Abstract
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) belongs to the „third wave“ of cognition behavioral therapies. It applies the process of thinking about thinking (metacognition) which monitors and retrospectively regulates cognition.
MCT is targeted at a deficit in metacognitive skills. It teaches patient to recognize maladaptive patterns of metacognition like cognitive-attentional syndrome (CAS).
CAS consists of worries, ruminations, fixation of attention on threat, and incorrect coping behaviors that the patient mistakenly believes to be helpful. With the help of detached mindfulness patients exercise the new ways of control over attention and relationship with thinking, and modify unhelpful metacognitive beliefs about thinking.
MCT developed specific approach to understanding and treatment of disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obssesive-compulsive disorder, depression, schizophrenia and other mental illness.