Bespoke Members
Introduction
Depression will directly affect more than 1 billion of the world’s population, is a leading cause of disability adjusted life years, one of the main risk factors for suicide, as well as causing untold human suffering.
Cognitive-behavioural (CBT) and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) have provided a response to this challenge. They are a real success story in psychology - CBT is an effective psychological treatment. MBCT provides a cost-effective approach to helping people to prevent depression and both can be integrated into mainstream mental health services. We have also seen a growing evidence base suggesting that MBCT can be an alternative to maintenance antidepressants, and a cost effective approach for people whose depression has not responded to first line treatments. We’re now seeing it being extended to promoting mental health and well-being in the wider population and potentially across the lifespan.
The event will be equivalent to 5.1/2hrs of CPD.
Content
This workshop explores how we can unlock all that has been learned over the past two decades to use mindfulness-based cognitive therapy as a vehicle for creating a world free from the devastating effects of depression—one in which people enjoy mental health and well-being, and are resourced to meet the challenges of the next 50 years.
Aims and Focus:
The workshop will:
• Celebrate and reflect on more than 20 years of progress—defining, theorising, innovating, researching, and implementing mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).
This includes milestones in effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and real-world delivery.
• Outline the theoretical foundations and research landscape, highlighting what has been achieved, what is in progress, and what is on the horizon.
• Offer a clear, coherent overview of MBCT for depression—and show how it continues to evolve to address universal vulnerabilities and build resilience, thereby supporting mental health and flourishing more broadly.
• Provide experiential tasters, allowing participants to sample the core practices and skills at the heart of MBCT and related approaches—such as awareness, befriending, decentering, and living in alignment with values.
• Explore how MBCT can be adapted for different populations, cultural contexts, and delivery settings, making these interventions more inclusive and relevant.
• Look ahead to how this work can reach its full potential by:
• Tackling the root causes of depression.
• Meeting people where they are—making interventions accessible and adaptable.
• Strengthening and disseminating approaches that both treat and prevent depression.
• Enhancing population-wide mental health.
• Broadening the focus from reducing distress to supporting human flourishing.
• Signpost training pathways and resources for those wishing to deepen their understanding or contribute to the next generation of research and practice.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
1. Trace the evolution of MBCT – Describe key milestones in the development of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, including its theory, research evidence, and implementation over the past three decades.
2. Explain the theoretical and scientific foundations – Summarize how contemporary research, emerging studies, and planned investigations inform the continuing evolution of mindfulness-based approaches.
3. Describe the core elements of MBCT for depression and its extension to the general population – Identify the central principles and practices (e.g., awareness, befriending, decentering, and values-based living) and understand how these foster resilience and mental health.
4. Experience practices and exercises from MBCT – Engage in “taster” exercises to directly experience and evaluate the mechanisms through which MBCT supports well-being and flourishing and consider how these can inform and enrich our work and lives..
5. Evaluate adaptation and accessibility – Discuss how MBCT can be tailored for diverse groups, cultures, and contexts to ensure inclusivity and real-world impact.
6. Envision future directions – Generate and commit to practical steps that advance the accessibility, innovation, and reach of mindfulness-based approaches for individual and societal well-being.
Training Modalities
The workshop will comprise a mixture of learning methods, including teaching, reflective work, Q&A, mindfulness practices and exercises.
Key References
Christina Feldman and Willem Kuyken (2019) Mindfulness – Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Psychology, published by Guilford Press.
Willem Kuyken (2024). Mindfulness for Life, published by Guilford Press.
Montero-Marin, J., van der Velden, A.M, and Kuyken, W. (2024). Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy’s Untapped Potential. JAMA Psychiatry. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.2741
About the presenter
Willem Kuyken is the Ritblat Professor of Mindfulness and Psychological Science at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. His work focuses on preventing depression, promoting mental health, and flourishing across the lifespan. He has published more than 150 journal articles and was named by Web of Science as in the top 1% of the most cited scientists in the world every year since 2019.
He is the author of three books, Mindfulness for Life, (2024); Mindfulness – Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Psychology (2019) with Christina Feldman, and; Collaborative Case Conceptualization – Working Effectively with Clients in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (2209) with Christine Padesky and Rob Dudley - all published by Guilford Press. His work has been featured in the New York Times, New Scientist, Nature, Scientific American, Times Oprah Daily, Educational Supplement, the BBC, CBS, New Statesman, Le Monde, der Zeit, the Telegraph, the Guardian and numerous podcasts. He lives in London.
Who should attend
Psychological therapists interested in extending their work to include mindfulness in their practice. But it will of interest to anyone interested in the applications of mindfulness in the contemporary world.