Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction {MBSR}

Training in mindfulness is part of the growing field of evidence-based ‘Mind-Body” medicine found globally in healthcare.

 

MBSR credentials

Pioneered in the 70’s by Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn from the School of Medicine in the University of Massachusetts, the secular Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) was devised as an 8-week group program. Incorporating techniques such as meditation, movement and mind-body exercises, the aim was to help people with chronic and incurable health issues better manage the experience of stress related to their conditions.

From its inception and into the present day the program benefits from the wide and ever-increasing body of scientific research which supports its effectiveness as a program. MBSR programs run internationally – to date, it is estimated that more than 16,000 people have attended MBSR programs worldwide.

MBSR is the genesis for a range of other mindfulness-based programs now being offered in the health sector globally, the best known being Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for people at risk of relapse of depression. As the evidence base for the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based interventions in healthcare increases, so to does its reach, into the education and business sectors worldwide.

 

Benefits

Research of MBSR programs show participants consistently report:

  • Reduced anxiety and depression,
  • Greater capacity to tolerate short and long term stressful situations,
  • Greater ability to relax,
  • increased focus and concentration,
  • greater self-awareness, and a capacity to manage their emotional states
  • an improved sense of wellbeing, vitality and enjoyment of life.

 

Who can benefit from MBSR?
  • Anyone can benefit from cultivating more mindfulness in their lives, regardless of how old you are, what you believe in, what ailments you carry and what you do.
  • Those who attend often want more ease, peace and enjoyment of life; They may be experiencing fatigue, sleeping problems, worry and stress, irritability, sadness, and / or mild depression.
  • People who have health conditions that cause them stress including chronic pain, cancer, addictions, cardiac disease and other chronic conditions benefit from MBSR training.
  • And those who are feeling pretty well and want to keep it that way are also welcome to attend!

 

What does it involve?

Mindfulness Training works very well in a group environment where you benefit from hearing and learning from others’ experience along the way. You have a brief interview with the facilitator before you commit to the program, usually over the phone. You attend a weekly 2.5 hour session for 8 weeks, with a day of mindfulness practice typically around week six.

During each session, you are carefully guided through specific meditation practices including sitting and some gentle movement. A typical session also contains a mixture of theory and group discussion as well. You have reading material and CDs which support your daily home practice throughout the program. As well, individual support is available to help you on your way.

Mindfulness in medicine, healthcare and society.

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