Starting April 2025
MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION
Discover tools to effectively manage stress, strengthen your resilience, and revitalize your overall well-being…with the power of Mindfulness within you!
About the Program
The program was developed in 1979 by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, at the UMass Memorial Medical Center where he established the Stress Reduction Clinic. MBSR consists of structured eight weekly group sessions during which participants learn and practice different mindfulness techniques, both formal and informal, fostering improved stress management and self-awareness. The program provides a practical pathway to cultivate more effective coping strategies through various mindfulness practices, gentle movement, and insightful group dialogue. The program has been around for many years and is considered an evidence-based program, supported by research, and shown to help people manage stress better, improve anxiety, chronic pain, and a variety of other physical and mental health conditions. Numerous individuals across the globe have successfully completed MBSR and experienced its beneficial effects.
Orientation Session
It is a pre-requisite prior to registration. There is no cost to attending the orientation session. It is an opportunity to understand the program curriculum and expectations, time commitment, benefits, and potential risks, if the class is a good fit for you currently and other details prior to signing up.
One-on-one interview
There will be time for participants to complete a brief one-on-one interview with the instructor after signing up and prior to start of the program. Participants will be sent an intake form to be completed prior to the meeting.
Weekly Sessions
There will be 8 sessions, once a week, each 2.5 hours long. Each class is live and led by the instructor in a small supportive group environment. During sessions, participants will learn and practice different mindfulness techniques like sitting meditation, body scan, mindful movement (gentle yoga), walking meditation and multiple ways to integrate mindful awareness in daily life. There will be large and small group discussions, focusing on stress reactivity, mindful communication and investigating new skillful ways to cope with daily challenges.
All Day of Practice
This will be on a Saturday or Sunday between the 6 th and 7 th sessions. It is highly recommended that you attend all classes and the all-day practice. If you think you will miss more than two sessions, you must consider attending the program another time.
Home Practice
There is expectation of daily home practice for 45 minutes. After each class, an audio recording for the practice along with other resources to support your home practice will be shared with participants.
Technology needed to Attend
Latest zoom version downloaded on the computer with audio and video capability. The classes cannot be done on the phone. It is required to have the video on during sessions.