Mindfulness-Based Cognitive

Behavioral Therapy (MBCT)

By Lahee An, George Hernandez, Kyna Hernando, and Vanessa Van

What is MBCT?
MBCT psychotherapy combines
components of Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (CBT) and present-oriented
mindfulness meditation techniques to help
students recognize and assess negative
1
patterns of thoughts and behaviors.

2
Benefits of MBCT for Students
Reducing stress Increasing attention capacity
Increasing well- Promoting personal
being development including self-
Strengthening compassion, empathy, and
immune functions perspective taking

MBCT Application in Schools

Incorporating MBCT practices into primary and
secondary school classes have shown to be feasible
and effective in improving student's emotional
reactivity.3

Common MBCT Exercises: Breathing, sitting, and

body-scan meditations; yoga; observing thoughts
and sensations free from judgement 1

4
Tips and Strategies for Educators
Gain proper training to directly facilitate mindfulness
activities in classrooms.
Increase personal well-being and prosocial behavior
to provide further emotional, behavioral, and
instructional support to students.
Ensure that mindfulness is embedded into
leadership approach and instructional support.
Monitor and reflect on the effectiveness of
mindfulness practices.

Additional Resources

Centre for Mindfulness-Based Cognitive

Therapy Teacher Training
Mindfulness Studies
Intensive

Footnotes
1. Kocovski, N., & MacKenzie, M. (2016). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: trends and developments.
Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 9, 125–132. https://doi.org/10.2147/prbm.s63949
2. Zenner, C., Herrnleben-Kurz, S., & Walach, H. (2014). Mindfulness-based interventions in schools - a systematic review and
meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00603
3. Burke, C. A. (2010). Mindfulness-based approaches with children and adolescents: A preliminary review of current
research in an emergent field. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 19(2), 133–144. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-009-9282-x
4. Browning, A., & Romer, N. (2020). Mindfulness-based practices for schools. WestEd. https://californias3.wested.org/wp-
content/uploads/Mindfulness-Based-Practices-for-Schools.pdf