ABout
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Cancer (MBCT-Ca)
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing in Cancer Care
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Cancer (MBCT-Ca) is an evidence-based mindfulness approach developed to support people living with the emotional and psychological impact of cancer.
​
At the International School of Mindfulness, we offer mindfulness-informed spaces that recognise the complexity of living with uncertainty, treatment, recovery, change and the many emotions that can arise alongside a cancer diagnosis.
​
Our approach is gentle, grounded and human. We understand that mindfulness is not about “thinking positively” or forcing calm. Rather, it can offer supportive ways of meeting difficult moments with greater awareness, steadiness and self-compassion.
What is MBCT-Ca?
MBCT-Ca combines mindfulness practices with elements of cognitive therapy to support emotional wellbeing during and after cancer treatment.
​
The programme has evolved from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and has been adapted specifically for people affected by cancer.
​
Mindfulness practices may support participants in relating differently to:
​
-
Stress and anxiety
-
Uncertainty and fear
-
Difficult thoughts and emotions
-
Fatigue and overwhelm
-
Sleep difficulties
-
Self-criticism
-
Emotional isolation
The emphasis is not on removing difficulty, but on developing practical inner resources to navigate experience with greater care and awareness.
Our Approach
At the International School of Mindfulness, we approach this work with sensitivity, respect and realism.
​
We recognise that every experience of cancer is different. There is no “correct” way to feel, cope or move through treatment and recovery.
​
Our sessions are designed to be accessible and supportive, offering gentle mindfulness practices, reflective enquiry and space for participants to reconnect with themselves at their own pace.
​
Our work is informed by:
​
-
Evidence-based mindfulness approaches
-
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
-
Compassion-based practices
-
Nervous system regulation awareness
-
Trauma-aware facilitation principles
We aim to create environments that feel calm, respectful and psychologically safe.
Who is this for?
These programmes may support:
​
-
People living with cancer
-
Individuals during or after treatment
-
Those adjusting to survivorship and recovery
-
People experiencing emotional overwhelm, anxiety or uncertainty related to cancer
-
Carers and loved ones seeking supportive mindfulness practices
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is required.
Programme Format
Programmes may be offered:
​
-
Online
-
In-person in Hong Kong
-
Within healthcare and community settings
-
In partnership with cancer support organisations
-
As group or private one-to-one sessions
Sessions are adapted with care and sensitivity to participants’ needs and energy levels.
Evidence-Based Supportive Care
Mindfulness-based approaches have been increasingly explored within supportive cancer care and psycho-oncology settings.
​
Research into MBCT and mindfulness-based interventions has examined areas including:
​
-
Stress and anxiety reduction
-
Emotional wellbeing
-
Coping with uncertainty
-
Sleep and fatigue
-
Quality of life
-
Self-compassion and resilience
While mindfulness is not a replacement for medical treatment or psychological care, many people find these practices offer meaningful support alongside existing care pathways.
A Gentle Invitation
Mindfulness does not ask people to deny difficulty or become endlessly positive. Sometimes it begins simply with learning how to pause, breathe and meet ourselves with a little more kindness amidst uncertainty.
​
If you would like to learn more about MBCT-Ca, mindfulness and cancer support programmes, or collaborative wellbeing initiatives, we welcome you to get in touch info@isom.co.
Mindfulness cannot take away difficulty,
but it can change how we meet it.
Mindfulness cannot take away difficulty, but it can change how we meet it.
MBCT-Ca stands for Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Cancer. It is an evidence-based mindfulness approach developed to support the emotional and psychological wellbeing of people affected by cancer.
No previous experience is required. Practices are introduced gently and are suitable for beginners as well as those returning to mindfulness.
Mindfulness practices can often be adapted for people during or after treatment. Sessions are offered with sensitivity to differing energy levels, physical needs and emotional experiences.
MBCT-Ca is not a replacement for psychological therapy or medical treatment. It is a mindfulness-based supportive approach that may complement existing healthcare and emotional support.
Many people do. Mindfulness is not about “clearing the mind” or getting rid of thoughts. Participants are encouraged to approach practices with gentleness and without pressure to do things perfectly.
Participants are always free to share only what feels comfortable. There is no expectation to speak in detail about personal experiences or medical history.
Mindfulness cannot remove uncertainty or difficult emotions, but many people find it helps them relate differently to stress, fear and overwhelm with greater steadiness and self-compassion.
Yes. Programmes may be offered online and in-person in Hong Kong depending on the course format and participant needs.
Mindfulness-based approaches have been increasingly explored within supportive cancer care and psycho-oncology settings, particularly in relation to stress reduction, emotional wellbeing and quality of life.
Programmes may also support people adjusting to survivorship, recovery, recurrence concerns or the wider emotional impact of cancer experiences.