Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Teaching Certificate

Integrate the clinical application of mindfulness meditation with the tools of cognitive therapy to help individuals suffering from chronic depression.

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Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidenced-based program for preventing and reducing the intensity and frequency of depressive relapse and negative affective states. It was developed by Zindel Segal, Mark Williams, and John Teasdale, experts in the fields of depression, cognitive therapy and research into the impact of mindfulness on depression.

A growing body of evidence coupled with a general interest in mindfulness-based programs as effective approaches for fostering well-being and resilience, has generated a growing demand to have MBCT more widely available. For this to happen, a larger number of highly-trained, competent MBCT teachers is needed.

Become a Certified MBCT Teacher

In partnership with the Mindfulness Center at Brown, the School of Professional Studies offers the Certificate in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Teaching. This is a unique opportunity for qualified healthcare professionals, like licensed therapists or counselors to incorporate MBCT into their work. As part of the Certificate in MBCT Teaching, a total of three silent retreats are required to complete the training, including a MBP-focused, 7-day retreat. For detailed information on policies and guidelines, please see our Mindfulness Resources.

Certificate Snapshot

Format

Live-Online courses, including practice and teaching

Length

6 months to Level I Teacher & begin offering MBCT; 2+ years to complete Certificate program

Profile

Avg. 2+ yrs meditation practice, graduate degree & experience in healthcare, counseling or related field

Partner

The Mindfulness Center at Brown

Learning Experience

During this certification program, students will engage in an experiential, rigorous and innovative training pathway that blends in-depth intensive formal courses and seminars with time for independent reflective study, assimilation and practice. Participants can begin to deliver MBCT within six months and the full certificate may be completed over a period of two+ years (depending on your individual pace), including out of the classroom practice and teaching.

Certificate Benefits

You'll learn how to teach MBCT from one of the founders, Zindel Segal, as well as highly-experienced, credentialed MBCT instructors and trainers.

Each step of the formal training process engages a trainee in a variety of domains, including:

  • Developing competencies as an MBCT teacher
  • Cultivating skills for either the classroom or private practice
  • Deepening knowledge in the areas of science, ethos, pedagogy and public health
  • Strengthening one’s personal mindfulness practice through the lens of MBCT

Who Should Attend?

Those who are interested in MBCT teacher training typically have roles in health care, psychology, social work, and mental health, with a minimum of one year professional experience and prior training in cognitive behavioral therapy.

  • Physicians, nurses, social workers, physician assistants, therapists and counselors in mental health, marriage and family, and rehabilitation. Health care professionals often find MBCT teacher training to be a natural extension of their work and an important component in their own self-care and burnout prevention
  • Educators and school personnel, including guidance counselors and school social workers with training in and experience with working with individuals with depression and anxiety are also potential applicants
  • Brown University graduate students, including those in the Masters in Public Health concentration in Mindfulness, and pre-med and medical school residents, particularly those interested in careers in psychiatry