Mindfulness meditation: the MBCT protocol
Sandrine BENIZRI, Occupational Psychologist & Psychologist specializing in psychosocial risks, and MBCT Instructor, talks to us about mindfulness meditation at work. (MBCT Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy)
The development of mindfulness-based interventions is included in the Prevention Priority Plan of June 5, 2018, issued by the Ministry of Solidarity and Health.
We are regularly subjected to stressful and anxiety-inducing environments in our professional lives. Many of us operate on autopilot. Intense stress drains our physical, mental, and emotional resources. In this age of "information overload," the multitude of professional and social demands distract our attention and put our cognitive functions to the test. We sometimes feel overwhelmed and disconnected from the present moment. This lack of attention leads to memory problems, causing confusion... The consequences are significant for both the organization and society: illness, absenteeism, turnover, conflict, workplace accidents, separation...
The medical protocol of mindfulness meditation can help us refocus. It is defined as a set of techniques derived from Buddhism that have been secularized so that they can be applied in different settings, such as business, medical, or educational environments. Originally developed to treat depressive relapses, it is also aimed at anyone who wants to "de-merge" with their thoughts and learn a different way of relating to emotions (anger, fear, sadness, stress, etc.).
Christophe André, Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist, introduced meditation to Europe based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn. The MBCT protocol is a tool that has been scientifically validated by clinical studies and neuroimaging data highlighting the brain plasticity of meditators. It is organized around a predefined number of eight 2.5-hour sessions, with personal exercises to be performed between sessions to ensure steady progress. These techniques aim to make us more attentive to the present moment, in terms of our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. The resulting awareness allows us to change our view of ourselves and the world around us. By becoming more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, moment by moment, we give ourselves the opportunity to have more freedom and choice.
Benefits of mindfulness meditation
- Better management of emotions
- Reduced difficulty falling asleep or waking up during the night
- Fewer intrusive or ruminative thoughts
- Improved attention span
- Improvement in memory skills
- Creativity, greater autonomy
- Communication facilitated by attentive listening
- Better interaction with third parties
- Increased motivation around goals
- Empathy toward group members
- Greater cohesion and motivation
Mindfulness meditation: knowing where to turn
If you would like to discover mindfulness meditation according to the MBCT protocol, you should seek out psychologists trained in the protocol. MBCT instructors are trained over three sessions, enabling them to deliver the protocol. Shorter interventions can also be considered in companies or by integrating mindfulness meditation into a workshop. Outside of the MBCT protocol, other psychologists can teach mindfulness meditation.
