Essay On Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy

An Overview of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy

Introduction
This essay discusses the theories, research and practices related to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Comparisons between these therapies are made throughout the essay, the various applications of each therapy and related practices are discussed, and the strengths and limitations of each strategy are compared to provide an insight into the effectiveness of these approaches. Based upon the findings of previous studies, ramifications for future investigations are discussed in the conclusion.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
CBT is a psychological intervention practice which combines the preexisting practices of Behaviour Therapy (BT) and Cognitive Therapy (CT) (Westbrook, Kennerley & Kirk, 2007). Both latter practices emerged in the second half of the 20th century as a reaction against the Freudian Psychodynamic paradigm which was actively practiced during this period, and both of these models proposed a change in approach, replacing psychoanalytic practices of past experience and the unconscious mind, with practices focusing on the present moment using behavioural and cognitive techniques (Neenan & Dryden, 2000; Westbrook et al., 2007). A typical CBT session requires the therapist to observe the mood of the patient, thereafter extrapolating the problems they express, which are then cognitively assessed in collaboration with the patient in order to devise a problem-solving strategy which addresses the issues raised in the ongoing session (Beck, 2011). This archetypal description of a session accentuates a poignant feature of CBT and its related theories which is the prominent emphasis on the i...

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...h is necessary to consider when advantages and disadvantages of both practices are compared (Whitfield, 2010).

Conclusion
Overall, it is plausible to assume that the complexity of each individual case will affect the outcomes of each practice differently, and therefore future directives for more flexible models are a necessity if the trend of increasingly effective practices is to continue. However, in light of the discussed subject matter presented in this essay, both CBT and MBCT have contributed tremendously to psychological practices, and both have proven to be crucial developments in the progression of tackling core issues such as depression. Although there is still room for developments and expansions of preexisting theories and models, the contributions that have been made to date have nonetheless paved a clear path for future studies to continue following.