Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: A Way to Connect with Our Humanity?
Hello there! I’m Inka, the psychology intern at the Expat Kids Club! Have you ever come across Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, or MBCT? If you're like me, it might sound like a mouthful at first. When I began my internship at The Expat Kids Club, I knew a bit about mindfulness and cognitive therapy, but MBCT was a new and intriguing concept to me. Eager to learn more, I set out to find someone who could shed light on this approach, and I found the perfect person for the job— *drum roll* - Kate!
I sat down with Kate to delve into her journey with mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) and her passion for MBCT. About 15 years ago, she took an MBCT course with Debby Poort, which grew her interest and set her on a transformative path. From there, Kate jumped fully into mindfulness. She studied, read books, watched videos, listened to podcasts, and even delved into Buddhism. It was a complete exploration of mindfulness from every angle. But the real magic happened when she introduced mindfulness into her therapy sessions.
Kate shared how mindfulness had a profound impact on her clients, deepening the connections she had with them and making her more present in those moments. It wasn't just curiosity; it became an essential part of her life.
So, what exactly is MBCT?
Kate describes MBCT as a method that helps individuals become more aware of their thoughts and bodies in the present moment. It empowers them to gain a better understanding of their experiences, giving them the space to make conscious choices in responding to various situations instead of reacting impulsively.
When I asked Kate why she enjoys using MBCT, she laughed and said, “The word ‘enjoy’ isn't quite right; I'd say I'm devoted to it as a way to connect with our humanity.”
But here's the big question - is MBCT suitable for everyone?
Kate's enthusiasm is certainly contagious, and I couldn't help but wonder what her clients typically think of MBCT activities. According to Kate, kids tend to enjoy learning about mindfulness, although she's cautious about using that term since many kids have misconceptions about it. Instead, she focuses on explaining the science behind metacognition (bringing awareness to your thoughts) and how regulating your breath can soothe your nervous system.
Kate's answer to the universal suitability of MBCT is a cheerful "Yes!" She continues, "MBCT is all about connecting with what it means to be a human being in a world where we easily become 'human doings.' Anything that brings us closer to the essence of who we really are is universally accessible and beneficial, in my humble opinion."
What about practicing mindfulness-based activities at home?
Listening to Kate talk about MBCT with a spark in her eyes makes me eager to try out mindfulness-based activities myself. Kate assures me that there are a wide range of activities anyone can try at home, including with kids. For instance, you can incorporate mindful moments into your day by simply checking in with yourself, asking questions like, "How is my mind? How is my body?" Kate enjoys practicing mindful breathing with her own kids before bedtime by taking a few "dragon breaths" and sharing one thing they notice. It's heartwarming to hear that her kids, even at a young age, can express their experiences, saying things like "my tummy moved" or "silly." Kate also recommends checking out additional resources like this one for more ideas.
Before we wrap up the interview, Kate introduces me to one of her favorite MBCT activities: mindful listening. She takes out her Tibetan singing bowl and plays a soothing sound, which we follow until it gradually fades away. We take a few more minutes to listen to the sounds in our surroundings and then reflect on what we heard and how they impacted our thoughts and emotions.
As our conversation concludes, I'm left feeling grounded and grateful for this introduction to MBCT. If you would like to learn more about how MBCT can help you, check out our services page or send us an inquiry message.