Mindfulness-based Therapy NYC

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy

Our journeys are full of highs and lows.

We’d love to dwell on the happy days, but sometimes we have to navigate waves of stress, worry, and sadness, even when we least expect it. You might suffer the loss of something or someone dear to your heart.  You may go through a painful breakup or a stressful situation at work.  Or you may not really know where these feelings and thoughts come from, adding more confusion and frustration to the mix. When pain and distress become the norm, we might feel the need to hide, run away, or set our emotions aside.  We may also resort to numbing or risky behaviors to avoid feeling anything at all.  This could all become a damaging cycle that tends to be very challenging to recognize and step out of.
If you or your loved ones have felt this way, you are not alone.  Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (also known as MBCT) can help you manage your thoughts and emotions to find relief and improve your well-being. At Madison Park Psychological Services, we provide a wide range of therapy services to teens and adults living in NYC.  Our team of mental health professionals has expertise in many therapeutic modalities, including MBCT. No matter what’s troubling you, please know change is possible.  We are here to help you forge a path to a fulfilling life. If you are interested in learning more about MBCT, read on. Ready to get started?  Contact us today to book an appointment.

Do You Need Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy?

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy or MBCT is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that helps you understand and change your relationship with your thoughts and feelings in a mindful way.  The goal is to increase awareness, reduce distressing symptoms, and develop practical skills to deal with life stressors.
MBCT combines the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) method with mindfulness practices rooted in ancient Buddhist traditions.

• CBT centers on how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact and impact one another.
• Mindfulness is the ability to concentrate on the present moment, observing our thoughts, feelings, sensations, and environment without judgment.

MBCT was initially designed to support individuals suffering from depression or recurring depression relapses.  Today, it’s also used to address other mood disorders and mental health concerns, such as:

• Anxiety
• Burnout
• Bipolar disorder
• Chronic pain
• Low self-esteem or self-worth
• Relationship issues
• Sadness or unhappiness
• Stress
• Trauma
• And more!

MBCT can help you manage current symptoms and provides tools to decrease the chances of recurring problems in the future. However, you don’t need to suffer from specific issues to benefit from this treatment.  MBCT can also empower you with practical strategies to lead a more mindful life.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Procedure & Techniques

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy aims to help you look at your thoughts and feelings as separate entities from yourself without judging them or trying to change them.  This approach can then halt potential spirals that may bring distress or overwhelming emotions.
For example, if you have a self-critical thought that makes you feel unworthy, MBCT can help you observe it and identify the thinking patterns related to it before it goes out of control.

MBCT centers on three main components:

Gaining Knowledge

During MBCT, you will gain insight into your mind-body connection, the link between thoughts and feelings, and how they can impact or trigger your symptoms.  You will also get a better understanding of emotional challenges like depression and anxiety and other personal and relational issues.

Developing Awareness

Mindfulness is about focusing your attention on the present, which helps develop a sense of awareness of yourself and your surroundings.  You will learn to notice your thoughts and emotions, separate yourself from them, and find freedom from damaging patterns or negative self-talk. Embracing awareness can also broaden your perspective, uncovering your strengths, values, and areas of opportunity.

Learning Skills

Your MBCT therapist will equip you with practical coping skills to deal with challenges when they arise.  This includes different types of meditation (guided, self-directed, body scan, visualization, etc.), breathing exercises, yoga, gratitude practices, self-care, social strategies, and more. You will also learn how to implement mindfulness into day-to-day activities, such as walking, eating, cooking, exercising, among many others.

Gaining knowledge, awareness, and skills will help you reassess and shift your relationship with your thoughts and feelings and empower you with tools to address difficulties.

What to Expect From Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Some of the benefits of MBCT include:

• Increasing awareness and self-compassion
• Gaining greater focus and concentration
• Staying grounded in the present rather than worrying about the past or future
• Identifying unhelpful lines of thinking, limiting beliefs, and negative emotions
• Finding immediate relief from distressing symptoms
• Learning effective strategies to manage challenges

At Madison Park Psychological Services, we offer MBCT to teens and adults.  Treatment starts with a consultation, where we ask you questions about yourself, your symptoms, and what you’d like to achieve in therapy.  This information will help us determine the best therapeutic method and therapist for your needs.
During MBCT, you will meet with your therapist to talk about your problems and start identifying the thought and emotional patterns that might be connected to them. As therapy progresses, you will learn and practice mindfulness skills and create a prevention toolkit.  The idea is to prepare you to recognize any warning signs, triggers, or automatic thought processes and use practical strategies as needed.
These skills will then give you courage and motivation to experience your mood, thoughts, and sensations as they come and go, instead of battling, ignoring, or treating them as facts. Your therapist will also assign you homework to further expand on what you learn in treatment.  This may include reading, journaling, breathing exercises, meditating, and incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine.

Booking an Appointment for Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy NYC

At Madison Park Psychological Services, we are here to support you online via teletherapy. If you are struggling and want to give MBCT a try, let’s talk! Book an appointment or call us at 212-506-5935 to get started.

Related Therapy

• Behavioral Therapy
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Holistic/Body-Mind-Spirit Therapy

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy FAQs

How can I do mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?

To opt for MBCT treatment, find a mental health professional trained in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.  Here at Madison Park Psychological Services, we have many MBCT psychologists available.  Contact us, and we’ll find the best therapist for you according to your unique needs and goals. You can also access MBCT guides, books, and online tools.  Although these are helpful resources, we recommend seeking an MBCT therapist to get the most benefits out of this treatment.

How does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy work?

MBCT combines Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (or CBT) with mindfulness strategies to help you observe your feelings and thoughts without judging or reacting to them.  The goal is to support you to avoid engaging in automatic thought patterns that may perpetuate or worsen your symptoms. This treatment offers greater awareness to notice how your mind works and offers valuable insight to stay present and regulate your emotions.  It also provides mindful coping techniques to approach difficult situations and ultimately live a wholesome life.

How long does mindfulness-based cognitive therapy take?

Group MBCT programs last approximately eight weeks, but individual MBCT can vary depending on your specific symptoms, situation, and progress.  You will likely meet once a week with your therapist until treatment is completed, though we can always meet more or less often as needed.

Does insurance cover mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?

We are an out-of-network provider.  If you have out-of-network coverage for behavioral health services, your insurance will cover MBCT in full or in part.  Check your out-of-network plan to confirm your exact coverage. We also offer lower fees if you don’t have enough coverage or need to pay out of pocket.  Visit our Rates and Insurance page or reach out to us for more information.

How much does it cost to do mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?

MBCT costs the same as any other therapy session.  If you have questions about our specific rates, please contact us!  We look forward to hearing from you.