You are free to contribute as little or as much to the discussions as you like.
Related Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I take MBSR or MBCT?
MBSR is open to anyone who is interested in decreasing stress and learning a new way of relating skillfully to their experience. It is not recommended for individuals with recurrent clinical anxiety or depression, but rather is meant to help improve management of everyday stressors (e.g., work, relationships, health).
In contrast, MBCT is designed specifically to help prevent relapse in individuals who have struggled with acute/clinical anxiety or depression. If you’ve been treated for an anxiety disorder or for one ore more depressive episodes in the past, and are ready to learn new skills for preventing further episodes, MBCT is for you.
MBSR and MBCT teachers will confirm participant eligibility at the mandatory orientation session one week prior to the start of the program.
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Who benefits from mindfulness training?
Mindfulness training benefits anyone who is:
- Looking for new tools for managing stress
- Recovering from anxiety or mood problems
- Having difficulty coping with a particular life stressor such as an illness, separation, or significant transition
- Having difficulty coping with health problems such as chronic pain
- Interested in enhancing well-being and preventing future health problems
- Interested in starting a meditation practice
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Do I need to know anything about mindfulness or meditation to take your courses?
No, Intro to Mindfulness, Individual Training and our MBSR program are ideal places to start, but all our programs are suitable for people with no experience in meditation or mindfulness. MBCT is designed specifically for individuals recovering from recurrent clinical anxiety or depression.
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Do I have to do anything between sessions?
We give homework at the end of most sessions. The homework usually consists of meditation and informal mindfulness practice, adding up to about 20 mins per day. The assignments are an essential component of the course. The more you put into the practice, the more likely you are to enjoy the benefits of mindfulness.
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How are the sessions structured?
We usually spend 20-30 minutes debriefing on home meditation practice or other homework assigned the previous week. The next portion of the session is devoted to psychoeducation, discussion, and exercises related to the topic of the session. We usually close with a meditation.
