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Metacognitive Therapy (MCT)
Thoughts don’t matter, but your response to them does — Professor Adrian Wells, originator of Metacognitive Therapy
How MCT's "lazy" approach can help with worry and rumination
At Lazy Therapy, we believe that mental health care doesn’t have to be a battle. This is why we embrace Metacognitive Therapy’s (MCT) “lazy” approach, which focuses on doing less, not more, to address the root causes of worry and rumination.
It’s not what you think, but how you think that matter..– Professor Adrian Wells, originator of Metacognitive Therapy
What is the "Lazy" Approach?Metacognitive Therapy challenges the common belief that we need to actively fight against our thoughts to feel better. Instead, MCT teaches us to take a step back, observe our thoughts, and avoid getting caught up in them. This approach reduces the time spent worrying or ruminating, allowing your mind to naturally regain balance without forcing it.
The “lazy” part refers to the idea of doing nothing with your thoughts - simply observing them without judgment or the urge to fix them. By giving your mind the space to breathe, you reduce the fuel that keeps worry and rumination going.
We can’t worry less by thinking more.– Professor Adrian Wells, originator of Metacognitive Therapy
How the "Lazy" Approach Works for Worry and RuminationWorry and rumination are often fueled by a tendency to engage too deeply with our thoughts. We might analyse, judge, or try to suppress them, all of which can make them feel more intense and unmanageable. This creates a cycle where the more we try to control or change our thoughts, the more entrenched they become.
The “lazy” approach of MCT helps break this cycle by teaching you to:
Observe, not engage: Instead of diving into your thoughts, you learn to simply notice them without getting caught up in them.Let go of control: You stop trying to control every thought, which allows your mind to naturally find a healthier balance.Reduce mental effort: By doing less mentally, you give your mind a chance to unwind and release the grip of worry and rumination. Transform Your Mental Health with the "Lazy" Approach If you’ve been struggling with constant worry or overthinking, the lazy approach can offer a refreshing change. Instead of trying to fight every negative thought, MCT helps you recognise when you’re getting stuck in unproductive mental habits, and gently guide you toward a more peaceful state.
By learning to detach from your thoughts, you’ll begin to feel less overwhelmed and more in control of your emotional well-being. It’s about doing less, but achieving more.