Looking for an evidence-based stress-reduction program in the Perth area?
We all know about the damaging physical and mental health consequences from ongoing stress. If you want to learn to take better care of yourself and to discover a deeper sense of ease and peace of mind then the eight week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program (MBSR) may be what you are looking for. The MBSR offered follows the program pioneered at the University of Massachusetts’ Medical School by Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn. The MBSR is a well-defined and systematic person-centred educational approach which uses a relatively intensive training in mindfulness meditation as the core of the program. It teaches people how to take better care of themselves, physically and mentally, and to live healthier and saner lives. It originated in the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts and has been utilised in a wide variety of settings: medical centres, schools, prisons, athletic training programs, professional programs and the workplace. It is supported by significant physiological, psychological and neuroscience research. Our Founder, Kathryn Choules (PhD) is the only person in WA certified to teach the MBSR through the University of Massachusetts.
Who would benefit from the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program?
Do any of the following situations apply to you?
- Stress – work, school, family, financial, illness, ageing, grief, uncertainty about the future, and feeling “out of control”
- Medical conditions – including chronic illness or pain, high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, asthma, skin disorders and many other conditions
- Psychological distress – including anxiety, panic, depression, fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Prevention and wellness – including health enhancement and wellness
Commitment to the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program
Before signing up for an MBSR course, consider if you are ready to make the personal commitment required. You need to be motivated and exert individual effort and regular disciplined practice of meditation in the various forms taught, whether or not you “feel” like practising on a particular day or not. This requires an immediate lifestyle change – 30-45 minutes a day, six days a week is dedicated to formal mindfulness practice. You will be expected to attend all classes.
What to expect
The MBSR consists of eight weekly classes and a one full-day Mindfulness retreat (on a weekend) towards the end of the course. The first and final classes run for 3 hours. The others run for 2 1/2 hours. The classes are highly participative, supportive and structured.
You will receive:
- guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices
- gentle stretching and mindful yoga
- group dialogue and mindful communication exercises
- individually tailored instruction
- daily home assignments
- home practice materials
- guided mindfulness practice MP3s
- workbook
Upcoming Courses
We are currently offering the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course through Openground – Australian Centre for Mindfulness. The next course begins on Thursday 16th October and further details plus information on registering can be found here.
The MBSR has helped me learn to accept what life throws at you. Rather than let stress build up, I am able to take time out for myself. Kathryn was available and supportive throughout the course with e-mails and telephone calls when needed. I have greater calmness through understanding and accepting thoughts and feelings, without getting caught up in them. The course was worth it! I’d recommend it because it is tough and rewarding. Men need to do this more often. (Dan – Engineer)
The MBSR course is like an antidote to the fast paced multitasking reality many of us seem to live. I have come away with a stronger sense of who I am and the way I want to be in the world. I believe that this has already positively impacted on not only myself but my relationship with family, friends. (Lara – Psychologist)
I thought Kathryn was a wonderful facilitator. She was an excellent role model for deep listening, directive when she needed to be and was adept at turning the questions and comments back to participants to assist them in exploring their understanding of the undercurrent of specific issues in greater depth and complexity. I also admired Kathryn’s enthusiasm for the practices she teaches and her commitment to the individual needs of, and obstacles encountered by, each participant in the group. Thank you. (Elena – Psychologist)
More MBSR (and other) testimonials from the Testimonials tab at top…