Well from Depression (MBCT) 8-week course, York, Summer 2017

Well from Depression (MBCT) is an 8-week mindfulness meditation course with a proven record of preventing the relapse of depression.

Course Overview

Well from Depression (MBCT) is an evidence-based and protocol driven course for those affected by a history of recurrent Depression. Depression is a condition known to have an increasing risk of relapse with each subsequence relapse. Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is recommended in the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines used by the NHS to inform which treatments to offer patients. It has been rigorously tested and found to significantly reduce the risk of relapse in to acute Depression for those who have previously experience 3 or more episodes/relapses of Depression.

Depression is a highly common problem which can severely impair a person’s usual functioning. For further information see http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Depression/Pages/Introduction.aspx.

Who Can Attend

The Well from Depression (MBCT) course is recommended for those who are currently stable, not acutely depressed and wish to significantly reduce their risk of relapse and stay well. Mindfulness has been found to have many additional benefits which can improve overall well-being.

This course integrates evidence-based techniques from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Depression with Mindfulness. Group members will learn how to identify habitual patterns of thinking and behaving that can inadvertently serve to maintain low moods states. Through the practice of none-secular (none religious) meditation practices, reflection, sharing observations and personal learning members will learn how to develop resilience against Depression for long-term wellbeing.

GP Referrals

If you have been diagnosed with depression, your GP may be able to apply for NHS funding for your place on this course. For further information on GP Referrals, please contact: relax@yorkmbsr.co.uk

Course Schedule

This course will be taught over eight classes scheduled to take place from Friday 21st April to 9th June. Each class will be between 2 and 2.5 hours long and will take place on Fridays from 13:30pm to 15:30pm at Foxwood Community Centre.

Commitment Required

Regular attendance is recommended and important for the full benefits. It is also important to be prepared to practice the methods explored in the group sessions regularly in-between sessions (referred to as ‘homework’).

The course gradually progresses from short or relaxing meditations suitable for beginners, to more advanced mindfulness exercises which include approaching difficult thoughts/emotions. As each class builds on the preceding class, it is important that anyone who misses a class attends a "catch up session". We are happy to accommodate this in the case of illness etc., but regret that if more than two classes are missed you may not be able to finish the course. We therefore recommend carefully checking the course schedule below before reserving a place. Thank you.

Course Facilitator

The facilitator for this course is Sven Law.

Sven is an experienced BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist who has worked in Mental Health for over 10 years. Sven has been integrating evidence-based Mindfulness approaches in to his practice for the last 5 years as well as cultivating his own daily practice. Sven is highly experienced in treating people with Depression, Anxiety and other common mental health problems and also manages his private practice (TfD Therapy) seeing people individually. Sven has additional interests and training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), which also draw on Mindfulness.

Frequently Asked Questions...

What if I miss a class?

We are happy to provide catch up sessions for delegates who miss a class. Catch ups are usually provided on a one-to-one basis with the course instructor and usually take 30 minutes to complete. There is a nominal charge of £15 for this service.

Is there disabled access to the venue?

There is disabled access to the venue. The room is located on an upper floor which is accessible by stairs or lift.

What further information will I receive?

All our delegates receive "Joining Advice" one week before their course commences. This email will include information on the class schedule, venue and facilities, and a link to our "pre-course questionnaire" which we would be grateful if you could complete before the course commences. This is important and helps the facilitator understand any special needs or requirements you may have. Any information provided on the questionnaire is handled with complete confidentiality and sensitivity and in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you decide to cancel your place on this course, we will refund...

• Your full course fee, minus a £20 administration charge, if we receive notice from you at least 7 days before the 1st class
• 75% of your course fee if notice is given before the 2nd class
• 50% of your course fee if notice is given before the 3rd class
• No refunds will be issued after the 3rd class

In the case that the course is cancelled by York MBSR, all course fees will be refunded in full.

I am considering training to teach mindfulness, will an MBSR course enable me to do this?

For those looking to teach mindfulness we would recommend having a look at the UK Network for Mindfulness Based Teacher Training Organisations which gives guidance on good practice and teacher training organisations within the UK. An 8 week MBSR course is generally considered a good starting point and often a pre-requisite to attending teaching training. If you are looking to follow a particular training route it is worth checking any stipulated pre-requisites.