WHAT IS MINDFULNESS BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY?

Mindfulness is paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally (Kabat-Zinn). 

Mindfulness is a skill used for thousands of years in various contemplative traditions. It can best be explained as a way to control one's attention, usually by holding it in one place. It is also about learning to be more present with one's experience and to attend to events, feelings and sensations without trying to change them. 

Mindfulness can teach you to become aware of how quickly the mind shifts and wanders which can allow negative thoughts and feelings that feed depression. The practices can teach you to be aware of unhelpful rumination in your thinking and be more aware of living in the present moment. You will learn to pay attention to your feelings, thoughts and bodily experiences to enable you to be more aware of any early signs of relapse. 

Mindfulness can also assist in planning to prevent early relapse by attuning your attention to these early warning signs. Various meditations are taught throughout the Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy Course along with mindful breathing and simple stretching exercises. These practices all contribute to a mindful way of dealing with stress and the nature of your depressive illness. 

Mindfulness can also assist in dealing with barriers in a "fully present" manner rather than automatically tending to judge our experiences. You will also be taught how to switch off the automatic pilot which can give rise to negative thinking.  

TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONALS

A training course is currently available through Southern Synergy, Monash University. Click on link below to access further information.

MINDFULNESS CLINICIAN TRAINING

Watch Jon Kabat Zin speaking about Mindfulness:

Kabat Zin- Coming to our Senses

Watch Jon Kabat Zin demonstrating Mindfulness at Google University

HOW CAN MBCT HELP ME?

• You will learn practices to assist in relapse prevention for your mental illness (subject to qualification).  
• You will taught to be aware of unhelpful rumination in your thinking and be more aware of living in the present moment. 
• The practices can teach you to pay attention to your feelings, thoughts and bodily experiences to enable you to be more aware of any early signs of relapse. 
• It can also assist you in planning to prevent early relapse by attuning your attention to these early warning signs. 
• Various meditations are taught throughout the MBCT Course along with mindful breathing and simple stretching exercises. These practices all contribute to a mindful way of dealing with stress and the nature of your  illness. 
• MBCT can also assist you in dealing with barriers in a "fully present" manner rather than automatically tending to judge our experiences. 
• You will also be taught how to switch off the automatic pilot which can give rise to negative thinking.  

DETAILS OF MEDNET MINDFULNESS COURSE FOR PATIENTS:

The Mindfulness Course runs over eight consecutive weeks. 

The sessions are in small groups (up to 8 participants) and are held in our Sunbury Rooms.  

Each session is two hours long.  

It is important that you attend all the sessions to gain the most benefit. If you think you may miss more than one session, it will be better to wait for the next Mindfulness Course.  

Each session is co-facilitated by both the Psychiatrist and the Mental Health Nurse. 

A fee is payable either prior to the course or at the first session. All methods of payment are received (credit card, Eftpos, cheque or cash). Included in this fee are the 8 weekly sessions, a comprehensive resource folder, various meditation CD's and the book "The Mindful way through Depression". A rebate will be offered to current clients of the clinic. 

We now offer our MBCT course through a Telehealth Platform (contact us for details)