Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy in London​ For Children & Teenagers

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) helps young people understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and body sensations by bringing attention to the present moment. This evidence-based therapy combines mindfulness techniques with elements of cognitive behavioural therapy to support emotional regulation and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression.

For children and teenagers, MBCT can offer practical tools to respond more calmly to stress and difficult emotions. It supports self-awareness, helps break patterns of negative thoughts, and encourages a more compassionate, balanced approach to everyday life.

Yes. MBCT is specifically designed to reduce low moods and help teenagers combat stress. By using guided meditation, breathing exercises and other mindfulness practices, teenagers learn to recognise negative thinking without getting caught up in it.

Our mindfulness based cognitive therapists guide young people through techniques that support calmer emotional responses, improve sleep, and reduce the risk of recurrent depression. This approach is gentle, practical, and led by qualified mental health professionals.

While both treatments are grounded in cognitive therapy, MBCT places greater focus on present moment awareness. CBT works by identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, while MBCT encourages young people to observe thoughts without judgement and relate to them in a different way.

Many of our clients benefit from this mindful approach to cognitive therapy, especially if they’ve experienced recurring low moods or persistent stress. It can also work well alongside other therapeutic approaches such as Compassion Focused Therapy or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, depending on clinical need.

In each session, your child will explore mindfulness techniques such as breathing exercises, body scanning or mindful stretching, guided by an experienced MBCT therapist. Sessions are calm and structured, offering a confidential space where young people feel safe to engage at their own pace.

The goal is to introduce mindfulness gradually and support ongoing practice in daily life. Each activity is adjusted to suit the child’s developmental stage and emotional needs, whether therapy takes place in person or through online therapy.

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy in London at CY&A Psychology is delivered by Clinical Psychologists who have significant experience working with children and adolescents. We adapt sessions to suit the age, developmental stage, personality and challenges of each young person.

Whether your child is facing anxiety, low self-esteem or negative thought patterns, our MBCT approach is flexible and adapted with care. You’re welcome to speak with one of our clinicians to discuss whether this treatment feels like the right fit.

Yes, home practice plays an important part in MBCT. Practising mindfulness between sessions helps reinforce the skills learned in therapy and encourages children to use them in everyday situations.

This might include simple breathing exercises or short moments of quiet reflection. Our therapists provide age-appropriate resources and guidance so families feel supported every step of the way, both during sessions and at home.