Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Managing depression and anxiety symptoms
with mindfulness practices

 
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Group Description: Mindfulness practice helps with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, pain, and various kinds of stress.  With practice, you can return to a sense of calm and ease, even when facing emotional, social, and physical challenges. MBCT is a highly researched group program that can help treat depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and different kinds of stress. The group provides a safe, motivating environment where we learn how to observe our thoughts, feelings, and body sensations with friendly curiosity. By paying attention to our present moment experiences in this way, MBCT helps us do several things:

  • Learn to see thoughts as “just thinking” without feeding or fighting them

  • Understand the temporary nature of sensations, feelings, and thoughts

  • Respond differently to automatic negative thoughts and feelings as they arise

  • Challenge “autopilot” behaviors that interfere with living well

  • Make healthy choices about how we want to act in our lives


Requirements:

  • These groups are only open to people living in Massachusetts.

  • You must be physically located within the state during the time of each group session. If you do not live in Massachusetts, please explore our options for community programs and live-online classes.

  • To determine if a group is right for you, you may be asked to attend a behavioral health evaluation appointment (billed to your health insurance).

Agreeing to Participate in this Group Means:

  • The group meets for 9 weeks in a row. The first session is a one-hour orientation, followed by 8 group sessions.

  • Daily home practice for up to 45 minutes/day is an important part of the commitment you make to yourself by joining this group.

  • Includes an optional Saturday half-day online silent retreat from 9AM-1PM. Retreats are free and not billed to insurance.

  • Agreeing not to practice or attend group while intoxicated

  • Honoring the confidential nature of the group

Location: Online via Google Meet—no software purchase is required but you will need Internet access and a video-enabled smartphone, tablet or computer. If you have trouble with technology, CHA instructors and/or volunteers can assist you.

Payment: Billed to your health insurance as group psychotherapy (Billing Code 90853). We encourage you to check individual coverage and payments with your health insurance provider.

The average group size is 6-10 people, with no more than 12 participants attending each group.

Testimonials

"The group helped me to accept and let go." - MBCT Participant

"Really enjoyed the group.  I look forward to it. 
Hearing from others’ experience helps me." - MBCT Participant

Contact: Maria Martiniello, Referral Coordinator

617-591-6055 | mmhs@challiance.org

Mindful Mental Health Service

Center for Mindfulness & Compassion

1035 Cambridge St, Cambridge MA 02141

Featured News: CMC was awarded a research grant titled “Neural and physiologic effects of self-compassion on chronic pain” from the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital.  This grant provides seed funding for a pilot neuroimaging study examining self-compassion training for people experiencing chronic lower back pain.