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Mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MiCBT) is a blend of two very different
approaches — cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which focuses on changing our
thoughts in order to change our behaviours, and the awareness practice of
mindfulness, a process of identifying our thoughts on a moment-to-moment basis
while trying not to pass judgment on them. While cognitive behavioural therapy
has always emphasised the end result of change of one’s thoughts, mindfulness
really looks at how a person thinks — the process of thinking — to help one be
more effective in changing negative thoughts.
This is a newer (1979) add-on approach to traditional cognitive behavioural
therapy and has recently gained more attention as people look to simplify their
lives, and more people learn of the benefits of meditation.
It combines mindfulness techniques with elements from cognitive behaviour
therapy (CBT) to help break the negative thought patterns that are
characteristic of anxiety and depression. Mindfulness is a potentially
life-changing way to alter our feelings in positive ways, and an ever-expanding
body of evidence shows that it really works.
MiCBT is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
(NICE).
What is Mindfulness?
‘Mindfulness’ is a hot topic in Western psychology: increasingly recognised
as an effective way to reduce anxiety/stress, increase self-awareness, enhance
emotional intelligence, and effectively handle painful thoughts and feelings.
Although mindfulness has only recently been embraced by Western psychology, it
is an ancient practice found in a wide range of Eastern philosophies.
Mindfulness involves consciously bringing awareness to your here-and-now
experience with openness, interest, and receptiveness. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a world
authority on the use of mindfulness training in the management of clinical
problems, defines it as: "Paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in
the present moment, and non-judgmentally."
Mindfulness is about waking up, connecting with ourselves, and appreciating the
fullness of each moment of life. Jon Kabat-Zinn calls it, "The art of conscious
living." It is a profound way to enhance psychological and emotional resilience,
and increase life satisfaction.
The Benefits of Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness helps you:
- to be fully present, here and now
- to experience unpleasant thoughts and feelings safely
- to become aware of what you’re avoiding
- to become more connected to yourself, to others and to the world
around you
- to increase self-awareness
- to become less disturbed by and less reactive to unpleasant
experiences
- to learn the distinction between you and your thoughts
- to have more direct contact with the world, rather than living
through your thoughts
- to learn that everything changes; that thoughts and feelings come
and go like the weather
- to have more balance, less emotional volatility
- to experience more calm and peacefulness
- to develop self-acceptance and self-compassion
Evidence
Mindfulness has been shown to affect how the brain works and even its
structure. People undertaking mindfulness training have shown increased activity
in the area of the brain associated with positive emotion – the pre-frontal
cortex – which is generally less active in people who are depressed.
More than 100 studies have shown changes in brain wave activity during
mindfulness and researchers have found that areas of the brain linked to
emotional regulation are larger in people who have practiced mindfulness
regularly for five years.
Research shows that Mindfulness can help with:
- recurrent depression
- anxiety disorders
- phobias
- stress
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- OCD
- PTSD
- Insomnia
- chronic pain
Appointments:
Contact Christine on
Tel: 01737 222141
or 07909 408941
Email:
cognitive.therapist@yahoo.co.uk
I am registered with the main body for cognitive
behavioural therapists in the UK
CBT Register UK
European CBT Register
Member of the
Royal Society of Medicine
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Consulting Rooms
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Reigate Community Centre - Tel: 01737
652256
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Parking available for Patients
Reigate Methodist Church
Community Centre, (Behind Morrisons Loading bay), 53 High St, Reigate Surrey, RH2 9AE (click
here for map) Satnav: use Postcode RH2 7BG
and walk to behind Morrisons
The centre is located off the High Street, behind Reigate Methodist
Church. It is accessible by foot from the High Street, and by car via the
service road behind the shops - this can be reached either through
Morrison's supermarket car-park, or from Park Lane (keep left after turning
off High Street). Click on the map marker to access further detail and
directions. The full address is
Reigate Community Centre - Tel: 01737 652256
53 High Street
Reigate
Surrey RH2 9AE
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Reigate Community Centre View |
A Consulting Room |
Parking available for Patients |
Views of Exterior
and
Map |
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