art, mindfulness, body-awareness, and humor.
Life brings many challenges (and many blessings). At times you may feel “out of balance,” notice a heightened sense of anxiety, low mood, an increase of unhealthy habits, and stressors in your relationships. Together, we will examine how your experiences (including your thoughts, beliefs, expectations, motivations, fears and needs) are affecting your current life situation. We will identify your strengths and build a solid tool kit of skills to help you cope with life’s stressors, enabling you a sense of harmony and peace.
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches including talk therapy, CBT, art, mindfulness, body-awareness, and humor.
Life brings many challenges (and many blessings). At times you may feel “out of balance,” notice a heightened sense of anxiety, low mood, an increase of unhealthy habits, and stressors in your relationships. Together, we will examine how your experiences (including your thoughts, beliefs, expectations, motivations, fears and needs) are affecting your current life situation. We will identify your strengths and build a solid tool kit of skills to help you cope with life’s stressors, enabling you a sense of harmony and peace.
(530) 317-4876 View (530) 317-4876
Photo of Katrina Sesline, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katrina Sesline
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating adults living with a disabling health condition, caregivers who are supporting someone with a health condition, and those grieving the loss of a loved one. Living with a serious illness or grief can bring out difficult feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, depression and fear. I use an integrative approach with elements of narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness. Together, let's create a safe space to help you cope while attending to your heart, mind, and body.
I specialize in treating adults living with a disabling health condition, caregivers who are supporting someone with a health condition, and those grieving the loss of a loved one. Living with a serious illness or grief can bring out difficult feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, depression and fear. I use an integrative approach with elements of narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness. Together, let's create a safe space to help you cope while attending to your heart, mind, and body.
(510) 616-9406 View (510) 616-9406
Photo of Crystal Jimenez, PhD, Psychologist
Crystal Jimenez
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
Dr. Crystal Jimenez is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in chronic pain management, behavioral medicine, adjustment to chronic health conditions and related life stressors. She has experience working with a wide range of mental health concerns, including generalized anxiety, depression, stress reduction, life transitions. Dr. Jimenez’s approach is culturally sensitive, evidence-based, and strengths-based, integrating CBT, mindfulness, and values-based interventions to help patients learn effective skills to increase connection, change, and empowerment in their lives.
Dr. Crystal Jimenez is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in chronic pain management, behavioral medicine, adjustment to chronic health conditions and related life stressors. She has experience working with a wide range of mental health concerns, including generalized anxiety, depression, stress reduction, life transitions. Dr. Jimenez’s approach is culturally sensitive, evidence-based, and strengths-based, integrating CBT, mindfulness, and values-based interventions to help patients learn effective skills to increase connection, change, and empowerment in their lives.
(415) 799-5800 View (415) 799-5800
Photo of Tracy McGillis, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tracy McGillis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94112  (Online Only)
My therapeutic style is warm, accepting and engaging; my orientation is integrative, drawing from complimentary modalities like mindfulness based ACT and Existential/Humanistic approaches.
I provide a safe, empathic, and non-judgmental space to explore any issues that have brought you to therapy. I work with individuals and couples at all developmental stages, partnering with you to navigate the uncertainties of life transitions, relationship difficulties, and barriers that may be keeping you stuck. Most of us want to move in the direction of a meaningful, authentic life that reflects our values, but for various reasons the path becomes obscured. I both challenge and support my clients in their courageous steps toward clarity and fulfillment.
My therapeutic style is warm, accepting and engaging; my orientation is integrative, drawing from complimentary modalities like mindfulness based ACT and Existential/Humanistic approaches.
I provide a safe, empathic, and non-judgmental space to explore any issues that have brought you to therapy. I work with individuals and couples at all developmental stages, partnering with you to navigate the uncertainties of life transitions, relationship difficulties, and barriers that may be keeping you stuck. Most of us want to move in the direction of a meaningful, authentic life that reflects our values, but for various reasons the path becomes obscured. I both challenge and support my clients in their courageous steps toward clarity and fulfillment.
(415) 787-4497 View (415) 787-4497
Photo of Sterling Walker, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Sterling Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
Throughout our lives, we all have experienced feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger. These emotions leave you feeling insecure, shameful, lonely, unworthy and stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior. Trauma can have negative emotional and physical effects and can lead to family/relationship issues. I specialize in solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and CBT. These approaches allow me to work with the client to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and other health/behavioral issues.
(415) 840-3997 View (415) 840-3997
Photo of Brooke Adams, PsyD, Psychologist
Brooke Adams
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
I am passionate to offer you mindfulness-based approaches that will empower you on your journey.
This human experience is at times daunting. Even welcomed life transitions can leave us feeling untethered. You may be struggling to feel comfortable in your own skin, find deeper connection in your relationships, or knowing your place in this world. I believe in the innate wisdom each individual possesses. I will accompany you into this lifelong process of returning to your sense of self. We come to know ourselves more fully through our relationships even as the discoveries may be startling or disorienting. Through these explorations you will find a deepened connection with what you ardently seek.
I am passionate to offer you mindfulness-based approaches that will empower you on your journey.
This human experience is at times daunting. Even welcomed life transitions can leave us feeling untethered. You may be struggling to feel comfortable in your own skin, find deeper connection in your relationships, or knowing your place in this world. I believe in the innate wisdom each individual possesses. I will accompany you into this lifelong process of returning to your sense of self. We come to know ourselves more fully through our relationships even as the discoveries may be startling or disorienting. Through these explorations you will find a deepened connection with what you ardently seek.
(628) 265-8620 View (628) 265-8620
Photo of Gillian Nathan, LCSW, CHT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gillian Nathan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I integrate numerous approaches, including Imago, Hoffman Process, Depth Hypnosis, visualizations and communication techniques, as well as drawing on my decades of yoga and mindfulness practice.
