METACOGNITIVE THERAPY (MCT)

Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on changing the way people think about their thoughts, rather than directly targeting the thoughts themselves. The underlying assumption of MCT is that negative thoughts and emotions are not the cause of psychological distress, but rather the way in which people respond to them.

The therapy aims to teach individuals how to recognize and regulate their thoughts and beliefs about their thoughts, also known as metacognition. This involves identifying and challenging maladaptive patterns of thinking, such as rumination or worrying, and developing more adaptive ways of responding to one's thoughts.

MCT has been found to be effective in treating a range of psychological issues, including OCD, generalised anxiety, panic attacks, health anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. It has also been shown to be effective in reducing rumination, worry, and over-thinking.

Overall, MCT is a therapy that offers a unique approach to treating psychological distress. By targeting metacognitive processes, rather than the content of thoughts, MCT may provide a more sustainable and long-lasting solution for those struggling with negative thoughts and emotions.

TESTIMONIALS

Metacognitive therapy (MCT) helps with a client’s reaction to an infection

A couple of years ago I had a severe and traumatic reaction to something. Unfortunately, the usual medications didn’t work for me. I struggled to find something that would work. I found the whole experience extremely distressing. Eventually I found a cure. A few months ago I worried about it returning. I started having regular and disturbing flashbacks and I didn’t know what to do. It was affecting my relationships with others. Someone recommended that I see Sarah. Within five sessions I noticed a huge change in myself. I am grateful to Sarah for giving me the help that I needed. What we did in the sessions was spot on!

(Online, male aged 23)

Metacognitive therapy (MCT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Harm OCD and a chronic health condition

When I first saw Sarah, I was feeling really down and was dragging myself through each day not knowing how to cope with the OCD. I was overwhelmed with harm OCD and was hating myself because of the thoughts that were entering my mind. My chronic health condition makes life challenging for me and I felt so hopeless having both to cope with. 

I learnt that I do have agency over my compulsions, for example I used to try to block out the intrusions and would try to avoid anything that might trigger them. Whereas before therapy, they felt like they were out of control. With the help of metacognitive therapy and ACT (both forms of CBT) I have started to turn my life around. Sarah made me feel safe and heard throughout our sessions and her style of therapy really clicked with me. It allowed me to make the changes necessary to move forward with my life and learn to manage my health condition.

(Female, age 25, virtual sessions, April 23)