Learn more how the program helped Christy and Debbie.
What is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction?
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an 8-week group program that teaches participants to practice mindfulness. Designed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center 40 years ago and extensively researched, this work has generated a body of literature in both scientific and popular publications which describes its many benefits.
About half of every 2 ½ hour class is spent learning and practicing mindfulness meditation. The practices include learning to pay attention to breath or body sensations while the body is still or in motion. There is also discussion about learning to recognize how each of us experiences stress and the relationship of stress to illness and behavior. Participants learn about their own patterns of reactivity and how, with mindfulness, they might choose to respond. Classroom discussion includes:
- How to cultivate awareness of physical sensations in the body
- Meditation practices that improve focus and attention
- How to recognize signs of stress and intervene earlier
- How to change your relationship with stress, anxiety, chronic pain, or illness
- Strategies to improve confidence and self-esteem
- Practices to improve communication through deep listening and mindful speech
- Relaxation techniques
The program also includes a Day of Practice and Reflection on a Saturday.
Our classes are facilitated by two trained teachers who create a safe, cohesive environment, whether the class is conducted in person or online. The connection that occurs between participants and facilitators is one of the most valuable aspects of the experience.
“When I slow down, I realize how much beauty and sweetness I miss by rushing around. I can be more present to others and to my own experience. I actually feel more alive.” - Program Participant
Everyone! Mindfulness has been shown to support health and well-being, facilitate coping, reduce burnout, and enhance communication to name a few of its most significant benefits. MBSR reduces the distress resulting from a wide variety of chronic medical and psychological conditions. People attend to seek relief from chronic pain, sleep disturbances, high blood pressure and headaches. Other reasons include anxiety, depression, or other stress symptoms.
Although children and teens can benefit greatly from mindfulness training, our program is designed for adults over 18 years of age.
There are some conditions which may make participation more difficult. For instance, if someone is severely ill, has recently lost a loved one, or has suffered severe trauma in the recent past, this group process may not be appropriate. Please attend an information session and discuss any concerns with your teacher.
How to enroll in our Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction classes
To register for the eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course, potential class participants must complete the following:
- Attend a free orientation session.
- After attending the orientation session, you will receive an email with next steps, which include:
- Registering and paying.
- Completing an intake form.
- Scheduling a brief one-on-one phone interview with a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction instructor.
- This interview allows you to clarify your goals and will determine if this program is right for you.
- If the program doesn't meet your personal goals, your payment will be refunded.
Costs
We have three tiers of availability:
- Lehigh Valley Health Network employees: $50
- Employee Assistance Program corporate clients: $275
- General public: $375
To learn more about our programs or for scholarship information, call Preferred EAP at 610-433-8550, 1-800-327-8878, or email Preferred_EAP@lvhn.org.
