MCT-Silver

Metacognitive training for depression in later life (MCT-Silver) is a cognitive-behaviorally based group treatment, which focuses on helping participants gain (metacognitive) distance from thought patterns that contribute to depression. Differing from other versions of MCT, MCT-Silver addresses issues specific to depression in later life (i.e., geriatric depression), such as coping with physical changes and loss, as well as adapting to new (social) roles (e.g., finding new meaning in life after retirement). MCT-Silver includes modules on identifying and re-defining values in later life and how one may move toward acceptance of situations that cannot be prevented or changed. Like D-MCT, MCT-Silver addresses (meta)cognitive biases that contribute to the onset and maintenance of depression through fun and engaging exercises, as well as using examples from daily life. It also helps participants gain insight into unhelpful thought strategies (e.g., rumination, catastrophizing), which may initially seem helpful but often contribute to increased emotional distress.