Are you ready to invite ease, joy and connection into your life? To let go of old pain and live more fully in the present? My office is a safe and supportive environment for self-exploration, healing, and change. Together we address challenges by identifying current strengths and resources and adding new tools and resources. By developing more balance in your emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of self, this holistic approach helps you find greater peace and fulfillment in your life and relationships.
I integrate numerous approaches, including Imago, Hoffman Process, Depth Hypnosis, visualizations and communication techniques, as well as drawing on my decades of yoga and mindfulness practice.
Are you ready to invite ease, joy and connection into your life? To let go of old pain and live more fully in the present? My office is a safe and supportive environment for self-exploration, healing, and change. Together we address challenges by identifying current strengths and resources and adding new tools and resources. By developing more balance in your emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of self, this holistic approach helps you find greater peace and fulfillment in your life and relationships.
(415) 726-2811 View (415) 726-2811
Photo of Melissa Spina-Brown, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa Spina-Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
I practice with several theoretical perspectives including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness-based practices.
I'm thrilled you are here. Therapy is a journey of getting to know your real self. Difficult at times, therapy is worth it! I am a client centered, strength-based therapist. I want to collaborate with you within your own value system and worldview, help you uncover what's truly important to you, and live your life in a way that's aligned with your true self. Together we will highlight your strengths and resources. I especially love to work with clients who are new to therapy. For those who benefit from homework, I have a treasure trove of take home resources to help you stay in-tune between sessions.
I practice with several theoretical perspectives including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness-based practices.
I'm thrilled you are here. Therapy is a journey of getting to know your real self. Difficult at times, therapy is worth it! I am a client centered, strength-based therapist. I want to collaborate with you within your own value system and worldview, help you uncover what's truly important to you, and live your life in a way that's aligned with your true self. Together we will highlight your strengths and resources. I especially love to work with clients who are new to therapy. For those who benefit from homework, I have a treasure trove of take home resources to help you stay in-tune between sessions.
(415) 825-7170 View (415) 825-7170
Photo of Christie Pfalzgraf, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christie Pfalzgraf
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
My name is Christie Pfalzgraf and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in North Carolina, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and adolescents and specialize in trauma, coping skills, life transitions, loss and grief, relationship difficulties, and personal growth, using Mindfulness Based Psychotherapy, EMDR, The Flash Technique, Focusing, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
My name is Christie Pfalzgraf and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in North Carolina, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and adolescents and specialize in trauma, coping skills, life transitions, loss and grief, relationship difficulties, and personal growth, using Mindfulness Based Psychotherapy, EMDR, The Flash Technique, Focusing, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
(415) 562-0199 View (415) 562-0199
Photo of Lor Shoua Lee Trauma-Focused Therapist, MS , APCC , Counselor
Lor Shoua Lee Trauma-Focused Therapist
Counselor, MS , APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I am trained in EMDR and Mindfulness-Based therapy to get to the root of trauma-based issues.
If you find yourself repeatedly learning the same lessons? Struggling in your relationships? Yearning to love yourself but feel guilty and uncertain about where to begin? I see you. Healing requires courage as rediscovering all of who you are and capable of requires acknowledging all the different parts of us, the pain and the beauty. Let me walk with you! I have a special interest working with clients of Asian American background, navigating intersecting identities and self-identity challenges, and healing from generational trauma.
I am trained in EMDR and Mindfulness-Based therapy to get to the root of trauma-based issues.
If you find yourself repeatedly learning the same lessons? Struggling in your relationships? Yearning to love yourself but feel guilty and uncertain about where to begin? I see you. Healing requires courage as rediscovering all of who you are and capable of requires acknowledging all the different parts of us, the pain and the beauty. Let me walk with you! I have a special interest working with clients of Asian American background, navigating intersecting identities and self-identity challenges, and healing from generational trauma.
(415) 223-5428 View (415) 223-5428
Photo of Jana Gottfried, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jana Gottfried
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
Hello, my name is, Jana Gottfried, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I am passionate about helping people work through issues around anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and life challenges. I work with people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, issues of grief, life transitions, and issues around chronic illnesses. My therapeutic approach is with cognitive behavioral therapy because CBT gives you concrete tools to gain more control over your emotions and work through issues. I also use mindfulness, creative visualization exercises, to learn how to trust your own intuition and emotions.
Hello, my name is, Jana Gottfried, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I am passionate about helping people work through issues around anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and life challenges. I work with people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, issues of grief, life transitions, and issues around chronic illnesses. My therapeutic approach is with cognitive behavioral therapy because CBT gives you concrete tools to gain more control over your emotions and work through issues. I also use mindfulness, creative visualization exercises, to learn how to trust your own intuition and emotions.
(415) 993-4536 View (415) 993-4536
Photo of Megan Brubaker, AMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Megan Brubaker
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
My approach is eclectic and I draw on psychodynamic, humanistic, mindfulness, and existential theories to identify and process specific issues.
Life is tough and seeking help at any point helps you become the hero of your story. I've worked with clients dealing with everyday stress, milestones, traumas, and losses. One of the most amazing things I witness are people who want to bring positive changes into their lives and are willing to set aside time to work on themselves and their growth and often find they can improve their lives in ways that surpass expectations.
My approach is eclectic and I draw on psychodynamic, humanistic, mindfulness, and existential theories to identify and process specific issues.
Life is tough and seeking help at any point helps you become the hero of your story. I've worked with clients dealing with everyday stress, milestones, traumas, and losses. One of the most amazing things I witness are people who want to bring positive changes into their lives and are willing to set aside time to work on themselves and their growth and often find they can improve their lives in ways that surpass expectations.
(415) 364-8167 View (415) 364-8167
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Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists

