SI-2: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: Distinct and Overlapping Elements of Group Delivery of Mindfulness Meditation
Instructor: Zindel Segal, PhD
This Special Institute will be an interactive learning experience combining didactic instruction with experiential exercises to teach the key aspects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT, originally developed as a group intervention, integrates techniques from mindfulness-based stress reduction with cognitive therapy for depression to teach individuals who have recovered from depression new skills to help prevent future relapses. Key themes include experiential learning and the development of an open and acceptant mode of response, in which one intentionally faces behavioral difficulties and affective discomfort. Increased mindfulness allows early detection of relapse-related patterns of negative thinking, feelings, and body sensations, allowing them to be "nipped in the bud" at a stage when this may be much easier than if such warning signs are not noticed or are ignored. Formulation of specific relapse/recurrence prevention strategies are included in the later stages of treatment.
Dr. Zindel Segal is a clinical psychologist whose research examines the use of mindfulness meditation in promoting affect regulation skills in people suffering from a depressive and anxiety based disorder. His research program has two broad thrusts involving 1) the use of brain imaging to identify neural markers of depressive relapse or resilience associated with long-term practice of mindfulness meditation and 2) evaluating the efficacy of mindfulness-based clinical interventions delivered via online or mobile platforms as a means of increasing access to care.
Learning Objectives:
The attendee will be able to:
1. Outline the empirical rationale for providing patients with a mood disorder training in mindfulness meditation
2. Describe group practice of three of the core mindfulness meditations in MBCT
3. Discuss outcome of dyad based teaching of mindfulness practice and provide feedback.
References:
1. Farb, N., Anderson, A., Ravindran, A., Hawley, L., Irving, J., Mancuso, E., Gulamani, T., Williams, G., Ferguson, A., & Segal, Z. (2018). Comparison of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy or Group Cognitive Therapy for the Prevention of Relapse/Recurrence in Major Depressive Disorder. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 86:200-204.
2. Goldstein, M.R., Turner, A.D., Dawson, S.C., Segal, Z.V., et al. (2019). Increased high-frequency NREM EEG power associated with mindfulness-based interventions for chronic insomnia: Preliminary findings from spectral analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 120:12-19.
3. Pahlevan, T., Ung, C., & Segal, Z. (2020). Cost-utility analysis of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy versus antidepressant pharmacotherapy for prevention of depressive relapse in a Canadian context. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 65:568-576.
4. Segal, Z., Dimidjian, S., Beck, A., Boggs, J., Vanderkruik, R., Metcalf, C., Gallop, R., Felder, J., & Levy (2020). Outcomes of online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for patients with residual depressive symptoms: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 77:563-573.
5. Segal, Z.V., Anderson, A.K., Gulamani, T., et al. (2019). Practice of therapy acquired regulatory skills and depressive relapse/recurrence prophylaxis following cognitive therapy or mindfulness based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting Clinical Psychology, 87:161-170.