Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an empirically supported 8-week course that combines aspects of cognitive behavior therapy with attitudes of mindfulness through meditative practices. Participants learn about habits of mind that contribute to distressing mood states (such as depression or anxiety) and develop a new way of relating to them. MBCT is correlated with decreased depression, anxiety, rumination, insomnia, and tension as well as increases in mindfulness, compassion, concentration, resilience, and optimism. Participants say it helps them recognize their reactions and respond to them with greater self-compassion and confidence.
The program consists of 8 weekly 2 hour classes in the evenings and one half-day retreat on a weekend. Classes include mindful movement (gentle yoga), meditation instruction, class activities and discussion. Participants are given a workbook at the beginning of the course and a book about mindfulness at the end of the course to continue their studies. Daily homework is assigned so that skills taught in the classes can be mastered through practice. Participants gain an experiential understanding of mindfulness practices and an introduction to gentle yoga as well as the tools to continue to practice after the program ends.
Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat and meditation cushion (if desired, chairs are available). Studio mats and bolsters are also available. In an effort to benefit the most people, fees are offered based on a sliding scale according to income. Class size is limited to 12 individuals and there are no refunds or makeup dates for missed appointments. Payment in full is due before the start of classes – the first of 4 equal payments can be made to reserve a spot.
A pre-class interview (free of charge) is required to make sure MBCT is a good fit for each candidate. Interested individuals are encouraged to register online or email us securely inquire.
Sliding scale for families with up to 2 dependents. Those who are able to pay more make it possible for us to serve those with less. Individuals with >2 dependents or other extenuating circumstances, please call to discuss alternative payment arrangements:
| Net Household Income | Fee |
| $100,000 + | $700 |
| $75 – 99,999 | $650 |
| $50 – 74,999 | $600 |
| <$50,000 | $550 |
| MAM Members | $500 |
**Payment in full is due by the course deadline and there are no refunds after this date. In the unlikely event that the course is cancelled, OPS, LLC is responsible only for the full refund of the registration fee, but not for transportation, accommodations or any miscellaneous expenses.
Earn CEUs: Although this course is meant for the general public, Dr. Ochester is a pre-approved provider of continuing education credits for behavioral health providers in Kansas and psychologists in Missouri. Licensed providers who are interested in learning more about this approach can earn up to 20 continuing education units by participating.
Dr. Ochester is a Certified MBCT Teacher through the University of California San Diego Mindfulness-Based Professional Teaching Institute. Here are some quotes from Dr. Ochester’s MBCT class graduates:
- I had no idea how often I would easily use mindfulness. Three minutes can jumpstart or realign my day. So positive and relaxing. Thank you. I still have a lot to learn, but your class was a great foundation.This class gave me the tools to continue to practice and make mindfulness a part of my life. It has impacted the way I think about things and I will continue to grow with consistency.
- Highly recommend to anyone. [Taking] the class vs. trying to learn on my own was a must for me. To hold myself accountable and to share the journey with others really made a huge impact.
- After completing the MBCT class, I notice shorter intervals of anxiety, and longer, more consistent intervals of calmness.
- I learned the importance of being aware and less judgmental of my inner experiences
- I learned how to slow down and pay attention, to sit with things when my natural inclination was to push things away.
- I am more authentic, more genuine, more me.
- I learned what to do with my emotions once they are here.
- I am better able to stick with difficult emotions and ride them out without getting carried away by them.
- I decreased self-judgment and was able to stay with whatever was happening in the moment.
- I’ve gotten better at dealing with hardships and not dwelling on the negative.
- I’m able to take that step back and think before I react.
- I’m noticing things about myself I hadn’t noticed before.
- I made a commitment to take the classes and each time I returned, I was glad I did.
- I found the classes helpful, I felt comfortable and safe, I liked the people, and I enjoyed the experience.
- I started seeing the benefits immediately. My life has completely turned around.
For more information about MBCT and the research supporting this radically different approach, please visit our MBCT page.
Does the training of your mindfulness instructor matter? Studies suggest that higher level of Mindfulness Based Intervention teacher training may be linked to higher wellbeing outcomes, lower perceived stress, and greater course satisfaction.
Don’t live near Kansas City? Here is a worldwide directory of trained MBCT teachers: https://www.accessmbct.com/
Ochester Psychological Services 