How does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy work?

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy originated in the work of John Kabat-Zinn of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He developed mindfulness-based stress reduction, which is a technique found in yoga and meditation. MBCT is a combination of this type of stress reduction and cognitive behavioral therapy; it essentially quiets emotional distress through mindfulness, utilizing proper breathing and meditation. These techniques aim to bring the individual into the present moment when in a state of distress.

When do I know if I need treatment with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?

If an individual’s mind is filled with emotional distress and general negativity, the person may feel trapped. A mindfulness-based cognitive therapist can help a person change their thinking patterns as well as their behavior through calm acceptance and compassion. This therapy can provide an individual with the coping skills needed for a healthier and more constructive life.

What should I expect from mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?

This therapy often takes place in group sessions. A therapist will work with the group as well as with each individual. Meditation and breathing exercises are core practices that aim to invite inquiry and discovery into a person’s troubled mental state. The objective is to identify and lessen negative thoughts and behaviors and move toward optimal health and productivity. The individual will see life in a more realistic way. This therapy is supportive, accepting, and warm.

Is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy effective?

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is evidence-based and effective. One study found that people with major depressive disorder have benefitted from this type of therapy; the person accepts their distressed thoughts and also moves into healthier patterns of thinking. This therapy also aims to move an individual away from automatic negative responses. This type of therapy can bring a person lifelong change, with higher levels of satisfaction, less stress, as well as positive emotional and behavioral habits.