1 - Overview of Mindfulness-and Acceptance-Based Treatment Approaches

Abstract

This chapter provides a detailed overview of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) , focusing on the methods that are used to teach mindfulness skills. These interventions are described in a general way with emphasis on the specific mindfulness and acceptance-based skills, practices, and exercises. Highly descriptive accounts for clinicians, researchers, and others who may wish to learn more about these interventions are provided. MBSR and MBCT give emphasis to lengthy meditation practices, whereas DBT and ACT are shorter and less formal mindfulness exercises. ACT was originally developed as an individual therapy, whereas MBSR and MBCT are group interventions; standard DBT includes both group and individual sessions. In addition, MBSR and MBCT emphasize primarily acceptance-based strategies, whereas DBT and ACT include many behavior-change strategies. MBSR and ACT were developed to treat a wide range of problems, whereas DBT and MBCT were initially developed for one particular disorder. MBSR and MBCT explicitly require that teachers/therapists have an ongoing meditation practice, whereas DBT and ACT have less specific recommendations. However, the commonalities among these treatments are of more importance than their differences.