Embodied reflection in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression.
The Humanistic Psychologist
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Date:
Nov 30, 2012
Pages:
54 - 69
Sources ID:
71191
Collection:
Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Depression
Visibility:
Public (group default)
Abstract:
(Show)
The prime objective of this study was to explore an initial operationalization of embodied reflection in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). The concept of embodied reflection, derived from a phenomenological frame of reference, is presented. The implications of an embodied reflection perspective for understanding how body awareness in MBCT fosters therapeutic change are discussed. This article presents the results of a small-scale exploratory qualitative study illustrating processes of embodied reflection for different subgroups of MBCT participants. The analysis suggests that different subgroups are able to harness body awareness in different ways depending on their precourse strategy for avoiding emotional experience. It is proposed that further exploration and refinement of the processes of embodied reflection will enhance clinical practice and treatment outcomes.