Mindfulness as clinical treatment
Mindfulness-based therapies have moved from contemplative practice to evidence-based clinical treatments with substantial research support. Two programs have the strongest evidence: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
MBSR: the original program
Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at UMass Medical School, MBSR is an 8-week group program teaching mindfulness meditation, body scanning, and mindful movement. It has evidence for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and improving overall wellbeing. MBSR is not a clinical treatment for specific disorders but a broadly effective wellness and stress reduction program.
MBCT: designed for depression prevention
MBCT combines mindfulness with cognitive therapy specifically to prevent depression relapse. It is now recommended by NICE (UK health guidelines) as a first-line treatment for people with recurrent depression. Research shows MBCT reduces depression relapse rates by approximately 50% in people with three or more prior depressive episodes.
Mindfulness practice is not appropriate as a sole treatment for severe mental health conditions. For people with PTSD, unguided mindfulness can sometimes activate traumatic material. If you have a trauma history, discuss this with your provider before beginning an intensive mindfulness program.