Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for
Depression, Anxiety, & Stress
8-week class modeled after the program created by
Zindel Segal,Ph.D., Mark Williams, Ph.D., and John Teasdale, Ph.D.
Susan J. O’Grady, Ph.D.
1600 South Main Street, Suite 177
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
925-938-6786
www.ogradywellbeing.com
Class Description: In this eight-week class you will be learning a way to use mindfulness meditation and gentle movement to cope with stress and depression. You will be able to apply the techniques to a variety of areas in life, including medical symptoms, physical and emotional pain, anxiety and panic, time pressures, relationships, work, eating, and sleep problems. Research shows that this training helps people respond to stressful situations in a more controlled, thoughtful way so they are better able to maintain a feeling of balance and well-being. During the two-hour class you will be practicing a variety of mindfulness meditations and cognitive therapy skills. This is not psychotherapy, yet there is some time for discussion of what you are learning. Home practice between sessions is an important component of the training.
What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is a way of relating directly to whatever is happening in your life rather than using avoidance or other habitual ways of coping with stress. Mindfulness is moment-to-moment awareness that is cultivated by purposely paying attention to thoughts and feelings while not getting caught up in them. It is a systematic approach to developing new kinds of control and wisdom. The practice will increase your capacities for relaxation, paying attention, awareness, and insight. A regular practice of mindfulness will restore a balanced sense of health and well being. By practicing meditation you will develop effective ways to handle daily stress. Over time, this increased awareness has the potential to touch many aspects your life, including body and mind, heart and soul.
Location: 1600 South Main Street, Suite 177
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Cost: $470 total ($50 per 2-hour class), which includes manual, CDs, and all course materials. Payment is expected for all eight weeks at the end of the first class.
The MBCT groups are typically held from 5-7pm M-Th. If a group is full, then you can be placed on a waiting list for the next available group. There are separate groups for teens & young adults. For more information or to schedule a phone consultation please call or email:
Dr. Susan O’Grady
925-938-6786
susanogradyphd@gmail.com
Dr. Susan O’Grady studied Mindfulness Meditation with Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1999 and MBCT with Dr. Zindel Segal in 2012. She is a licensed psychologist and has been in private practice in Walnut Creek since 1989. Dr. O’Grady has taught various mind-body techniques including biofeedback, meditation, hypnotherapy, and yoga. She is a certified yoga teacher and has included meditation and gentle yoga into her work with clients who have chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and other problems of living.
2. Making Deep States of Consciousness Part of Your Life
Susan O’Grady, PhD
1600 So Main Street Suite 177
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
This workshop is an experiential approach to three major pathways to deep states of consciousness: Deep Relaxation, Mindfulness Meditation and Gentle Mindful Movement. Theoretical material will also be presented to help you understand the value of developing deep states.
- What will be taught? How to make deep states an ongoing part of your life. Making a weekly plan to incorporate deep states. Looking at obstacles, resistances and even fears of entering deep states.
- Why learn deep states? To reduce stress, promote physical and mental calmness, increase self-awareness, promote creativity, and improve attention, focusing, and coping skills.
- What problems do deep states typically help? They improve mental and physical health. Studies have shown that problems such as anxiety, insomnia, depression, mental dullness, fatigue, and stress-related physical problems have been helped by incorporating these practices into daily life.
- What’s required to learn them? The interest and desire to make deep states an ongoing practice in your life.
- What do you need to bring? A yoga mat or pad and small pillow. Wear comfortable loose clothing. Bring a notebook or journal. If you do not have a yoga mat, we have some available.
Dr. Susan O’Grady is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified Gottman Marriage Therapist, and a registered yoga therapist (RYT-200), She has been teaching Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Cognitive Therapy for the last ten years, for treatment of depression, anxiety, and stress-related medical problems. Dr. O’Grady is past-president of the Contra Costa Psychological Association and serves on the board as Ethics Chair.
Reserve your place by emailing susanogradyphd@gmail.com
925-938-6786