Mindfulness based therapy in Dedham, MA
Mindfulness Based Therapies
Mindfulness based cognitive therapy is designed to assist people in Dedham, MA, who have dealt with repeated bouts of depression. The treatment combines cognitive therapy with meditation practices that are based on focusing on mindfulness. Specific mindfulness practices to incorporate into mindfulness based cognitive therapy are meditation, present-moment awareness, and breathing exercises.
This type of therapy teaches clients to break away from negative, harmful thought patterns that can leave them fighting against a damaging mood-disordered state of mind. Practicing the principles of mindfulness based therapies can help individuals fight against a difficult frame of mind before it takes hold.
When Mindfulness Based Therapy Is Used
Mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) was created for individuals who struggle with repeated episodes of depression. The therapy treatment in Massachusetts has been proven successful for patients with a major depressive disorder that have struggled with at least three bouts of depression. Mindfulness based therapy techniques have also been useful when treating the following:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- General emotional distress
- Addictions
Sometimes MBCT can be helpful to those who experience depression associated with physical health conditions like:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Chronic pain
- Vascular disease
Additionally, there have been studies on the use of MBCT as a therapy for women with fibromyalgia. These studies have shown that mindfulness based treatments effectively reduce the overall impact of fibromyalgia.
What to Expect
Typically, mindfulness-based therapies are led by a therapist within a group setting. These sessions are usually conducted weekly. The therapist teaches meditation techniques and principles of cognition within an eight-week timeframe. During that time, participants learn meditation techniques and principles of cognition, including the relationship between what is thought and how someone feels.
Additionally, participants are provided with information regarding their depressive condition. When there is no group session scheduled, group members have homework that includes mindful meditation and practicing breathing exercises. While learning these techniques, group members are encouraged to include present-moment awareness within daily routines, such as eating, showering, preparing a meal, or walking.
How Does Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Work?
Sometimes, a person who experiences a severe depressive state can be triggered into relapse by normal sadness. Instead of attempting to eliminate sadness from their experiences, someone who practices the principles taught in mindfulness based therapy learns to change how they relate to the emotions they are experiencing. These individuals can use meditation and other mindfulness exercises to come to an acceptance of their sadness. Doing this creates a renewed balance of their neural networks, allowing the client to move toward understanding rather than automatically responding negatively to a difficult situation.
People in Dedham, MA, who develop a routine meditation practice can use the techniques they learned through mindfulness based therapy any time negative thoughts make them feel overwhelmed. When the individual feels the negative associations that trigger a relapse of depression, they are equipped with techniques that help them change their negative thinking to calm, compassionate, positive actions.
Wrapping It Up
Individuals in Dedham, MA, who battle depression may find that mindfulness based cognitive therapy helps them to develop routines to transform negative thoughts into calming thoughts. They effectively change their thought patterns through meditation and breathing exercises.