Neural Mechanisms of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

This research will see how brain activity and brain connectivity is affected by Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and an active comparison therapy called Muscle Relaxation Therapy (MRT). Participants that qualify to be in this study will be randomly assigned to receive 8 weeks of group therapy in either MBCT or MRT treatments. Prior to receiving therapy participants will: complete baseline assessments related to their PTSD; fill out surveys; have an functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI); and provide saliva samples. These assessments will be repeated after the therapy is over. Overall study participation should last approximately 10-12 weeks. Due to COVID precautions, treatments shifted from in-person to remotely-delivered ("Zoom" video-conferencing) modality.