Yoga and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Psychosis (Y-MBCT _p ^©): A Pilot Study on Its Efficacy as Brief Therapy

Abstract

Yoga and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Psychosis (Y-MBCTp©) is a newer evidence-based translational mindfulness therapy designed by Pradhan for stress management and various psychiatric disorders. Drs Pradhan and Pinninti have adapted it as a brief therapy for psychotic disorders and it can be used in an extended therapy format as well. Y-MBCT _p ^© is a self-exploratory, client-centered translational therapy that combines together the pragmatism and methodology of brief CBT with the scriptural philosophies and techniques described in Patanjali’s Eight-limbed Yoga and Buddha’s mindfulness meditation. In this therapy, using five factor model of mind as the theoretical base, the therapist and client practice together the wellness model for stress reduction first, which is followed by individualized use of the illness model for amelioration of symptoms. Y-MBCT _p ^© comes under the third wave of therapies and can be distinguished from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other mindfulness based treatment approaches in the extensive emphasis it puts on implementation of the philosophy, technique and practice of the scriptural traditions of Yoga and meditation. It also incorporates cognitive behavioral tools and scientific strategies based on new learning/memory mechanisms in psychosis as described later. In this chapter, we present a conceptual overview and pilot data on efficacy of Y-MBCT _p ^© as a brief therapy model for clients with psychosis and also in its various sections, we discuss its cultural adaptability, replicability and training implications.