Consultation and Orientation
Free Consultation and Orientation Sessions
Prior to committing to the full 8-week course, prospective participants meet one-on-one, either virtually or by telephone, with the instructor, in order to determine whether MBSR will be a good fit for them at this point in their lives. Any physical or behavioral health conditions or issues that could increase the difficulty of participation are discussed, as well as time demands, financial barriers, or other relevant factors that could interfere with full participation, at this time. This individual meeting, which usually is about 10 or 15 minutes in length, is an excellent time to share questions or concerns with the instructor and generate ideas to support full participation in the course.
The first group session is an orientation to the course and is free of charge. Orientation session attendance is required prior to beginning the full course, and a commitment to full privacy and confidentiality for this session is necessary in order to participate, even if one decides not to continue with the course, itself, after that session. Due to the large amount of information, as well as some experiential practices in the session, the orientation session can be expected to last 90 minutes.
8 Weekly Group Meetings
Weekly group meetings
After participants have made the commitment to embark on the course, they will receive a Zoom link through which they will attend each weekly session, at the same day and time, lasting up to 2 1/2 hours, depending on group size. During these sessions, participants will have the chance to explore what they have discovered during their home practices and what new insights are emerging. Any difficulties that arise during practice can be discussed, so that helpful feedback and solutions may be offered. New concepts and practices are taught during these sessions, while a large portion of the time is used for in-session practice. Nevertheless, the lion's share of improvements take place during the home practice, to which participants can expect to devote from 45-to 60 minutes 6 days of the week. This comparatively large amount of home practice is an intentional way to assure that the full potential of MBSR can be experienced during the limited 8-week period and each participant leaves the course with a rock-solid foundation of skills and capabilities to continue their journey afterward.
All-Day Mini Retreat
All-Day Session
As a part of any standard MBSR course, after participants have learned a degree of proficiency and comfort with the mindfulness practices, they are provided an opportunity to attend an all-day session, which emulates a day of formal mindfulness retreat. This session occurs on a weekend between weeks 6 and 7, runs from 8:45 am to 4:45 pm, and is an excellent way to "pull everything together" and experience the unique benefits of sustained practice.
