Mindfulness is the intention to live fully by paying attention to every moment of our life, non-judgmentally. And although there are many definitions of mindfulness, all of them include the ideas of purposeful action, focused attention, being grounded in current experience, and a sense of curiosity. Importantly, we all have the capacity for mindfulness.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
For over 30 years, the MBSR program, developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn (University of Massachusetts Medical School), has been teaching people to cultivate life-long tools to help cultivate their innate capacity for mindfulness so that they can ride the waves of life’s ups and downs with greater ease and peace. Get a sense of how MBSR helps reduce stress at https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=TLGGupCteNWlVDAxNTAxMjAyMQ&v=4fiLfN9jtTM&feature=emb_title
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for Depression and Anxiety
The MBCT program, developed by Zindel Segal (University of Toronto), Mark Williams (University of Wales, Bangor), and John Teasdale (University of Oxford) is an evidenced-based program for learning skills and practices to manage depression, anxiety as well as preventing relapse. By learning to identify the triggers and symptoms of anxiety and depression, participants can interrupt habitual patterns of reaction to situations, which allows them to chose a more skillful response. Get more information on the benefits of MBCT by visiting https://youtu.be/kFfqSk15fNM
Which program is right for you?
MBSR & MBCT Similarities
- The practice of mindfulness is the foundation of both programs
- Participants develop awareness by paying attention and noticing what’s happening in the present moment
- 8-week structure, 2.5 hours per weekly session
- all-day silent retreat (required)
- Weekly group classes as well as daily individual home practice and exercises
- Facilitator-led classes include inquiry and group discussion
- Sessions include formal meditation practices and mindful movement practices
MBSR & MBCT Differences
| MBSR | MBCT |
| If you are looking to… | If you have been… |
| Approach life with greater composure, energy, understanding, and enthusiasm | Previously treated for depression/ anxiety or prone to depressive relapse |
| Develop the ability to cope more effectively with both short-term and long-term stressful situations | Seeking tools to break the cycle before mood symptoms and negative thoughts become severe |
| Enhance the ability to manage and reduce pain levels in many instances | Wanting a proven alternative to maintenance antidepressant medications for preventing relapse |
| Improved focus and resilience to recover from challenges faster | Struggling with negative thinking and worry |
Still unsure which program is right for you?
for further discussion contact Janice (250-979-0018; j.snyder@telus.net)
Participant Requirements
Attend an orientation session; commit to daily home practice using the guided meditations (approx. 45 min.) provided; and participate in the weekly 2.5 hr. group classes for 8 weeks plus an all-day Saturday class between weeks 6 and 7.
Program Fee
$475 (GST incl) for 27.5 hrs class time, Home Practice Manual, & mindfulness meditation audio recordings.
The program fee is required at registration.
Custom payment plans gladly considered.