MBSR vs MBCT:

When is MBCT needed
When is MBSR needed?

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), was Created by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979

Mindfulness Based - Cognitive Therapy (MB-CT) was created by 3 leading Psychologists in 2000

Both are 8-week workshops.
Both teach basic meditation skills.
Both are taught by trained instructors.
Both have sessions that are 2 to 2.5 hours in length, plus a Retreat day
Both include guided meditations during the classes.
Both use inquiry to help people learn from their experience.
Both use home practice to increase understanding, and provide a basis for discussion in the weekly meetings.
Both are helpful for people seeking wellness and greater enjoyment of life.

MBSR typically starts with an Orientation.
MB-CT typically starts wit an individual diagnostic interview.
MBSR has a variety of applications including working with physical pain, time stress, sleep stress, role stress, and food stress.
MBCT has a variety of applications including working with negative thinking, preventing depression relapse, helping those with anxiety, panic, self-criticism, lack of self-compassion and acceptance. MBCT more generally is helpful with mental health and chronic medical conditions.
MBSR is often taught in large group format with 25 - 40 participants per group.
MBCT as we offer it has a maximum at 10, so we can know every participant.
MBSR instructors are often yoga teachers or healers, or others who have taken the MBSR trainings. There are some therapists trained in MBSR.
MBCT instructors are licensed mental health professionals.
MBCT can be learned individually or in group.
MBSR as a greater emphasis on Yoga content.