My research interests revolve around the understanding and treatment of anxiety, depression, and other emotional disorders. I have been particularly interested in how acceptance and mindfulness can be beneficial for individuals dealing with anxiety and recurrent depression. I have participated in various clinical studies exploring this area. 

Currently, my primary focus is on transdiagnostic treatment, which targets common vulnerability factors underlying various disorders rather than specific diagnoses.Together with colleagues at the University of Bergen (UiB) and internationally, I am researching the transdiagnostic model "Unified Protocol." We are also working towards implementing this approach in Norwegian mental health care and other settings.  

 

Academic article

• Henning Monsen; Jon Vøllestad; Peter Prescott et al. (2025). Work-focused therapy in an internet-based CBT format – A mixed methods feasibility study. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2007). Oppmerksomt nærvær meditative teknikker som utgangspunkt for psykologisk behandling. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad; Berge Osnes; Elisabeth Schanche (2023). Unified Protocol. Transdiagnostisk behandling for emosjonelle lidelser. (external link)
• Jorunn Beate Helle; Jon Vøllestad; Elisabeth Schanche et al. (2022). From seeing difficult behaviour to recognizing legitimate needs–A qualitative study of mothers' experiences of participating in a Circle of Security Parenting program in a public mental health setting. (external link)
• Henning Johansen; Jon Vøllestad; Trond Sjøbø et al. (2020). To make a run for IT – A feasibility study of ICBT combined with physical exercise for patients with panic disorder. (external link)
• Julie Lillebostad Svendsen; Elisabeth Schanche; Jon Vøllestad et al. (2022). Self-Compassion and Its Association With Ruminative Tendencies and Vagally Mediated Heart Rate Variability in Recurrent Major Depression. (external link)
• Elisabeth Schanche; Jon Vøllestad; Endre Visted et al. (2020). The effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on risk and protective factors of depressive relapse – a randomized wait-list controlled trial. (external link)
• Anders Hovland; Henning Johansen; Trond Sjøbø et al. (2015). A feasibility study on combining internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy with physical exercise as treatment for panic disorder—treatment protocol and preliminary results. (external link)
• Elisabeth Schanche; Jon Vøllestad; Per-Einar Binder et al. (2019). Can clinical psychology students benefit from brief and intensive mindfulness training?. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad; Morten Birkeland Nielsen; Geir Høstmark Nielsen (2012). Mindfulness- and acceptance-based interventions for anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (external link)
• Elisabeth Schanche; Jon Vøllestad; Endre Visted et al. (2021). Self-criticism and self-reassurance in individuals with recurrent depression: Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and relationship to relapse. (external link)
• Julie Lillebostad Svendsen; Elisabeth Schanche; Berge Osnes et al. (2020). Is Dispositional Self-Compassion Associated With Psychophysiological Flexibility Beyond Mindfulness? An Exploratory Pilot Study. (external link)
• Per-Einar Binder; Jon Vøllestad (2010). Å være til stede sammen: Oppmerksomt nærvær i psykoterapi. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2018). Mindfulness – en gjennomgang av kunnskapsstatus og relevans for psykologisk behandling. (external link)
• Aslak Hjeltnes; Helge Molde; Elisabeth Schanche et al. (2016). An open trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction for young adults with social anxiety disorder. (external link)
• Ingrid Dundas; Jon Vøllestad; Per-Einar Binder et al. (2013). The Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire in Norway. (external link)
• Signe Hjelen Stige; Endre Visted; Elisabeth Schanche et al. (2026). Mapping core competencies for clinical psychologists: A qualitative meta-analysis of nine international standards and accreditation documents.. (external link)
• Magnus Johan Engen; Siv Hege Lyngstad; Erlend Eikenæs et al. (2025). A mixed methods pilot feasibility study of the unified protocol group psychotherapy for early bipolar disorder. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad; Børge Sivertsen; Geir Høstmark Nielsen (2011). Mindfulness-based stress reduction for patients with anxiety disorders: Evaluation in a randomized controlled trial. (external link)
• Elisabeth Schanche; Jon Vøllestad; Per Einar Binder et al. (2020). Participant experiences of change in mindfulness-based stress reduction for anxiety disorders. (external link)
• Geir Høstmark Nielsen; Jon Vøllestad; Elisabeth Schanche et al. (2009). Får jeg det til? en kartlegging av studentterapeuters bekymringer. (external link)
• Hanna Sayar; Jon Vøllestad; Tine Nordgreen (2023). What I missed from my online therapist: A survey-based qualitative investigation of patient experiences of therapist contact in guided internet interventions. (external link)
• Endre Visted; Lin Sørensen; Jon Vøllestad et al. (2019). The association between juvenile onset of depression and emotion regulation difficulties. (external link)

