MBSR Information

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

MBSR 8-week Course Overview

What is Mindfulness? Jon Kabat Zinn, who created the MBSR program referred to mindfulness in this commonly quoted definition: “the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally”.

What is MBSR course? MBSR Course is an evidence based, experiential, and curriculum driven course. The goal of the course is to learn to be mindful in your life, understand your stressors, current strategies and habits, and learn for yourself new ways to respond to daily, small and bigger stressors. As personal and global stressors often occupy our thoughts and lives these days, it is the best time to take this course.

Through systemic learning during weekly courses and home practices in between, participants are introduced to mindfulness, stress reactivity, current habits of coping and mindful stress responsivity. Each weekly class includes a theme, and is built on top of the previous sessions. All classes include brief didactic teaching, formal practices and group dialogue.

No previous experience is required. No reading or preparation is required. Come as you are.

Logistics: MBSR course is an 8-week course, not including Orientation. The total number of sessions are 10:

Orientation: 2.5 - 3 hours

Classes/Weeks 1 - 7: 2.5 hours

Week 8 (last class): 3 hours

All day retreat, after class 6, on a weekend: 7 hours

Frequently asked Questions

What does taking the course involve? You will be attending 10 sessions (orientation, 8 weekly classes and all day retreat). In between classes 1 through 8, you will be asked to practice daily for about 1 hour. Guided practices will be provided. By the time we get to the all day retreat, you will have plenty of practice and experience. No previous experience is necessary to take this course. In fact, coming with a beginner’s mind is advised.

I am too busy and have a lot on my mind. Is this a good time to take this course? While it depends on your situation, the goal of this course is exactly to provide you with understanding your stressors, current strategies and habits, and learning for yourself new ways to respond to daily, small and bigger stressors. As personal and global stressors often occupy our thoughts and lives these days, it is the best time to take this course.

Is this for me? MBSR is for anyone over 17. Everyone is welcome. Participants are from all walks of life. If there may be some limitations, that is ok, too. You can modify the practices during the course to meet your needs and capacities. For eg, if you have certain types of pain or mobility conditions, we can find other ways for you to participate in yoga or take a break during that time. You can also check in with your physician for further guidance. If you are currently receiving mental health support, it is more than likely ok to participate in an MBSR course in tandem.

Can this be done online? The short answer is yes. While we wish we could return to doing many things in person, this course lends itself to work well online as well.

What is the process of signing up? Registration is a 3-step process. Click on the button below. You will be guided to:

1- Fill out the Registration form.

2- Pay In order to confirm your spot and to be considered registered.

3- Once Steps 1 & 2 are completed, you will be sent the link to fill out an Intake Form. Please fill out as soon as you are able, by 1 week prior to the Orientation.

What you will need for online MBSR?

Reliable Internet.

Audio and video connection. Desktop or laptop. Cell phones are not recommended.

Zoom application loaded on your device.

Your intention and attention to yourself and others in the course.

Appreciation

“I was able to learn about what being "mindful" really means; realized I can incorporate it to my daily routine.”

“I found this to be a transfornative experience. I can sleep better. My relationships have changed for the better.”

“Yasemin connected with everyone in the class in a way that made sense to that person.”

“Great teacher. Incredible knowledge, social skills, empathy, inclusiveness, kind and caring.”

“Yasemin was terrific. Very empathetic, warm, caring. And as a teacher, very clear and with just the right amount of energy level.”