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Millions of people struggle with mental health conditions in the United States. Mental health disorders are complex conditions that require comprehensive treatment. A holistic approach to mental health treatment allows people to understand their mental health symptoms in new ways. This type of care allows people to manage them more effectively.
Mindfulness is an awareness of or focus on the present moment. Holistic mental health treatment programs may use mindfulness-based therapies. These therapies help people explore and change harmful thoughts or behaviors.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based therapy. People can use MBCT to identify thoughts and feelings and address recurrent depression. This therapy can also help manage the symptoms of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
This article will explore MBCT. You will learn:
- What mindfulness is
- The role of mindfulness in mental health treatment
- How MBCT can help people cultivate mindfulness and reduce negative thoughts
- The benefits of MBCT
- Where to find mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in New Jersey
If you or someone you love requires treatment for a mental health condition, you are not alone. Contact the New Jersey Behavioral Health specialists. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Mindfulness?
“Mindfulness” is a term that means having an awareness of the present moment. It may include understanding bodily sensations, current thoughts, or emotions in the present. Instead of thinking about the past or future, people who practice mindfulness remain grounded in the present. They focus on what is happening in the here and now.
Practicing mindfulness can provide a sense of control and peace. It may allow people to have more control over their emotions and behaviors.
People may cultivate mindfulness in many ways, including:
- Guided meditations
- Independent mindfulness meditation practices
- Group meditation
- Mindful movement, eating, or other activities
Meditation is one of the most common ways of practicing mindfulness. During meditation sessions, people may sit quietly, allowing thoughts to come and go. People may also maintain focus on an object, their thoughts, a mantra, or their breathing.
A meta-analysis of research suggests that mindfulness may help people manage mental health symptoms effectively. It may reduce stress, help people tolerate distress, and give people more control over their behaviors.
The Role of Mindfulness in Mental Health Treatment
People can incorporate mindfulness into their mental health treatment program in many ways. A mindfulness-based treatment approach can help people manage their mental health symptoms. It may also help people with substance use disorder (SUD) prevent relapse.
Some mental health treatment programs incorporate mindfulness in people’s treatment plans. People may attend mindfulness trainings and practices at all levels of mental health treatment, including:
People may practice mindfulness during treatment and as part of an aftercare plan.
Mindfulness can help to increase awareness of thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors. It may help people gain more control over their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Contact the New Jersey Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about the role of mindfulness in mental health treatment.
What is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)?
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a form of therapy. It combines aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness.
MBCT is typically a good option for people who have a history of depression. It can help people manage their thoughts and emotions. MBCT may also help people avoid a depressive relapse or recover from one faster.
Here are some of the core aspects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
CBT techniques
An MBCT program helps people to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in new ways. People learn to identify patterns that may contribute to depressive symptoms. They develop new skills to change these patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting.
Group therapy
People may attend MBCT sessions in a group setting. Practicing and learning together can reduce isolation and provide a critical sense of community.
Meditation
Meditation is a key component of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. People practice mindfulness meditation, allowing thoughts to come and go. They learn how to remain grounded in the present moment, which can reduce stress and anxiety.
Typically, people participate in an eight-week MBCT program. They may attend weekly group sessions and “homework,” including mindfulness exercises and meditation.
MBCT and other mindfulness programs, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), may help people develop new mindfulness skills. These skills can help them manage mental health symptoms more effectively. Contact the New Jersey Behavioral Health team to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Benefits of MBCT
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can support meaningful changes in people living with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Some of the most significant benefits of MBCT include:
- Increased relapse prevention skills
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Increased self-awareness
- Improved emotional regulation
- Better mood
If you or someone you love needs treatment to manage a mental health condition, you are not alone. Mindfulness and other healthy coping methods are critical to long-term symptom management. Find MBCT in New Jersey by contacting the New Jersey Behavioral Health specialists. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment now.