The Handbook of Counselling Psychology
MBCT Programme
(Segal et al., 2013)
Session
|
Theme |
Content |
1 |
Introducing mindfulness Mindfulness means paying attention, in the present moment, on purpose, without judgement. Automatic pilot |
Mindfulness of eating Body scan |
2 |
Focus on the body: recognising automatic patterns and chains of thought, emotion, sensation and action |
Body scan Mindfulness of breath Awareness of pleasant events |
3 |
Mindfulness of the breath Awareness of experience through movement Awareness of reactions as they occur |
Mindful stretches and yoga Three-minute breathing space Sitting meditation Awareness of unpleasant events |
4 |
Staying present, using mindfulness to take a wider perspective on experience and relate to it differently |
Seeing and hearing meditations Sitting meditation Three minute breathing space during difficulties Education about cycles maintaining depression and problems |
5 |
Allowing experience to be as it is without trying to make it different. Acceptance allows us to see more clearly what, if anything, needs to change |
Introducing a difficulty into the practice: staying with, focusing on rather than pushing away Extended breathing space, focus on difficulty |
6 |
Thoughts are not facts. Being aware of thoughts without seeing them as real gives flexibility of responses and interrupts automatic patterns of reaction |
Sitting meditation, awareness of thoughts Understanding of moods and thoughts and alternative viewpoints Using breathing space as ‘first step’ Preparing home practice for end of course |
7 |
How best to take care of myself? Using breathing spaces to decide on wise action Identifying relapse signatures |
Sitting meditation Links between activity and mood Pleasurable and mastery activities Actions to deal with set-backs and relapse signatures Mindful walking |
8 |
Using what has been learned to deal with future moods. Carrying on with regular mindfulness practice. Links to positive reasons to look after ourselves |
Body scan Review of learning Keeping up momentum Concluding meditation |