ABSTRACT
The process leading up to participation in the Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) programme is important. It is essential to assess the suitability of the course for participants at this point in their lives, to orient participants to what the course offers and requires, to hear about participants' expectations of it and help them prepare for it. Potential participants need to be informed about the course so that they can make a clear choice to engage with the programme. Finding fresh alive language to convey the spirit of the programme in ways that resonate with the person is a key challenge. It is important that participants are aware that the course may make things feel more intense and challenging. Mindfulness is underpinned by an attitude of non-striving but it does not happen accidentally. The practice requires a high degree of engaged commitment and discipline - MBCT is an intensive training process.
