Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an 8-week program based on the original, acclaimed program at the University of Massachusetts Stress Reduction Clinic. Founded by Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Full Catastrophe Living, the UMass clinic has helped thousands of individuals cope with medical, psychological, and social stresses of modern life.

MBSR is a secular program and has no religious affiliation. The training involves step-by-step instruction and application of concrete tools that serve as powerful inner resources for helping individuals cope with stress more skillfully and effectively.

Programs are run in groups and have an enrollment of up to 30 participants. Group MBSR training has the advantage of peers offering mutual support and motivation. Also, through small-group focused discussions, participants learn that while their stressers and personal stories are certainly unique, they share the common human condition of living with stress.

Groups meet once weekly (for 2-2.5 hours) for eight weeks. The MBSR program also includes one half-day retreat (on a Saturday or Sunday).

Orientation includes completing forms and experiencing an  introduction to the MBSR program. Following this is a brief 1-1 meeting with staff to review the content of the training, answer any questions, and help participants to decide if Mindfulness training may meet their needs.

Participants must complete an Orientation before beginning the MBSR program..

Training includes:

• 8 weekly 2.5 hour group sessions

• 1 Half-Day Retreat

•  Guided instruction in various mindfulness practices: breath awareness, sitting meditation, eating meditation, body scan, and walking meditation

• Gentle movement routines for developing body awareness

• Techniques of daily living to allow participants to respond skillfully, rather than react impulsively, to stressful situations
  

• The support of a group whose members are making a similiar commitment to improve their health and well-being

• Daily homework assignments, 4 CDs, and a training workbook

Pricing:  MBSR program costs $350 (sliding scale) and includes all training materials.

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