Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) offering and professional training

Overview

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a Mindfulness-based Program (MBP) combining intensive training in mindfulness meditation with techniques from Cognitive Therapy. It was developed by Professors Zindel Segal, Mark Williams, and John Teasdale and has been extensively researched and evaluated. The primary source book (now in its 2nd edition) reflects the original application for Depression though it has been adapted for application to a variety of clinical issues and problems.

The Contemplative Studies Centre is developing a training program in partnership with current and former members from Southern Synergy (an accredited MBCT provider). The aim of the program is to provide a training pathway (aligned with global standards) for clinicians, health practitioners, care providers, and/or clinical researchers to gain exposure to MBCT (Level 1) and qualify to deliver it (Levels 2/3). It is possible for a participant to deliver MBCT on their own upon completing Level 2 (as a beginning teacher) though completing Level 3 is recommended (see Kenny et al. 2020).

Training pathway

Level 1: 8-week Introductory MBCT course

The MBCT introductory course is intended for individuals with background or roles in clinical professions interested in learning about a Mindfulness-Based Program (MBP) or delivering MBCT group therapy. The ideal participant already will be using or seeking to use some version of mindfulness in their practice. The 8-week course is a variation of the MBCT therapy group but adapted for the training situation, with some variation to the exercises to make them more suitable for experiential participation and learning by therapists.

  • This course will involve:

    • 8 x 2-hour weekly sessions
    • A phone interview of up to half an hour between each participant and the course instructor preceding the course
    • Regular homework and diary-keeping tasks, including guided meditations, amounting to about 45 minutes a day, six days/week, requiring a level of personal commitment.

  • The course runs weekly after hours for eight weeks.

    Sessions are held at the Contemplative Studies Centre, Level 1, Melbourne Connect, 700 Swanston St, Carlton.

  • Full fee (incl gst and fees): $735 per person

    Student fee (incl gst and fees): $525 per person

    These fees are inclusive of GST and an Eventbrite booking fee.

    See the full refund and cancellation policy.

  • Please contact Contemplate-CSC@unimelb.edu.au to enquire about upcoming dates for this course.

Practice development

Since it is not assumed that trainees already have a meditation practice, following the MBCT introductory 8-week course, there is a break so that participants can consolidate their personal practice and associated learning.  At least 3 months of personal practice with mindfulness-meditation as taught in a Mindfulness-based Program (e.g., Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, MBCT) is a pre-requisite to complete Level 2. You do not need to be a meditator at the outset of enrolling in Level 1. However, global standards impose an expectation that anyone who will deliver an MBP has developed familiarity and experience themselves with mindfulness practice. There is strong suggestion regarding the potential value of having participated in a meditation retreat as well, though this is not a strict requirement.

Level 2: MBCT instructor training

Students who have completed the 8-week introductory course and developed a personal practice are invited to undertake an intensive instructor development course over 3.5 days. Depending on interest and resourcing, this offering may be done in a retreat setting (i.e., include stay at a facility with overnight accommodation).

The intensive continues to emphasise personal practice as well as concentrated and closely coached practice in leading meditations, discussions, and other aspects of the course in small groups, with an emphasis on adherence assessment. Upon completion, instructors are able to deliver MBCT groups as beginners though additional training (in the form of further support, shared delivery with a more experienced instructor, or Level 3 training) is advised. It is presumed that any instructor program delivery will adhere to established standards and entail minimal adaptations aligned with considerations of core vs flexible elements of the program (see Crane et al. 2017).

Click the button below to submit an Expression of Interest in Level 2 instructor training.

Submit your EOI

Level 3: Clinical supervision

Level 3 training provides expert supervision from experienced MBCT instructors. Trainees continue to develop their expertise either via shared course delivery alongside a more experienced instructor or receive supervisory coaching while delivering MBCT on their own. We are still in the development stage of this level of training, but contacts can be provided on request for supervision.