MINDFULNESS BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY 8 WEEK SUMMER PROGRAM

June 26, 2025- August 14, 2025 6-7:30 PM (Weekly on Thursday Nights) 

4906 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy Bldg I, Lafayette, La 70508

We are pleased to announce an 8-week group class designed to equip participants with practical skills essential for overcoming challenges such as depression, anxiety, and low mood states, including burnout. This program will guide attendees in developing new responses to their thoughts and emotions and will include the following components:

  • Formal training in mindfulness meditation
  • Identification of automatic thought patterns and triggers for depressive relapse
  • Enhancement of resilience, present-moment awareness, and self-compassion

The course will be conducted in weekly sessions lasting 1.5 hours each over the duration of 8 weeks. Each session will incorporate a range of practices, including sitting, standing, lying down, and movement meditation, along with an inquiry into cognition—specifically, the way we think, its relationship to our emotions, and its influence on our interactions with the world. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy has been validated through clinical trials globally, and comprehensive resources will be provided to facilitate participants' progress.
QUESTIONS???

FAQ:

What is Mindfulness, and what am I paying attention to?
Mindfulness is the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose in the present moment- non-judgmentally, to things as they are. This means paying attention to things as they actually are, rather than, as we want them to be.
Why does paying attention in this way help?

It takes less energy to be in the present with reality, than it does always want something different. By cultivating awareness, and a gentle acceptance of the reality of things, we can start living here and now, and lessen our suffering. This doesn’t mean we have to like it, it simply means we experience what is happening: moment-by-moment.

How is Mindfulness Meditation a practice?

This is the development of contemplative practice- a practice that revolves around silence. By cultivating the awareness of ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’, we are getting in touch with what is most important to us. We experience life as it happens which supports the development of peace, and inner quiet.

Information, Registration, and Attendance Questions:

Can I drop in or just come to a couple of classes to see if I like it?

No. The information and orientation session is designed to inform you about the MBCT program. There are no drop-in options due to cumulative, in-depth, and confidential nature of MBCT. Learning and transformation begin Week #1, and you are worth the effort.

Will you take my name and hold a spot in the MBCT program?

No. Your spot is reserved once the MBCT Registration process is complete with: pre-program forms received and interview complete.

Why do I need an interview?

Due to the intense, personal nature of the
MBCT program, interviews take place before the program starts. This is done to support the best possible timing of taking the MBCT course for each participant, and to make the program personally relevant.

Allison Buller, Ph.D., LPC, NCC abuller@bridgeport.edu 2

What if something comes up and I have to miss a class?

While it is not preferred, life happens. As long as you are committed to doing daily home practice, this will be fine. If you have to miss more than 2 classes, you may want to consider registering for an MBCT program in the future. The group learning is cumulative. You are an integral part of the MBCT community; and, your presence is important.

Are you interested in a teletherapy version of this class?

This course is available online. If you're interested, please contact us to let us know you want to join online. Contact us! 

Structure, Experience and Conditioning Questions:

What if I have no experience, or have physical challenges, will I benefit?

Yes! This is a program about learning to develop a certain quality of awareness. Everyone, regardless of age, ability or challenge can meditate and do modified mindful movement. No experience is necessary.
*If there are medical concerns, a medical release from your primary care provider may be requested in order to support safe participation.

*If pregnant, a medical release from the OB/GYN MD is required.

Are you a Therapist?

Will this course help me teach my clients to meditate effectively?

This course not only provides valuable personal practice experience but also equips you with the skills needed to effectively teach your clients how to meditate. This program is designed to enhance your professional practice and deepen your understanding of mindfulness techniques.

Can I use this course towards my level 1 MBCT certification?

This mindfulness-based cognitive therapy program is led by a certified teacher, ensuring that all participants receive a solid foundation through level one training. 

Allison Buller picture

ALLISON BULLER, PHD, LPC, NCC

Allison Buller is a certified MBCT teacher affiliated with the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness. With nearly a decade of experience teaching intensive mindfulness courses, Dr. Buller serves as a full-time professor of Counseling and Psychology at the University of Bridgeport, where she explores the profound impact that mindfulness training can have on mental health. Her commitment to advancing this field is both noteworthy and commendable.

Secure your spot today by paying the full $400 for the 8-week course!

Reserve your place today by paying $200 now and another $200 in one month for the 8-week course!

Are you a therapist interested in a free CEU on MBCT?

May 9, 2025, or May 16, 2025, at noon

Email the presenter to sign up!

Join Dr Allison Buller this summer for an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program designed to help you break the cycle of anxiety, depression, and overthinking. MBCT combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy techniques, teaching you to observe your thoughts without judgment and respond to stress with clarity and calm. Unlike traditional talk therapy, MBCT focuses on awareness rather than fixing, helping you build a healthier relationship with your inner experience. This program is ideal for individuals experiencing recurring depression, anxiety, or chronic stress—no meditation experience is required. Each weekly session includes guided meditations, home practices, and practical tools to use in daily life, all facilitated by a licensed therapist trained in MBCT. Rediscover a sense of peace and resilience—reserve your spot today.

 

What happens during the sessions?

The MBCT program consists of
weekly (8) 1 1⁄2 hour sessions. Different material is covered each week.
The MBCT program is a cumulative, group learning experience. This engaged learning combines: didactic material, readings, inquiry,
discussion, and guided Mindfulness Practices. You will receive a Mindfulness program manual complete with meditations, practices, poetry,
readings, and, resources, along with links to recordings for home practice. The choices of guided home practice recording format are: MP3, or audio links to practices. The community, learning environment is highly supportive, and the experience can be transformative.
5 min read

UNDERSTANDING MINDFULNESS AND ITS ROLE IN MENTAL HEALTH

Aug 21, 2024 by ALLISON BULLER, PhD, LPC, NCC

What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is a concept that has gained significant popularity in recent years, often associated...
5 min read

WHEN OPPOSITES ATTRACT UNDERSTANDING DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY

Nov 27, 2023 by ALLISON BULLER, PhD, LPC, NCC

In a world full of complexities and contradictions, it's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by emotions or find yourself...

Uncover the mysteries of your mental health

in our podcast

LEANING INTO THERAPY