Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Dr. Terracciano provides the following Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) services for the prevention of depressive recurrence:

• MBCT 8-week groups (See Programs)
• MBCT for individuals
• Consultation for mental health professionals facilitating MBCT

What is MBCT?

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy is an 8-week group treatment program that combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques to prevent the recurrence of future depressive episodes. It is an experiential, skills-based, educational program that teaches you how to stay well and prevent relapse. MBCT is evidence-based, with demonstrated efficacy in reducing the depressive relapse-rate almost in half, when compared to treatment as usual.

In addition, there is some evidence to suggest that MBCT is more durable in staving off future depressive episodes than anti-depressant medication. Participants learn to use mindfulness-meditation, mindfulness-awareness practices, and cognitive therapy techniques to prevent ruminating thoughts and low mood states from spiraling downward toward depressed mood.

MBCT can be a helpful choice if you:

• Experience recurring depression and have had more than two depressive episodes
• Have just recently overcome a bout of depression
• Want to learn how to prevent becoming depressed in the future
• Want to decrease long-term reliance on anti-depressant medications

As an MBCT participant, you will learn how to:

• Use mindfulness-meditation and varied mindfulness-awareness practices to engage the present moment and release the grip of past regrets and future worries
• Relate differently to your thoughts and sad moments so that low mood doesn't spiral downward
• Step out of the habitually reactive patterns of the "Automatic Pilot" mode of living
• Step into the "Being Mode" of experience, and allow your intentions to guide skillful responses to present moment circumstances
• Participate in meaningful and enjoyable activities, even in the presence of unpleasant emotions

Relevant Training & Experience

Dr. Terracciano received specialized education and training in MBCT from 2008–2010, under the direct instruction of leading MBCT researcher and co-developer, Dr. Zindel Segal. As part of this specialty training, he completed the 5-day Professional Training in MBCT at The Omega Institute, NY. Stephen is experienced in facilitating MBCT, and adapting the group program for individuals as an extension of their CBT treatment, once they have successfully overcome an acute depressive episode.

In addition to continuing education on advancements in mindfulness-based methods of depressive relapse prevention, Stephen maintains his own personal mindfulness & meditation program, a best-practice pre-requisite for mental health professionals who facilitate mindfulness treatments.

His on-going personal mindfulness practice enables him to ensure clients are not unintentionally mis-using the techniques and to teach clients how to most skillfully relate to the subtleties of the mind and emotions. In addition, through vivid embodiment of essential mindfulness qualities of acceptance, nonjudgment, curiosity, compassion and kindness, clients get to see what mindfulness could look like, thus maximizing the learning process.

Registration & Fees

Please contact Intentional Living as fees vary for group and individual formats. For MBCT groups, an initial consultation or attendance at an orientation meeting is required to determine suitability. A 50% registration deposit is required to secure placement and the balance is due prior to the first session.

Schedule for 8-week MBCT Program

TBA. See Programs for details.