ABSTRACT
This chapter describes meta-cognition as the starting point for third wave approaches. However, whether or not meta-cognition should be seen as part of the third wave is a matter of some debate. Hayes et al. consider it such, specifically mentioning Wells' Meta-Cognitive Therapy (MCT). However, Wells himself does not, considering MCT to be an extension of, but part of, traditional CBT. Traditional CBT has also acknowledged the importance of higher-order meanings, sometimes called modes or schemas, which organise relationship to individual thoughts or events. Third wave approaches are characterised by a focus on people's relationship to their experiences rather than the experiences themselves. In the case of psychosis, this perhaps risks losing something, namely an exploration of the meaning and possible value of the experiences. There are a number of implications for individual and group therapy connected to the idea of a fourth wave of CBT. The chapter also presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book.
