Metacognitive Group Therapy – Effective Treatment for Stress and Anxiety


At Charlottenlund Privathospital we offer metacognitive group therapy, an evidence-based method to reduce stress, anxiety and overthinking. Learn to let thoughts be thoughts and regain control of your life.

What is metacognitive therapy?


Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is an evidence-based treatment method developed by Professor Adrian Wells. The therapy focuses on how you relate to your thoughts rather than on the content of the thoughts themselves. This makes the method particularly effective for treating stress, anxiety, and depression. In metacognitive therapy, you learn to recognise the mental strategies that maintain negative thought patterns and how to break them. Research shows that MCT can significantly reduce symptoms of psychological disorders within a relatively short period of time.

The programme is led by psychologist Sarah Østergaard Kokholm, who is certified in metacognitive therapy by the method's founder, Professor Adrian Wells.


How does MCT differ from other forms of therapy?


Metacognitive therapy differs from many traditional forms of therapy because it does not focus on the content of your thoughts. Instead, MCT works with how you respond to your thoughts and teaches you to minimise the time and attention you spend on worries and rumination.


Benefits of metacognitive group therapy


Metacognitive group therapy offers a unique combination of effective treatment and a supportive group setting. Research shows that group programmes have the same documented effectiveness as individual therapy, while learning is also strengthened through interaction with others. The group format is safe, and you decide how much you want to share. You therefore do not need to talk about your private circumstances or share intimate details with the group. We work with how you relate to your thoughts – not with their content.


How does the group programme work?


Each session consists of professional presentations, practical exercises, and reflection at a metacognitive level. You receive practical tools and homework assignments that help you implement metacognitive techniques in your everyday life.


Is metacognitive group therapy right for you?

If you recognise yourself in one or more of the following statements, you are likely to benefit from a metacognitive group programme:


  • Racing thoughts stress me during the day or keep me awake at night
  • My worries and rumination feel as though they are out of control
  • I have tried to “think my way out of” my problems – without lasting results
  • I have had individual therapy but feel that I need something more practical
  • I want to learn how to maintain mental calm – not just temporarily, but in the long term
  • I have symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression that affect my everyday life too much


What symptoms are addressed?


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


Online metacognitive group therapy


Would you prefer to participate from home, from work, or while on holiday? Charlottenlund Privathospital offers online metacognitive group therapy, providing you with the same effective treatment and tools as the in-person programme. The online format allows you to participate wherever you are and is ideal if you are looking for flexibility.


How does online therapy work?


Online sessions follow the same structure as the in-person sessions: professional presentations, practical exercises, and reflection. You participate via a secure platform, and the psychologist guides you throughout the entire programme.


Dates and registration


IN-PERSON PROGRAMME


PRICE: The programme costs DKK 4,500.

LOCATION: Charlottenlund Privathospital, Jægersborg Allé 4

TIME: The next group starts on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, from 19:00–21:00

DURATION: 6 weekly sessions (final session Tuesday, 10 November 2026)

PARTICIPANTS: Maximum 8 people

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: No later than Monday, 29 September 2026


Register now – limited spaces available (max. 8 participants).


[BOOK PROGRAMME]


ONLINE PROGRAMME


PRICE: The programme costs DKK 4,500.

LOCATION: Online via a secure video platform

TIME: The next group starts on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, from 19:00–21:00

DURATION: 6 weekly sessions (final session Tuesday, 10 November 2026)

PARTICIPANTS: Maximum 8 people

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: No later than Monday, 22 September 2026


[BOOK ONLINE PROGRAMME]


Is the group full, or does the start date not suit you? Feel free to join our waiting list – we start new groups several times a year.


[JOIN THE WAITING LIST]

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is metacognitive therapy?

    Metacognitive therapy is an evidence-based method that focuses on how you relate to your thoughts, rather than their content. It is particularly effective for treating stress, anxiety, and depression.

  • How does metacognitive group therapy work?

    The group therapy consists of professional presentations, practical exercises and meta-reflection. You will be given concrete tools to deal with worries and ruminations.

  • Is online metacognitive therapy just as effective?

    Yes, online metacognitive therapy has the same structure and effect as the physical course. It is ideal for those who want flexibility.

  • Who can participate in metacognitive group therapy?

    Anyone experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or mind-wandering can benefit from metacognitive group therapy. It is an effective and structured treatment.

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