The goal is to help people break the cycle of chronic depression and prevent relapses.

Instead of trying to change negative thoughts (like in classic CBT), MBCT teaches people to notice these thoughts without judgment, almost like observing clouds passing by.

The idea is to create a bit of distance from painful emotions or thoughts, rather than getting swept up in them or fighting them.

A few central aims of MBCT:

1. Increase awareness of automatic thought patterns (especially negative ones).
2. Shift the relationship to thoughts by seeing them as “mental events” rather than truths.
3. Reduce rumination (that endless mental replaying that often worsens depression).
4. Develop self-compassion rather than harsh self-criticism.
5. Strengthen emotional regulation so feelings don’t spiral out of control.