Tree House Recovery Colorado

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Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
(MBCT)

If you or someone you care for is struggling with addiction and is looking for evidence-based treatment options, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) may be worth considering. MBCT is a form of psychotherapy using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and mindfulness practices. It effectively treats a range of mental health issues, including addiction. MBCT is part of our holistic treatment approach at Tree House Recovery in Denver. To learn more, call us today.

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What is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy?

What is Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy?

Originally developed to help prevent relapse in people with recurring depression, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a relatively new psychotherapeutic approach that treats anxiety and addiction. 


The method was developed in the late 1990s by psychologists and meditation experts, including Jon Kabat-Zinn, Mark Williams, and Zindel Segal. 1

Mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) illustration: negative thoughts lead to negative behavior

When people get caught up in negative thoughts and emotions, it can sometimes lead to destructive behaviors like addiction. Mindfulness meditation teaches individuals to notice their thoughts and feelings without judgment, making interrupting unhealthy patterns and choosing more positive responses easier.

The Benefits of MBCT for Addiction:

MBCT is effective in treating addiction in several ways. Here are some of the benefits of MBCT for addiction:

  1. Manage Cravings: People struggling with addiction often struggle with powerful urges to use drugs or alcohol. Through MBCT, individuals can learn to notice these cravings as they arise without automatically acting on them. Mindfulness meditation builds awareness and self-control, making resisting temptation easier and lowering the risk of relapse.
  2. Improving Mood: Addiction often goes hand in hand with feelings of depression or anxiety. MBCT can provide tools for managing negative emotions and boosting overall mood. Practicing mindfulness can help individuals gain the ability to acknowledge and understand their emotional states without self-criticism, which helps reduce the influence of negative feelings on their actions.
  3. Building Self-Awareness: Addiction often involves a loss of self-awareness. MBCT can help people become more self-aware, which can help with identifying and addressing the underlying issues that contribute to their addiction.
  4. Strengthening Coping Skills: Many people turn to substances as a way to deal with stress or uncomfortable emotions. MBCT teaches people healthier ways to cope with stress through practices like meditation and relaxation techniques, empowering individuals to handle life’s challenges without relying on drugs or alcohol.

Research Supporting the Efficacy of MBCT for Addiction:

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) can be an important therapy in a person’s addiction treatment plan. A case study by the Department of Psychiatric Social Work showed that MBCT helped a patient struggling with both substance abuse and depression by teaching them how to develop stronger mindfulness skills, improve emotional control, and achieve greater self-esteem.

These new skills made it easier for the patient to handle mood swings and difficult emotions, which in turn led to fewer cravings and less substance use. These results suggest that MBCT is a promising, evidence-based option for people seeking help with addiction.2

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide evidence of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in preventing the recurrence of depression. Various national clinical guidelines recommend this therapy for this purpose.3

What to Expect with Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy:

At Tree House Recovery, patients can expect to participate in guided meditations and body scans as part of their (MBCT) treatment. These techniques are typically done in a group setting, allowing patients to share their experiences and insights with others going through similar struggles.

Through mindfulness practices, patients can learn to be present and observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment to help cope with stress and prevent relapse. Over time, this can help them develop a greater awareness of their triggers and coping mechanisms, ultimately leading to a more successful recovery.

How to Get Started with MBCT at Tree House Recovery CO:

If you’re struggling with addiction, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy MBCT is a powerful modality that can help you reduce drug cravings, improve mood, enhance self-awareness, and develop coping skills, all of which are key areas of focus when it comes to a successful recovery. MBCT is just one of the evidence-based therapies integrated into our holistic Tree House approach.

Call us today if you’d like to know more about how Tree House Recovery can help you. (720) 640-0202

Summary: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combines mindfulness practices with cognitive-behavioral strategies to help individuals manage symptoms of addiction. Using unique outcome-based methods, our MBCT helps people maintain long-term recovery.

FAQs About Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) blends mindfulness practices with cognitive behavioral tools to help people better understand and manage their thoughts and emotions. This therapy helps individuals become more aware of thoughts and gives them the tools to acknowledge these unproductive thoughts—without judgment—so they can choose healthier ways to respond.

In recovery, old thought patterns and emotional triggers often occur. By becoming more aware of the negative thoughts, clients can respond with intention instead of following automatic habits like using. It’s a powerful way to reduce stress, manage cravings, and stay grounded in long-term recovery.

MBCT uses powerful techniques like mindfulness meditation, body scans, breathwork, and cognitive reframing. These tools help clients stay present, calm their nervous system, and shift away from negative thinking loops that can lead to relapse.

MBCT can be effective for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, or emotional ups and downs in recovery. If emotions overwhelm you, this approach helps you slow down, refocus, and respond with clarity instead of reacting on autopilot.

At Tree House Recovery, we incorporate MBCT into our holistic treatment model. This evidence-based therapy works with our fitness therapy, individual therapy, and peer support to help clients build emotional strength, improve self-awareness, and create lasting recovery.

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  1. Psychology Today. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Psychology Today. Published 2014. Accessed July 2, 2025. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/mindfulness-based-cognitive-therapy
  2. Upendra S, Sweta. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for substance abuse and depression: a case study. Int Arch Subst Abuse Rehabil. Published 2019;1(1). Accessed July 2, 2025. doi:10.23937/iasar-2017/1710004
  3. Tickell A, Ball S, Bernard P, et al. The effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in real-world healthcare services. Mindfulness. Published February 2020;11(2). Accessed July 2, 2025. doi:10.1007/s12671-018-1087-9