MBSR COURSE

The aim of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction educational course is to help clients connect mind and body in order to access their inner resources in the service of promoting healing and growth. It provides a mind-body medicine approach which fosters the cultivation of a new kind of attentiveness. It helps participants develop awareness of the relationship and distinction between their inner experiences and outer events. This often results in the development of a deep respect for the the importance of creating a more balanced relationship between one’s body and mind, resulting in a greater sense of well-being.

Dr. Handlin offers a highly participatory eight week group course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction based on the curriculum of the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, Mass. where she has trained with Jon Kabat-Zinn, Saki Santorelli and their colleagues. The course includes guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices, homework exercises to enhance awareness in day- to-day living, gentle stretching and mindful Yoga, and group exchange. Participants are required to make the commitment to practice at home and are given CDs and written materials to support their educational needs. Potential group members are interviewed and placed in groups that are appropriate to meet their needs.

The course provides a supportive environment where participants learn:

• Deep relaxation techniques
• To recognize signs of stress
• How to meditate
• How our thoughts influence our ability to handle stress
• To build self-confidence
• To relate in more constructive ways to physical symptoms
• To improve communication and relationships with others
• To foster their own well-being in order to become calmer and more centered.
• To feel more fully alive.

Extensive research has documented that many
people who complete similar courses report: in addition to a greater ability to relax, lasting decreases in physical and stress-related symptoms, reduced pain levels and the ability to cope with pain that may not remit, increased energy and enthusiasm, and an overall ability to cope more effectively with both short and longer term stressful situations. People from many walks of life who have a desire to enhance the quality of their lives take this course. In addition, many psychologists, as well as other mental health and medical professionals, take this educational course themselves or recommend it for their patients.

Suggested Readings:

• Kabat-Zinn, J. (2005). Coming to our senses: healing ourselves and the world through mindfulness: New York: NY: Hyperion.
• Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living: using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain and illness. New York, NY: Dell. (The classic text which contains the basic curriculum and the reminder that Zorba was speaking of the incredible fullness of human life as the “catastrophe.”)
• Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever you go there you are: mindfulness meditation in everyday life. New York, NY: Hyperion
• Kabat-Zinn, J. and Zinn, M. (1997). The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting. New York, NY: Hyperion.
• Santorelli, Saki. (1999). Heal Thy Self: Lessons on Mindfulness in Medicine. New York: Bell Tower.

Comments from MBSR course participants

(Although Dr. Handlin is a licensed psychologist and the only person in
NJ Certified to teach MBSR, and has a separate psychology practice, please note that MBSR is an educational course and not psychotherapy. In addition, information contained in this document is informational and not to be construed as medical advice. If you suspect you have medical issues, please pursue appropriate treatment)