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Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression

Posted on Aug 14, 2013 in Book reviews, Healing

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression by Zindel V.Segal, J.Mark G. Williams and John D. TeasdaleAn increasing number of my clients are struggling with depression and anxiety, in addition to whatever issues they have brought to me for healing work. Only last night talking with friends we discovered we had all brushed up against depression to a greater or lesser degree. Recently then, I found myself searching the web for a course to equip me to help and understand these clients better. I looked at NLP, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and many more, but nothing felt quite right or appropriate to use within the context of my soul-centred healing work.

Turning to Amazon I found this book which sounded ideal, not least because it has support in a foreward from the excellent Jon Kabatt-Zin – Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression by Zindel V. Segal, J.Mark G. Williams and John D. Teasdale. It’s structured in the format of an eight week course for a qualified clinical practitioner to run with a group, which I wouldn’t do, but don’t let that put you off. The authors state quite clearly that successful use of the material has one main requirement; that the facilitator has an existing and ongoing commitment to their own practice of mindfulness. Most healers I know already qualify in bucket-loads.

This book is full of the latest research about the causes of depression and anxiety, and the most effective methods for working with those who suffer from it and minimising the risk of relapse for those who are recovering from it. Essentially this mindfulness approach puts the power back into the individual’s hands, understanding that the only way someone can truly get better is when they have the tools to maintain their own well-being. That should sound welcome and familiar! It’s also got really great tips about how to discuss the experience of depression with your clients, and how to avoid inadvertently triggering the pattern of thought and feeling which sends them spiraling downwards.

When you buy the book you have access to a website from where you can download all the forms, exercises, handouts and meditations (including audio versions) referred to in the course. All of these are excellent, and the copyright allows you to use them in individual sessions with your clients. I recommend that you read the book all the way through first to get a feel and understanding for the way it works, and then you can dip into the contents as you feel guided for each client’s personal journey.

If you’re a healer who wants to help with depression, anxiety and stress in a way that dovetails wonderfully with your usual work (and perhaps you don’t have the time or money to attend a relevant course), then I really do think this book is the answer. It’s already been incredibly illuminating and helpful for me.

Just click on the book image to go to Amazon and buy – make sure you get this most recent 2012 edition.

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Semele Xerri

© Semele Xerri is a psychic intuitive guide, healer, animal communicator, and Reiki Healer / Master Teacher. To find out more about her and her services, go to her Work with me page.
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