Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson How to Use Mindfulness to Beat Depression with Dr. Zindel Segal
Jan 3, 2022
Dr. Zindel Segal, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto and co-creator of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), shares insights on combating depression through mindfulness. He explains the origins of MBCT and its benefits compared to traditional therapy. The conversation delves into understanding sadness as an experience, the practices involved in MBCT, and strategies for individuals to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routines. Segal emphasizes the importance of social support and ongoing mindfulness practices for long-term emotional well-being.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
MBCT Origins
- MBCT's origins were about proving psychological treatments' impact on depression, not mindfulness initially.
- The focus was on empowering individuals to manage and recover from depression, with mindfulness as one tool.
Mindfulness' Appeal
- Dr. Segal's team was drawn to mindfulness for its potential to train decentering skills directly, unlike traditional therapies.
- This direct training helps individuals observe their experiences without immediate identification, offering more choice.
MBCT vs. CBT
- Cognitive therapy targets thought content, challenging negative beliefs.
- Mindfulness promotes observing thoughts as a process, without engaging or judging their validity.