Mindfulness is simply about ‘living in the moment’. It is the practice of purposefully paying attention moment by moment, in a non-judgemental way.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) encourages clients to deal with whatever they are experiencing in their mind, body and emotions in a non-judgemental way; this helps foster a new type of relationship with challenging thoughts and feelings, a relationship that accepts, rather than battles, ruminates or avoids. MBCT facilitates clients in accepting that even though difficult things may happen it is possible to work with them in a new and more helpful way.

The UK National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has endorsed Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) as a highly effective form of Relapse Prevention in the treatment of Depression.

How does mindfulness help?

1. It requires us to rest both body and mind
2. It nurtures calmness and self acceptance
3. It helps us to recognise unhelpful thought patterns
4. It teaches us to get back in touch with our body
5. It promotes a new type of thinking which is non judgemental
6. It develops our ability and willingness to experience our emotions rather than trying to avoid or battle them
7. It offers an alternative perspective
8. It promotes self compassion
9. It relieves Stress!