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Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy

By Elizabeth Scott, M.S., About.com

Updated: January 18, 2008

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Definition: A form of therapy that links the benefits of mindfulness with cognitive therapy, with some promising results.

Mindfulness based cognitive therapy often involves classes or therapeutic sessions that teach some meditation and cognitive exercises to remain ‘in the now’ and release judgments and negative assessments of a situation.

It has been used for a variety of problems, and has shown benefits as a treatment or complementary treatment with depressive symptoms and ruminations, anxiety and mood symptoms, eating disorders, and more.

MBCT can be used to treat stress and stress symptoms as well.

Also Known As: mindfulness based psychotherapy, MBCT
Alternate Spellings: mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
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