Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) reduces depression relapse, but about one-third of graduates relapse within a year. Focus groups with MBCT graduates and teachers revealed that the course is highly valued and sometimes life-changing. However, graduates struggle to maintain mindfulness practices and sustain benefits after the course ends, despite using community groups, apps, or retaking the course. One participant described finishing MBCT as feeling like "falling off a cliff." Both graduates and teachers strongly desired additional support, such as a maintenance program, to help sustain long-term benefits and reduce relapse risk.
A maintenance program called MBCT-D-TiF, designed for graduates of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) who want structured guidance to sustain their mindfulness practice, was feasible and acceptable in a pilot test. In round one, 14 participants received the program; in round two, 20 were randomized to the program or a waitlist. Attendance was high: all weekly sessions and at least 75% of monthly sessions. Most participants rated weekly sessions (77.1%) and monthly sessions (66.7%) as very or extremely helpful. Qualitative themes included the group's role in social connection, support, and accountability; mental health benefits such as reduced impact of depression and anxiety; and a need for additional support to maintain home practice after weekly sessions ended.