Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Find calm in the present moment.
MBSR helps you develop a new relationship with stress by cultivating moment-to-moment awareness and compassionate acceptance. Rather than getting swept away by worry, rumination, or overwhelm, you'll learn to ground yourself in the present and respond to life's challenges with greater clarity and ease.
How MBCT Works
MBCT combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy principles. Together, we'll work on…
Breath awareness: Using the breath as an anchor to the present moment
Body scan meditation: Developing awareness of physical sensations without judgment
Mindful movement: Cultivating mind-body connection through gentle yoga or stretching
Sitting meditation: Observing thoughts and feelings with curiosity rather than reactivity
Informal mindfulness: Bringing awareness to everyday activities
Compassionate self-awareness: Relating to yourself with kindness during difficulty
The mindful approach to suffering
MBCT recognizes that stress comes not just from difficult circumstances, but from how we relate to them. Suffering often comes from:
Living on autopilot, disconnected from ourselves & the present
Getting caught in cycles of worry and rumination
Resisting or suppressing uncomfortable experiences
Harsh self-judgment and criticism
Reacting automatically rather than responding mindfully
Instead of fighting stress, MBCT helps you change your relationship to it.
Corinne Kneis, Psychotherapist
& Wellness Educator.
What to expect in MBCT sessions
MBCT is experiential and practice-based:
Guided meditation practices to build awareness skills
Mindful movement exercises to reconnect with your body
Reflection and discussion about your experiences
Exploration of stress reactions and mindful responses
Integration of mindfulness into daily life
Between-session practice to deepen your skills
Common MBCT concepts we might explore:
The stress response: Understanding how your mind and body react automatically to perceived threats.
The mindful pause: Creating space between stimulus and response so you can choose how to act rather than react.
My training in mindfulness:
I bring over 15 years of personal mindfulness practice to my work, along with formal training in MBSR and advanced mindfulness-based interventions through the University of Pennsylvania's Mindfulness Program under Dr. Michael Baime.
This foundation allows me to guide you with both professional expertise and deep personal understanding of the practice.
How MBCT complements other approaches
MBCT integrates beautifully with other therapeutic modalities I offer. Mindfulness skills enhance Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by helping you observe thoughts without getting caught in them. It deepens Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) work by strengthening present-moment awareness and acceptance. And it supports Internal Family Systems (IFS) by creating the calm, curious presence needed to connect with your parts.
MCBT treats effectively
Research shows MBCT helps with:
Chronic stress and burnout
Chronic pain
Sleep difficulties
Health-related stress
Ready to begin?
It's truly a privilege to be a therapist, and I'd be honored to support you in your healing. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit.