Mindfulness Based Therapy (MBT)

Mindfulness Based Therapy (MBT) is a cluster term for therapeutic approaches grounded in mindfulness. They promote practising mindfulness as an important part of having good physical and mental health. Some approaches include: Mindfulness-based stress reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Mindfulness can be understood as having more awareness of one’s own physical, mental and emotional condition in the present moment. The key is to simply be aware, but not influenced nor pass judgement on the sensations or feelings experienced. The aim of Mindfulness based therapy is to help clients be more in control of their thoughts, instead of being controlled by them.

MBT techniques are often used across a variety of mental health challenges and is most commonly done through use of mindfulness meditation. 

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), as the name suggests, incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques as part of treatment. It involves a combination of cognitive therapy, meditation and the development of a present-oriented, non-judgemental attitude of “mindfulness”. This technique aims to help clients in being better able to understand and manage their thoughts and feelings, reducing feelings of distress. It is often used to treat depression and other mood-based disorders. 

MBCT aids clients in recognizing that they are separate from their emotions and thoughts. This separation then allows clients to step out of their usual negative thought patterns and give way for positive thoughts. MBCT equips clients with the necessary tools and skills to cope during times of distress or when faced with overwhelming situations.

Some of the mindfulness techniques include:

• Meditation
• Body scan exercise
• Mindfulness practices
• Mindfulness stretching
• Breathing exercises

The strength of MBCT lies in that with the development of better emotional management skills, clarity in thoughts allow for reduction of overthinking future events by clients. The combination of mindfulness and cognitive therapy allows clients to be aware of their feelings while also being able to work through these feelings in a healthy manner, thus making the approach effective.