Clinical Psychology
The integration of mindfulness into psychotherapy, including CBT, DBT, and ACT.
History & Origins
In the 1990s and 2000s, the 'Third Wave' of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) emerged, which emphasized changing one's relationship to thoughts rather than changing the thoughts themselves.
Key developments include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) by Marsha Linehan for emotional regulation, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) by Steven Hayes, which focuses on psychological flexibility.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) was specifically developed to prevent relapse in depression by breaking the cycle of ruminative thought.
Influence on Modern Mindfulness
This lineage gave us tools like Cognitive Defusion (seeing thoughts as just thoughts) and Radical Acceptance, transforming mental health care from symptom suppression to holistic management.