Background: Mindfulness-based programs are increasingly used in integrated treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, there is a limited research on patients’ experiences of mindfulness programs and no studies among adolescents and young adults with IBD.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of adolescents and young adults with IBD and depression who attended a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) group program, including the role of therapeutic alliance, group affiliation, and other common psychotherapy factors.

Methods: Thematic analysis of qualitative data from focus groups and open-ended survey questions were conducted to explore experiences of youth with IBD who completed the MBCT group program.

Findings: Themes of connectedness and shared understanding, barriers to mindfulness practice and perceived benefits of mindfulness emerged, with young people identifying validation and connecting with peers as key drivers of recovery. Common factors of group cohesion and therapeutic alliance featured most frequently as participants’ reasons for engagement and continuing practice.

Conclusions: While benefits of mindfulness-based interventions in IBD are well supported by literature, this study provides evidence for the role of common psychotherapy and group factors within a mindfulness program for youth with IBD and highlights the benefits and barriers to mindfulness training in this cohort. The study contributes to the assessment of acceptability and feasibility of the MBCT program for adolescents and young adults with IBD, and it will inform the design of a future large-scale RCT of MBCT in youth with IBD.