Conference lecture

• Jon Vøllestad (2023). EN behandling for alt? Transdiagnostisk tilnærming til emosjonelle lidelser.. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad; Børge Sivertsen; Geir Høstmark Nielsen (2010). Mindfulness training for patients with anxiety disorders - results from a randomized controlled trial. (external link)
• Henning Johansen; Trond Sjøbø; Jon Vøllestad et al. (2015). Combining Internet Based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Physical Exercise as Treatment for Panic Disorder - Treatment Protocol and Preliminary Results from a Feasibility Study. In: Anders Hovland (Chair), Augmenting CBT with physical exercise for anxiety disorders. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2008). Oppmerksomhetstrening for mestring av angstlidelser. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2008). Oppmerksomt nærvær og psykoterapi. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad; Henning Johansen; Trond Sjøbø et al. (2015). Participant Experiences of Augmented Treatment Combining Internet Based CBT and Physical Exercise as Treatment for Panic Disorder - Preliminary Findings from Qualitative Interviews. iN Anders Hovland (Chair), Augmenting CBT with physical exercise for anxiety disorders.. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad; Børge Sivertsen; Geir Høstmark Nielsen (2010). Mindfulness-basert behandling av angstlidelser. (external link)
• Henning Johansen; Jon Vøllestad; Trond Sjøbø et al. (2018). Combining manualised physical exercise with internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy for panic disorder – A feasibility study. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2008). Oppmerksomt nærvær. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2008). Oppmerksomt nærvær og psykologisk behandling. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2008). Oppmerksomt nærvær. (external link)

Popular science article

• Jon Vøllestad (2020). En mann for vår tid. Bokessay om boken "Sick souls, healthy minds. How William James can save your life" av John Kaag. (external link)

Lecture

• Jon Vøllestad (2016). Hvordan virker mindfulness?. (external link)
• Peter Fonagy; Jon Vøllestad (2016). Mentalization and mindfulness: similarities and differences. Dialogmøte. (external link)
• Aslak Hjeltnes; Jon Vøllestad (2024). Salong: Psyke og samfunn - Erich Fromm. (external link)
• Helene, Amundsen Nissen-Lie; Jon Vøllestad; Joar Øveraas Halvorsen (2023). Virker egentlig psykoterapi?. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2016). Å være med det som er: Kropp, følelser og mindfulness. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2016). Mindfulness og psykisk helse. Hva vet vi – og hvordan kan vi bruke det vi vet?. (external link)
• Ida Solhaug; Jon Vøllestad; Michael de Vibe (2014). Hva vi vet og ikke vet: utfordringer og dilemmaer i forskning på mindfulness. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad; Margunn Vikingstad (2019). Er det sunt å lese romaner?. (external link)

Doctoral thesis (PhD)

• Jon Vøllestad (2011). Mindfulness-based treatment for anxiety disorders: A quantitative review of the evidence, results from a randomized controlled trial, and qualitative exploration of patient experiences. (external link)

Master’s thesis

• Janne Hammervold; Ella Mannes Johansen; Lene Utkilen et al. (2010). En empirisk studie av sammenhenger mellom oppmerksomt nærvær og personlighetstrekk i et norsk studentutvalg. (external link)
• Endre Visted; Geir Høstmark Nielsen; Jon Vøllestad (2011). The impact of mindfulness training on self-reported mindfulness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (external link)
• Gjermund Krogrud; Jon Vøllestad; Geir Høstmark Nielsen (2009). Sinnet som relasjonelt knutepunkt: En teoretisk undersøkelse av intersubjektiv psykoanalyse og buddhistisk psykologi. (external link)
• Torgeir Farsund Thorrud; Jon Vøllestad; Geir Høstmark Nielsen (2009). A Qualitative Study of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Anxiety Disorders - Developing a Friendly Relationship to Experience. (external link)

