Research shows that Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) is a helpful treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions. Metacognition, a slightly jargon-y word, refers to “thinking about thinking”. This form of therapy falls under the umbrella of cognitive-behavioural therapy. However, it differs from traditional CBT in that MCT focuses on “thoughts about thoughts”, whereas CBT focuses more directly on “thoughts”.
Spirals of thought…
“Thoughts don’t matter but your response to them does”
Adrian Wells
MCT argues that a key component of psychological dysfunction is a kind of toxic over-responsiveness to thoughts or experiences. This over-responsiveness is referred to as the Cognitive Attentional Syndrome (CAS). For example, in Generalised Anxiety the CAS relates to worry thoughts. Whereas in health anxiety the CAS relates to physical symptoms (and worry thoughts about them). In OCD the CAS relates to intrusive thoughts. In depression the CAS relates to mostly ruminative thoughts (e.g. why me?). The content choice of the CAS may differ, but the result is similar: repetitive, difficult-to-control thinking spirals.
…thoughts that drive thinking
The CAS is driven by our metacognitions. In some cases, metacognitions are positive, for example: “I must worry about things so that I can feel prepared”. In some cases, metacognitions are negative e.g. “I’m losing control! I’m never going to stop worrying about this!”. Even though it seems a bit counterintuitive, both positive and negative metacognitions can be present. You can probably imagine how each of these metacognition examples would lead a person to further worry, even though it might be for different reasons!
You can rise above it!
In MCT it’s like getting a bird’s eye view of your thought processes. You will get a good understanding of how your mind relates to your thoughts, and you will try to break out of the habit of over-responsiveness. There are a number of techniques in this form of therapy, including detached mindfulness, attention training, and thought experiments to test out your metabeliefs. It is quite a fun and irreverent therapy at times. MCT is great for someone who wants to see the “bigger picture” of their mental habits.
Links:
MCT self-help resource for people who worry
Other treatments I provide: