What is metacognitive therapy?

Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is an evidence-based treatment method developed by Professor Adrian Wells. Instead of analyzing the specific content of your thoughts, the therapy focuses on how you relate to them. This makes the method particularly effective for treating stress, anxiety, and depression. In metacognitive therapy, you learn to recognize the mental strategies that keep you stuck in negative thought patterns and discover how to break them. Research shows that MCT can significantly reduce symptoms of mental health conditions in a relatively short amount of time.

How does MCT differ from other forms of therapy?

Metacognitive therapy differs from many traditional therapies because it does not focus on analyzing the content of your thoughts or past traumas. Instead, MCT focuses on how you respond to your thoughts and teaches you how to minimize the time and attention you spend on worries and rumination.

Benefits of metacognitive group therapy

Metacognitive group therapy offers a unique combination of highly effective treatment and a supportive community. Research shows that group sessions have the same documented effectiveness as individual therapy, with the added benefit of learning through the shared experiences of others. The group format is completely safe, as the focus remains on the "meta-level." You are not required to share intimate personal details; instead, you work purely on the mechanics of how you relate to your thoughts. This makes the process comfortable and highly valuable for most participants.

How does the group process work?

Each session consists of professional presentations, practical exercises and meta-reflection. You will receive concrete tools and homework assignments that will help you implement metacognitive techniques in your everyday life.

Is metacognitive group therapy for you?

Metacognitive group therapy is relevant for you if you experience thoughts, worries or symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression. It is also ideal if you want a structured and effective approach that can provide lasting results in a short time. The therapy is transdiagnostic and can therefore help across different mental challenges.

What symptoms are addressed?

Typical symptoms include excessive worrying, rumination, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and feeling trapped in negative thought patterns. Metacognitive therapy helps you break these patterns effectively.

Online metacognitive group therapy

Do you prefer to participate from home? Charlottenlund Privathospital offers online metacognitive group therapy, which gives you the same effective treatment and tools as the physical course. The online format makes it possible to participate regardless of where you are and is ideal for those who want flexibility.

How does online therapy work?

Online sessions follow the same structure as the physical ones: professional presentations, practical exercises and reflection. You participate via a secure platform, and the psychologist guides you throughout the process.