Understanding Mindfulness-Based Programs (MBPs)

MBCT, MBSR, and MSC Similarities

  • The program foundation is the practice of mindfulness
  • Participants will develop awareness by paying attention and noticing
  • 8-week structure, 2.5 to 3* hours per weekly session
  • 4-6 hour silent retreat (highly recommended)
  • Group format with individual home practice and exercises each week
  • Program is built around facilitator-led discussion and inquiry
  • Sessions include formal meditation practices and mindful movement exercises

*MBCT & MBSR have 2.5-hr weekly sessions whereas MSC has 3-hr weekly sessions

 

MBCT, MBSR, and MSC Differences

MBCT MBSR MSC
Mindfulness-Based Based Cognitive Therapy Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Mindful Self-Compassion
Designed to prevent depressive relapse, particularly those who deal with chronic or acute depression and/or mild-to-moderate anxiety Designed for the general population, particularly those who deal with chronic stress resulting from a variety of physical / psychological illnesses Designed for the general population, particularly those who deal with perfectionism or stress from mental illnesses
Looks at the ‘illness’ of depression / anxiety and asks – how mindfulness can help you stay well Looks at the stress of living, especially with a chronic illness, and how it affects our experience Looks at the self-critic and difficult emotions, and how self-compassion can help you stay well
Allows an accumulation of mindfulness experience to give insight about the negative mind states associated with depression / anxiety Allows an accumulation of mindfulness experience to suggest different ways to respond to suffering Combines the skills of mindfulness and self-compassion to build emotional resilience
Can shift the relationship to suffering by recognizing patterns of mind and emotion Can change the relationship to suffering by turning towards pain and difficulty Can change the relationship to suffering by learning self-compassion skills
Emphasizes the element of choice in how to respond to states Emphasizes waking up to the possibility of being present with what is here Emphasizes “getting out of your own way” by increasing awareness

 

MBCT, MBSR, & MSC Themes

  MBCT Themes MBSR Themes MSC Themes
Orientation & Interview Group Orientation & One-On-One Intake Interview Group Orientation & One-On-One Intake Interview Group Orientation & One-On-One Intake Interview
Session 1 Awareness & Automatic Pilot Introducing Mindfulness Meditation: Doing to Being Discovering Mindful Self-Compassion
Session 2 Living in Our Heads Perception & Knowing Are Different Practicing Mindfulness
Session 3 Gathering The Scattered Mind There is Pleasure & Power in Being Present Practicing Loving-Kindness
Session 4 Recognizing Aversion Stress Reactivity Discovering Your Compassionate Voice
Session 5 Allowing / Letting Be Stress, Mindful Awareness & Responding Living Deeply
Session 6 Thoughts Are Not Facts Stressful Communications Meeting Difficult Emotions
Session 7 How Can I Best Take Care Of Myself? How Do I Best Take Care Of Myself? Exploring Challenging Relationships
Session 8 Endings Are Beginnings Endings Are Beginnings Embracing Your Life
Silent Retreat 6 hours of facilitator-led practices, participants remain in silence 6 hours of facilitator-led practices, participants remain in silence 4 hours of facilitator-led practices, participants remain in silence

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