Relapse prevention for Depression
Next Course:
The Ruby Centre, Felixstowe.
Oct, 9'th, 2008
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Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Background:
The course was developed in the UK by a team of researchers looking for a relapse prevention model based on the CBT approach. During their research they came across the MBSR and were sufficiently impressed by it's potential as a powerful self-help tool that they based the MBCT on that 8 week group model; adding proven cognitive strategies and psychoeducation about depression. Results from trials have shown that the course reduces relapse in depression by 50% in those who have had three or more previous episodes of depression. The course has the approval of NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) as a treatment of choice for the prevention of depression.
The techniques learned and the attitudes developed:
• Function as an early warning system for self-detection of depressive symptoms
• Have a preventative function
• Have a reparative function
• Have a life-enhancing function
Peoople who have completed the course report:
- Lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms
- Increased ability to relax
- Greater energy and enthusiasm for life
- Improved self-esteem
- An ability to cope more effectively with both short and long term stressful situations.
- 50% reduction in likelihood of relapse
Why Participate?
Research has shown that people who have suffered two or more episodes of depression in the past are significantly more likely to relapse again into a depressive episode than people who have not had a previous history of depression.
Mindfulness?
...is paying attention to whatever is happening in your life - relating directly with present-time experience - neither resisting the unavoidable nor grasping for the unobtainable. Restoring within yourself a balanced sense of health and well-being requires increased awareness of all aspects of self: body, mind, heart and soul. MBCT is intended to ignite this inner capacity. This kind of awareness is not a new skill to be acquired - it’s more an existing inner resource which has become obscured by habitual activity, inner dialogue, and pre-occupation.
Once released, this resource is available to enable resilience- it can be developed further through the ongoing daily practice of the exercises learned during the MBCT programme.
Course structure:
The course is delivered over a period of 8 weeks with 8 evening classes of 2 hrs duration and one day-long (Sat or Sun) intensive towards the end of the course.
There will be a chance for a one to one discussion with the facilitator before joining the course to help decide if the course is right for you.
Course Components:
- Guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices
- Gentle stretching & movement - yoga and chi-kung
- Inquiry exercises to enhance 'every-day life' awareness
- Group dialogue
- Individually tailored instruction
- Daily home practice assignments
- 3 practice CD's and a workbook
Evaluation of MBCT
For a report on the trials of MBCT see: Teasdale, J.D., Segal, Z.V., Williams, J.M.G., Ridgeway, V., Lau, M., & Soulsby, J. (2000) Reducing risk of recurrence of major depression using Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68, 615-23 For other data from the trial, see Williams, J.M.G., Teasdale, J.D., Segal, S.V. & Soulsby, J. (2000) Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy reduces over-general autobiographical memory in formerly depressed patients. Journal of Abnormal Psychology 109, 150-155.)
To register interest for next course please email info@martinwilks.plus.com
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