Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) blends the practical tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with the calming, present-moment awareness of mindfulness meditation.
Originally developed as a group program to prevent depression relapse, MBCT’s principles also translate beautifully into one-on-one therapy sessions.

How MBCT Helps

Depression often pulls us into a cycle of negative thoughts and self-criticism. MBCT teaches you to:

Individual MBCT in Practice

While MBCT is traditionally taught in groups, its core skills—mindful breathing, body scans, gentle movement, and “decentering” from thoughts—can be tailored to individual therapy.

Here’s what a one-on-one approach at Belle Vie might look like:

Assessment & Goal-Setting: We explore your mood patterns and identify triggers for depressive thoughts.
Mindful Awareness Training: Short, guided practices such as breath awareness or body scans during sessions.
Cognitive Strategies: Identifying thought patterns that maintain low mood and learning how to step back from them.
Between-Session Practice: Optional audio recordings and simple daily exercises to strengthen mindfulness skills.
Integration: Applying mindfulness tools to real-life situations—work stress, relationship challenges, or periods of sadness.

Try a Mini Practice Now

The Three-Minute Breathing Space is a hallmark MBCT exercise that can be done anytime, anywhere—no special equipment required.

Awareness (1 minute)

Pause. Notice your current experience: thoughts, emotions, and body sensations—without trying to change them. Simply acknowledge what’s present.

Breathing (1 minute)

Gently bring attention to the breath. Feel the air move in and out, using it as an anchor to the present moment.

Expanding (1 minute)

Broaden your awareness to include the whole body and the space around you, allowing a sense of openness and calm.

Many clients find this brief practice surprisingly powerful for interrupting cycles of worry or low mood—and it’s one of the skills you can develop and personalize in individual sessions.

When to Consider MBCT

MBCT can be helpful if you:

Experience periods of depressed mood or want to prevent relapse.
Feel caught in cycles of worry or self-criticism.
Prefer a gentle, skills-based approach you can use long after therapy ends.
Are curious about mindfulness but would rather work one-on-one than in a group.

You do not need prior experience—just openness to learning brief practices you can use at home.

Research shows MBCT can:

Evidence-Based Benefits

Reduce risk of depression relapse.

Decrease rumination and anxiety.

Improve emotional regulation and overall well-being.

When integrated into individual therapy, these practices can complement CBT, EMDR, or other evidence-based treatments.

Ready to Explore a Mindful Approach?

If you’re seeking practical skills to lift low mood and prevent future episodes of depression, mindfulness-based strategies may help you regain balance and clarity.
Schedule an individual session to experience how MBCT and MBSR techniques can support your well-being—no group required.