Description

Handouts

Outline

Competencies of MBCT

• Foundations of MBCT
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)​
  • Original MBCT trials
  • Evidence base for MBCT
  • Neurological evidence
• Principles
  • Adaptation and expansion of CBT principles
  • Decenter from strong and persistent negative thoughts
  • Leading mindfulness exercises skillfully
  • Mindful inquiry

MBCT Curriculum & Core Therapeutic Tasks

• Session 1: Awareness and Automatic Pilot
  • Raisin exercise – distinguish thinking and feeling
  • Body scan – foundation to build attention
  • Mindfulness of daily activities
• Session 2: Living in Our Heads
  • ABC model for linking thoughts and emotions
  • Pleasant events calendar to foster attention to the positive
  • Mindful breathing for stress and focus
• Session 3: Gathering the Scattered Mind
  • Mindful stretching for working with discomfort
  • Mindful walking for dynamic mindfulness
  • Unpleasant events calendar to relate differently to difficulty
  • 3-Minute breathing space
• Session 4: Recognizing Aversion
  • Mindfulness of breath, body, sounds to deepen awareness
  • Working with difficulties without struggle
• Session 5: Allowing/Letting Be
  • Exposure to difficult thoughts and feelings to transform them
  • Noticing thoughts without getting lost in them
• Session 6: Thoughts are Not Facts
  • Purposefully exposing to strong thoughts and feelings
  • Techniques for working wisely with difficult thoughts
• Session 7: How Can I Best Take Care of Myself?
  • Recognize relapse signatures to prevent future problems
  • Develop self-care action plans
• Session 8: Maintaining and Extending New Learning
  • Personalize mindfulness practices for individual clients
  • Maintain momentum of positive gains

Clinical Issues – Advanced Strategies for Working with Challenging Clients

• Adaptations of MBCT for:
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Chronic Pain
  • PTSD
  • Substance Use Disorders
  • Children & Adolescents

Limitations of the Research & Potential Risks

• Most research has been done in group settings
• Best when clients have the cognitive capacity to engage in the practices
• Adaptations must be made for acute conditions and special populations
• Mindfulness involves moving into experiences, which may cause a temporary exacerbation of symptoms

Evaluations and Dissemination

Faculty

Richard Sears, PsyD, PhD, MBA, ABPP

Director

Center for Clinical Mindfulness and Meditation

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Richard Sears, PsyD, PhD, MBA, ABPP, is a licensed psychologist in Cincinnati, Ohio, board certified in clinical psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), runs a private psychology and consultation practice, and is the Director of the Center for Clinical Mindfulness & Meditation. He is also clinical assistant professor at Wright State University School of Professional Psychology, clinical/research faculty at the UC Center for Integrative Health and Wellness, volunteer professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences at the UC College of Medicine, and a research/psychologist contractor with the Cincinnati VA Medical Center.

His most recent books include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Mindfulness Toolbox (PESI, 2017); Mindfulness: Living Through Challenges and Enriching Your Life in this Moment (Wiley-Blackwell, 2014); Perspectives on Spirituality and Religion in Psychotherapy (PR Press, 2014); Building Competence in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (Routledge, 2015); and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for PTSD (Wiley-Blackwell, 2016). Dr. Sears is lead author of Mindfulness in Clinical Practice (PR Press, 2011) and Consultation Skills for Mental Health Professionals (Wiley, 2005).

Dr. Sears is a fifth-degree black belt in Ninjutsu, and once served as a personal protection agent for the Dalai Lama with his teacher, Stephen K. Hayes. He has studied the Eastern Wisdom traditions for over 30 years, receiving ordination in three traditions, and has been given transmission as a Zen master.

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial: Richard Sears holds faculty appointments at the University of Cincinnati. He receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.

Non-financial: Richard Sears is a diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology and is a fellow of the Academy of the American Board of Clinical Psychology.