MBCT in London & Burlington, Ontario
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Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) helps you step back from anxious thoughts, break the cycle of low mood, and feel more in control of your mind. It blends practical mindfulness skills with cognitive therapy strategies—helping you stay grounded, calm, and less reactive.
How MBCT Works
MBCT helps you break patterns of automatic thinking through simple, daily practices. You’ll learn how to:
- Stay in the present moment using breath or body awareness
- Recognize unhelpful thoughts without getting pulled in
- Respond with curiosity instead of criticism
- Shift out of mental loops like rumination or worry
- Build calm, confidence, and emotional resilience
You’re not trying to stop thoughts. You’re learning how to notice them, then choose how you respond.
Who Can Benefit from MBCT?
MBCT is designed for adults who want to manage their mental health with practical, skills-based tools.
It’s a good fit if you:
- Have a history of depression and want to prevent relapse
- Experience generalized anxiety, panic, or chronic worry
- Live with chronic stress or burnout
- Have ADHD and want more focus, calm, and emotional control
- Are recovering from trauma and looking for grounding techniques
- Want to stay well after therapy or medication
- Simply want to build more mindfulness into your life
MBCT is gentle, evidence-based, and can be used alongside other therapies or on its own.
What the Research Says
MBCT isn’t just helpful—it’s backed by strong evidence.
- A major UK study found MBCT was just as effective as antidepressants for preventing relapse in depression (The Lancet, 2016).
- A JAMA Psychiatry meta-analysis showed MBCT reduced relapse risk by about 34% compared to usual care.
- Research also shows improvements in anxiety, attention, emotional regulation, and stress levels.
The results speak for themselves. MBCT builds skills that last.
What to Expect in MBCT Sessions
MBCT can be practiced individually or as part of a small group. Both options follow the same 8-week framework.
Individual MBCT:
- Weekly one-on-one sessions with your therapist
- Personalized pace and discussion
- Flexible scheduling (based on therapist availability)
Group MBCT:
- 8 weekly group sessions (2 hours each)
- Led by a therapist trained in MBCT
- Peer support and shared learning
*Steyaert Counselling is not currently offering group MBCT. At this time it is individual MBCT only.
What You’ll Do:
- Practice guided meditations (like breathing, body scans, or mindful walking)
- Learn how to notice and label thoughts
- Reflect on experiences and discuss in session
- Build a daily mindfulness habit (10–30 mins/day)
- Receive handouts or recordings to use at home
The focus is on practice, not perfection. You’ll learn by doing—and grow week by week.
MBCT vs CBT vs MBSR
MBCT combines the structure of CBT with the presence-building of mindfulness.
- CBT helps you change unhelpful thoughts.
- MBCT helps you step back from thoughts altogether.
- MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) teaches mindfulness for general wellness and pain/stress management.
MBCT is ideal if your main concern is depression, anxiety, or relapse prevention. It’s also the right choice if you’re curious about mindfulness but want a therapist-guided program with clinical roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need meditation experience to start MBCT?
No experience is required. MBCT is beginner-friendly. You’ll be guided step-by-step and supported as you build your skills
Can MBCT help with anxiety?
Yes. MBCT was designed for depression but is widely used for anxiety, stress, and worry. The skills you learn—breath awareness, thought detachment, grounding—help calm the nervous system and reduce reactivity.
Can I do MBCT online?
Yes. We offer individual and group MBCT virtually across Ontario. It’s delivered live by your therapist, using secure video sessions, with the same curriculum as in-person.
Is MBCT covered by insurance?
Usually, yes. MBCT sessions are delivered by licensed professionals (Registered Psychotherapists, Social Workers, etc.) and are covered under most extended health plans. We’ll provide receipts to submit to your insurer. For more info, see our therapy costs page.
Ready to Start?
We offer MBCT in:
- London, Ontario (in-person and virtual)
- Burlington, Ontario (in-person and virtual)
- Anywhere in Ontario (secure online sessions)
Whether you’re looking to manage anxiety, prevent depressive relapse, or simply build resilience, MBCT gives you the tools to move forward with more clarity and calm.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in London, Ontario
Hannah has utilized MBCT Therapy in her work with dozens of clients. Don’t hesitate to contact her office in East London, Ontario, for more information.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Burlington, Ontario
Hailey has also utilized MBCT Therapy in her work with dozens of client therapy sessions. Don’t hesitate to contact her office in Central Burlington, Ontario, for more information.