MBCT Courses in a University Counselling Service Setting Dr Ruth Collins Oxford University Counselling Service Background • MBCT run on termly basis at Oxford University Counselling Service since 2009 • Considered to be a valuable service resource • Viewed as playing role vital in reducing student distress and promoting mental resilience and well-being Referral Process • All attendees registered with the Counselling Service • Students assessed and then referred by their counsellors via standardized referral forms • Counsellors well-briefed about appropriate referrals • Have information sheet detailing course content and inclusion/exclusion criteria Referrals • Majority of students referred with lowmood or depression • But referrals also include students with other mental health difficulties: e.g. OCD, anxiety, CFS, chronic pain • Referrals typically made a term in advance; last minute referrals accepted if space Course Practicalities 1 • All admin managed by course leader – – – – Initial email contact Pre-course letter Confirmation of place Additional email contact as required • Venue: Counselling service meeting room • Mats purchased by CS at start of venture • Advertised on CS website only… Course Practicalities 2 • Sessions: termly 1st to 8th week; usually early evening (5.30 - 7) to allow as many students as possible to attend • Group size: Places limited to max of 18 to allow adequate space (e.g. mats for body scan, mindful walking/stretching etc.) • Payment: No charge for course but nominal sum of £3 invited for meditation cd’s that accompany course (course leaders own) Attendance • Very good attendance • Low drop-out rate • Enough interest to run more than one course a term if resources allowed • Running wait-list Collecting Feedback • Provides vital feedback to service/funding providers about effectiveness of course • Provides important information about benefits or otherwise to students • Quantitative measures administered pre and post course • Qualitative feedback gathered at final session Quantitative Measures • All participants complete The CORE questionnaire pre and post course • Recognised, standardized tool used in variety of adult mental health settings • Routinely used in Counselling Service • 34 item questionnaire measures psychological distress on a number of domains • Questions include “I have felt OK about myself” or “I have felt criticised by other people”. Summed mean indicates current psychological global distress (from ‘healthy’ to ‘severe’) Quantitative Feedback • Comparison of pre and post test results from the CORE typically and consistently show significant improvement in psychological wellbeing pre to post intervention Qualitative Feedback • At end of course participants asked to rate course numerically to range of questions and to rank on scale of 1-10 how important the course has been to them • Also asked whether they would recommend the course to a friend Qualitative Feedback • Feedback suggests students become both more forthcoming about problems and more confident about dealing with them during the course • 100 per cent of attendees since start have said they would recommend the course to a friend • When asked about importance of course to them participants typically rank between 8 and 10 Recent Feedback • Learning how to prioritize self care; gracious awareness of my thoughts • I have felt that it has had a deep impact on my life – I feel so much more at ease with myself now • I now feel equipped to deal with my difficulties • It’s a thorough introduction to a life skill and a way of living which I otherwise would have dismissed or failed to have noticed • The attitude of acceptance that was introduced and encouraged. Peace • The clinical focus made me feel that I was on equal footing with the other participants; the course was secular and metaphysics-free