Media interview

• Jon Vøllestad; Eivind Normann (2019). Selvets Amerika. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2007). Tilstede i øyeblikket. (external link)
• Ingrid Dundas; Jon Vøllestad; Per-Einar Binder (2008). Når en verker etter lindring oppmerksomt nærvær som forebygging. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad; Elise Kjørstad (2018). Oppsummerer hva vi vet om mindfulness. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2008). Tankekraft funker mot stress. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2007). Skal få stressede på andre tanker. (external link)

Professional article

• Jon Vøllestad (2016). En øvelse i å være med det som er. (external link)
• Ingrid Dundas; Kari Kristine Ravnanger; Jon Vøllestad et al. (2013). Er det forskningsmessig støtte for at oppmerksomt nærvær hjelper ved rusproblemer?. (external link)
• Jorunn Beate Helle; Mari-Janne Boonstra; Kirsten Broch et al. (2017). En god sirkel. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2016). Postmodernisme på norsk. (external link)
• Ingrid Dundas; Kari Kristine Ravnanger; Jon Vøllestad et al. (2013). Hvordan kan oppmerksomt nærvær hjelpe ved rusproblemer?. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2015). Om tungsinn og rosiner. (external link)

Academic book chapter

• Jon Vøllestad (2015). Mindfulness- and Acceptance-based Interventions in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2013). «Mindfulness»-baserte intervensjoner i behandling av angstlidelser. (external link)

Academic literature review

• Endre Visted; Jon Vøllestad; Morten Birkeland Nielsen et al. (2015). The Impact of Group-Based Mindfulness Training on Self-Reported Mindfulness: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. (external link)
• Endre Visted; Jon Vøllestad; Morten Birkeland Nielsen et al. (2018). Emotion regulation in current and remitted depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (external link)

Media feature article

• Jon Vøllestad (2018). Evidensbasert visdom : bokessay. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2010). Zen og kunsten å holde beina på bakken. (external link)
• Jon Vøllestad (2007). Å være til stede. (external link)
• Thomas Haug; Anders Hovland; Jon Vøllestad (2010). Stort udekket behandlingsbehov. (external link)

Radio or TV participation

• Elisabeth Flo-Groeneboom; Jon Vøllestad; Bjørn Sverre Hol Haugen (2022). Salong: Den gåtefulle søvnen. (external link)
• Helene, Amundsen Nissen-Lie; Jon Vøllestad; Joar Øveraas Halvorsen (2023). Virker egentlig psykoterapi?. (external link)

Non-fiction monograph

• Per-Einar Binder; Bergljot Gjelsvik; Even Halland et al. (2014). Mindfulness i psykologisk behandling. (external link)

See a complete overview of publications in Cristin.

Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (Unified Protocol)

Treatment of mental disorders has long been focused on specific diagnoses. This has contributed to the development of many effective methods but also comes with some challenges. It is demanding for individual practitioners to learn a manual for each disorder, and it is resource-intensive to implement many different methods in healthcare services. Additionally, high comorbidity between conditions can make it difficult to determine which diagnosis-specific approach to choose. Furthermore, research on mental disorders raises more fundamental questions about the validity of the categorical diagnostic understanding in the DSM and ICD systems. This has led to increased interest in transdiagnostic treatment, which targets vulnerability factors that are common to various conditions. 

One such approach is the Unified Protocol (UP), which focuses on difficulties in emotion regulation as an underlying process across different mental disorders. This project consists of multiple components. A feasibility study of UP has been initiated at the outpatient clinic of the Department of Psychology. The project will also enable the investigation of potential changes in interoceptive ability (sensing internal bodily functions like the heart and respiration) and heart rate variability (which is linked to emotion regulation ability) in individuals undergoing UP treatment. Professor Elisabeth Schanche, Associate Professor Jon Vøllestand, and Associate Professor Berge Osnes lead this project. A larger European multisite study (RCT) involving partners from Spain, Portugal, Romania, Germany, Denmark, and Norway is planned. In this part of the project, new digital solutions and technological tools, such as smartphone apps, will be developed and tested.