MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY (MBCT) with Mark Williams

With this seminar you have the really seldom opportunity to be introduced to this method directly from one of the most important pioneers of "Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy" (MBCT) in theory and practice. On the same time it constitutes the starting point of a series of seminars we are offering in cooperation with the "Oxford Mindfulness Centre" in the german speaking area as as an essential part of a MBCT-Curriculum (Introductionary Seminar, 7-Day MBCT-Retreat, advanced seminar and supervision).

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combines Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Stress Reduction program with techniques from Cognitive Therapy in an eight-week ‘class’ format. MBCT was originally designed for patients who are currently in remission from depression. It aims to teach participants how to become aware of early warning signs of relapse, and to take mindful and compassionate action when these early signs are present. It includes mindfulness of body, breath meditations and mindful movement to help participants become more aware of moment-to-moment changes in the mind and the body and to learn how to ‘decentre’ from the habitual modes that often react to difficulty either with avoidance or rumination. It also includes basic education about depression, and exercises from cognitive therapy that emphasise the links between thinking and feeling.

Evidence suggests that MBCT is effective in reducing risk of relapse in patients with three or more previous episodes of major depression, is equivalent to long-term antidepressant use for those who stop taking medication under supervision, and can help those with treatment-resistant depression. MBCT is now included in the UK Government’s National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines for prevention of recurrence in major depression.

Research studies are extending the application of MBCT in other areas of physical and mental healthcare, and the workshop will include discussion of how to meet the increasing enthusiasm for mindfulness-based interventions while maintaining their integrity.

It is a 2-day Intensive Workshop:
♦ lecture-style
♦ discussion
♦ practice

Participants are encouraged to undertake some preliminary reading (see below) and will receive handouts on arrival.

CONTENT & FOCUS
The course content will encompass theory and evidence embedded in the actual practice of mindfulness. The focus is on giving Workshop participants the chance:
♦ to experience the core practices used in the 8-week MBCT programme; and
♦ through dialogue and discussion of the practice, to discuss how these are integrated with modern understandings from psychological science.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the Workshop, participants will have:
♦ an understanding of the theory behind MBCT and the evidence for its efficacy;
♦ an experience of the practices used in MBCT, their aims and intentions.

THE WORKSHOP LEADER:
Mark Williams is Professor of Clinical Psychology and Wellcome Principal Research Fellow in the University of Oxford. He has been interested in cognitive models and treatment of depression and suicidal behaviour for many years, and collaborated with John Teasdale and Zindel Segal in developing Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy to prevent relapse and recurrence in major depression. His current work, with Melanie Fennell, is examining the application of MBCT to suicidal patients.

BACKGROUND READING
Segal, Z.V., Williams, J.M.G., & Teasdale, J.D. (2002) Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: a new approach to preventing relapse. New York, Guilford Press.
Williams, J.M.G., Teasdale, J.D., Segal, Z.V., & Kabat-Zinn, J. (2007) The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness
Mark Williams and Danny Penman (2011) Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World (London, Piatkus)

Organizational notes

The Retreat will take place in Wien: Fleischmarkt 16, 1. Stiege, 2nd Floor, Door 23, 1010 Wien

Beginning is on Sunday, July 1., at 4 pm, the seminar ends on Tuesday, July 3, at 12.30 pm (see below the exact timetable)

Fees: Early Bird until November, 30: 220 Euro, afterwards 250 Euro

In case you would like to participate in this retreat
Please switch to our german-language Webform and proceed by clicking the "In den Warenkorb legen"-button. Please follow the german language checkout. You will then get an Email, containing the bill, mentioning the amount due and our account informations. Within Europe you should face no problems by transfering the money by using our IBAN and BIC-codes mentioned on the Billing-Email.