Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is for anyone interested in reducing stress associated with work, study, family life, chronic pain or illness. MBSR helps you to help yourself.

Developed more than 30 years ago by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Centre, MBSR is often referred to as the benchmark or ‘gold standard’ of mindfulness courses. MBSR is taught in hundreds of locations across the globe and, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people to have completed MBSR courses worldwide.

Since its inception, MBSR has been at the heart of numerous studies of the effects of mindfulness practice. Completing an MBSR course has proven to:

• reduce stress and emotional reactivity
• boost immune function, sleep quality and general wellbeing
• relieve anxiety, depression, chronic pain and burnout
• improve concentration, cognitive flexibility, decision-making, communication, compassion and relationships

MBSR helps you to help yourself – improve your outlook on life and wellbeing.

The Program

Typically and traditionally, MBSR is delivered as an eight-week course consisting of a weekly class, daily practice between classes and an optional day of silent practice.

Each class is 2.5 hours duration and includes:

• Information and instruction related to mindfulness, meditation and the mind-body connection;
• experiential practice of mindfulness meditations, mindful movement and mind-body awareness; and,
• small and larger group activities, discussions and reflection –focused on applying mindfulness to everyday situations and addressing barriers of effective practice.

Participants are invited to commit to 45 minutes of daily mindfulness practice between classes and are provided with a course handbook and guided practice recordings to support this on-going practice.

The optional day of silent practice is usually scheduled sometime between the fourth and seventh class.

Mindful Works founder and facilitator, Dr Sharn Rocco, completed MBSR Teacher training with Openground in 2012. Since then she has facilitated more than twelve MBSR courses for nearly 200 people in various locations including Forster, Taree, Townsville, Magnetic Island and at the Garrison Institute, New York.

Sharn is committed to delivering MBSR in the traditional 8-week form at least annually in Townsville; and, by arrangement, as an eight-day retreat program, in-house or on-line to meet your personal or organizational needs.

The Investment

$550 pp

Individual concessions and payment plans available on request

This includes:

• 8 x 2.5 hour classes
• Expert instruction
• Guided daily practice recordings
• Course handbook
• Optional day of silent practice

What people are saying about Mindful Works MBSR courses:

“…I loved the course and believe it to be a wonderful learning opportunity … have highly recommended it to various of my friends as well as to staff members at work.”

– Susan, Teacher, Forster

“An incredible journey … I have learnt much about myself and the habits that do not serve me well, especially my response to stress and anxiety. …noticing so many benefits, as are those close to me.”

– Julie, Journalist, Wyngham

“…a positive impact on my anxiety. …very helpful. …especially at work. …Thanks for opening a new door.”

–Tom, Health Care Administrator, New York

“…a great opportunity to stop and step out of the busyness of daily life, to practice and be encouraged to live life with greater mindfulness.”

– Simon, Environmental Officer, Magnetic Island

“I have benefited greatly from the course. …The practices in class and at home were quite challenging but very rewarding.”

– Brett, Teacher, Forster

“Provided a great space to gain different perspectives and to reflect on my way of life.”

– Lesley, Carer, Townsville

“I looked forward to each week and what it would bring.”

– Rob, Nurse, Taree

“A wonderful way to learn about myself …to learn techniques to cope and grow.”

– Bruce, Engineer, Forster