Rumination-Focused Cognitive Therapy (RFCT): Breaking the Cycle of Repetitive, Unhelpful Thinking
Rumination—defined as repetitive and passive focus on symptoms of distress and their possible causes and consequences—plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of depression and mood disorders. While it is natural to reflect on problems or challenging emotions, persistent rumination can trap individuals in a negative feedback loop, exacerbating feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety. In response to this challenge, Rumination-Focused Cognitive Therapy (RFCT) was developed as a targeted intervention to disrupt this cycle and promote healthier patterns of thinking.
What Is RFCT?
Rumination-Focused Cognitive Therapy (RFCT) is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that aims specifically at altering the style of negative thinking associated with depression. Developed by Dr. Edward Watkins and colleagues, RFCT is grounded in the understanding that how we think is as important as what we think. This therapy shifts the focus from changing the content of negative thoughts—a traditional CBT hallmark—to modifying the process and style of thinking that sustains them.
Unlike problem-solving or reflective thinking, depressive rumination is abstract, evaluative, and judgmental. It often involves dwelling on questions like “Why do I feel this way?” or “What’s wrong with me?” without reaching any resolution. RFCT helps clients recognize when they are engaging in this unproductive mental activity and teaches them how to adopt a more concrete, specific, and constructive thinking style.
How Does RFCT Work?
RFCT sessions typically involve:
- Psychoeducation: Helping clients understand the nature of rumination and its impact on mood.
- Functional Analysis: Identifying the triggers, patterns, and consequences of rumination.
- Shifting Thinking Style: Teaching individuals to move from abstract to concrete thinking, which is more action-oriented and solution-focused.
- Behavioral Activation: Encouraging engagement in meaningful activities that interrupt rumination and promote positive reinforcement.
- Mindfulness Techniques: Sometimes used to increase present-moment awareness and reduce automatic ruminative habits.
The goal is not to suppress thoughts or emotions but to change how individuals respond to them—developing greater psychological flexibility and emotional resilience in the process.
Evidence for Effectiveness
A growing body of research supports the effectiveness of RFCT in treating depression, particularly in individuals who are prone to chronic rumination. Studies have shown that RFCT can reduce depressive symptoms, lower relapse rates, and enhance emotional regulation. Its process-focused nature makes it particularly useful for clients who struggle with persistent low mood and self-critical thinking.
An Integrative Approach: David Kraft’s Use of RFCT Principles
David Kraft is an integrative therapist known for his flexible, client-centred approach to psychotherapy. Rather than adhering rigidly to one theoretical model, Kraft tailors each therapeutic encounter to the unique needs, history, and goals of the individual. Drawing from a wide range of therapeutic traditions—including psychodynamic therapy, CBT, hypnosis, and mindfulness—he adapts his methods to suit each client’s style and situation.
Within this integrative framework, Kraft may incorporate principles of Rumination-Focused Cognitive Therapy when working with clients who demonstrate a tendency toward repetitive, unhelpful thinking. By doing so, he empowers clients to step out of negative thinking loops, build awareness of their thought processes, and adopt healthier cognitive habits. This pragmatic and personalized use of RFCT reflects Kraft’s broader commitment to offering dynamic, evidence-based care that meets clients where they are and helps them move toward lasting psychological change.
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