Embodied Integration Reflections on Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and a Case For Mindfulness

Abstract

In an earlier paper (Nanda, 2009), I put forth the argument that the practice of mindfulness gives rise to existential-phenomenological themes and that both practices of Mindfulness and Existential therapy have many parallels. This paper explores how existential-phenomenological themes inevitably arise in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), one of the models of ‘third wave CBT’ when it includes a dedicated Mindfulness based practice for MBCT therapists. In moving from the ‘doing mode’ of fixing problems, to the ‘being mode’ of staying with experience, MBCT’s research in the prevention of relapse of depression for people suffering from chronic depression offers insights into the therapeutic aspect of mindfulness. This paper seeks to explore how insights from Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and Existential Therapy may come together through an illustration with a case study. It also highlights that the integration of theoretical therapy models happens within the embodied ‘being’ of the therapist, rather than remaining within the pages of textbooks. I call this embodied integration Mindfulness Based Existential Therapy (MBET). Key words Mindfulness, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), existential- phenomenological themes, Existential therapy, ‘being mode’, being with experience, phenomenological stance, prevention of relapse of depression, open, allowing, Mindfulness Based Existential Therapy (MBET)