Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for Depression and Anxiety
MBCT was originally developed as a depression relapse prevention course, shown to be particularly effective for those who have experienced 3 or more episodes of depression. It has been adapted for managing anxiety and other mental health conditions. MBCT has strong evidence supporting its efficacy (e.g., see Mental Health Foundation of UK:https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/m/mindfulness-based-cognitive-therapy-mbct). Kuyken et al. (2016, Lancet) showed that MBCT is as effective as antidepressants, the currently accepted treatment to prevent relapse due to depression. The evidence in support of MBCT is strong enough for the British National Health Service to offer MBCT as an effective option for the prevention of relapse due to depression. Recent studies have shown that MBCT can reduce the severity of depressive symptoms for those who currently have depression (Goldberg et al., 2019).
In this highly experiential course students will learn:
- Various mindfulness meditation practices
- Gentle mindful movement
- How conditioned patterns of mind, including thoughts and emotions, can trigger depressive relapse and sustain depressive symptoms
- How to enhance non-judgmental awareness in practice and daily life through group dialogue
- Daily home practice assignments
- To develop an early warning signal for relapse in order to act more skillfully before relapse due to depression and anxiety occur
- How to build and maintain a regular meditation practice
Daily home practices are assigned at the end of every class for students to consolidate their learning, and to bring mindful awareness into their lives.
Who Should Attend:
Individuals wishing to prevent relapse due to depression, school and work burnout, and those who would like to manage the symptoms of anxiety. Individuals who have bipolar disorder may also benefit from the skills learned in this course.
Please note: Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, classes will be held online through the Zoom platform in 2021 until further notice.
Upcoming MBCT Courses (Online by Zoom):
October – November, 2021
Dates: 8 Wednesday evenings, October 13 to December 1, 2021
Time: 6:00 – 8:30pm (Pacific Time)
Where: Online by Zoom interactive video
Daylong online retreat: November 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Refunds and Cancellations: Please see “Refunds and Cancellation Policy” page.
Course fees are considered a medical expense and deductible on Canadian income tax. Some extended health plans cover Occupational Therapy session fees.
Pre-course assessment: Click here to book your free 15-minute assessment with Tom
Please note that there is a 24-hour cancellation policy for assessments.
Facilitators: Tom Heah, M.Sc. (OT) and Dr. Elisabeth Drance, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher
To download a poster for this course, please click on the following link: MBCT Fall 2021 poster
January – March, 2022 through Langara College
Dates: 8 evenings, January 13 to March 1, 2022
(Seven consecutive Thursdays, and one Tuesday, March 1)
Time: 6:00 – 8:30pm (Pacific Time)
Where: Online by Zoom interactive video
Daylong online retreat: February 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
To register, please contact (604) 323-5926 or email: kramsden@langara.ca
Facilitator: Tom Heah, M.Sc. (OT)