The Program:

The practice of mindfulness meditation allows you to pay close attention to the present moment, noting your thoughts, feelings and body sensations with an attitude of curiosity and non-judgment. This non-reactive stance on your experience creates the possibility of relating differently to sadness, fear and worry, emotions that are central to preventing depression.

Participation in the MBCT program includes an individual 1 hr initial interview, 8 weekly group sessions (2-hour classes), and one all day session between weeks 5 and 7. The main 'work' of the program is done at home between classes, using CDs with guided meditations. In each class, you will have an opportunity to talk about your experiences with the home practices, the obstacles that inevitably arise, and how to deal with them skillfully. Each class is organized around a theme that is explored through both group inquiry and mindfulness practice.

Class Topics:
Class 1: Automatic Pilot
Class 2: Dealing with Barriers
Class 3: Mindfulness of the Breath
Class 4: Staying Present
Class 5: Allowing and Letting Be
Class 6: Thoughts are Not Facts
Class 7: How Can I Best Take Care of Myself
Class 8: Using What's Been Learned to Deal with Future Moods

Over the 8 weeks of the program, you will learn to:
- Become familiar with the workings of your mind
- Notice when you are at risk of getting caught in old habits of mind that re-activate downward mood spirals
- Explore ways of releasing yourself from those old habits of the mind
- Explore ways of developing a new relationship to your emotions
- Notice small beauties and pleasures in the world around you instead of living in your head
- Be more open to accept certain life circumstances instead of wishing things were different all the time
- Accept yourself as you are, rather than judging yourself all the time