What is MBSR and what does it offer?
MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) is an 8-week stress reduction programme based on mindfulness training, developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn – the most thoroughly researched mindfulness course in the world, with a proven effect on stress and tension levels, recurrent worrying and sleep quality. It is mind training grounded in practice, not philosophy – no ideology, but plenty of regular exercises.
The programme includes weekly group sessions, during which you learn one practice after another (the body scan, breath meditation, mindful movement, practice in everyday activities), and daily practice on your own at home with recordings. Step by step you learn to notice the mind’s automatic habits – racing thoughts, worrying, self-criticism – and not to get carried away by them.
The course is taught by a psychologist and mindfulness teacher. The group is an important part of the programme: practising together and talking through your experiences keep up the motivation that solitary practice with an app usually lacks. The course is not psychotherapy – if you are in an active mental health crisis, we will first recommend another form of help.
What does it look like in practice?
Frequently asked questions
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