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Practice Library
13 Lessons -
I'm so glad you are considering taking Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Mental Health Professionals!
This page contains everything you need to answer your questions and register for the Spring, Morning, cohort that begins on May 17, 2024
You can register for the course at the bottom of this page.
MBSR is an 8-week, evidence-based, experiential mindfulness training created by Jon Kabat-Zin. With more than 30 years of research behind it, MBSR is considered the Gold Standard in stress reduction programs.
Through experiential practice, inquiry and didactic learning, you will connect deeply with your own inner resources and capactiy for resilience, healing and growth - both personally and as a practitioner. As you participate in the course, you will come to embody the very mindfulness you work to bring to your clients.
For Your Own Wellbeing
Therapist burnout and compassion fatigue is at an all-time high. Between post-pandemic demand and the systemic issues impacting every level of the Mental Healthcare delivery system, mental health professionals are under more pressure than ever and it takes a toll. The research is clear: sustained Mindfulness Practice under the guidance of a qualified instructor has been shown to reduce burnout and compassion fatigue among healthcare professionals. This is as good for your body and mind as it is for your clients. You can only give as good as you’ve got, so go get yourself some relief.
For Your Clients and Your Practice
To bring Mindfulness into your practice. There is plenty of information out there about mindfulness and resources about how to integrate it into your practice for the benefit of your clients. But mindfulness is far less about information and far more about the embodied capacity to sit with and reorient your relationship with the present. It’s less a strategy and far more a way of being. This only comes with practice and guidance. MBSR offers a deep dive into the practice of mindfulness so that you can embody the peace, ease and joy you are guiding your clients towards.
For Your Professional Development - 24 CEU's
When you take MBSR with me at Mindfulness IRL, and MN licensed Mental Health Professionals (all designations) receive 24 CEUs. Why not get something for your own wellbeing as well as a valuable clinical skill from a CEU course?
An evidence-based framework
There is a rich body of research that supports the efficacy of MBSR to relieve stress and enhance joy. MBSR is a structured program that guides you through a series of meditation and mindfulness practices designed to help you become a witness to your own internal experience. It offers you a new lens through which to understand yourself, disarming emotional volatility and freeing you to live joyfully.
Compassionate, Expert Guidance
There are many qualified MBSR teachers, but Colette stands out for her ability to cultivate comfort and safety for each student. This is pivotal because the act of practicing mindfulness requires courage to confront your own experience. Colette creates a secure space for vulnerability, leading by her own example of courage and openness.
A Supportive Community of Like-Minded Peers
Although mindfulness starts as a personal practice, each MBSR class blossoms into a tightly-knit, supportive community. The bonds form quickly, fortified by our collective exploration of stress and relief—universal experiences that unite us on a profoundly human level.
Do I need to be an experienced meditator?
No prior experience is necessary! MBSR is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to individuals at all levels. If you’re a beginner, you’ll find the program an eye-opening introduction to the transformative power of mindfulness. And if you’re experienced, MBSR will deepen your practice, providing nuanced insights and support to further your journey.
What does the time commitment look like?
MBSR is an 8-week program. Participants meet live, online weekly for 2 hours AND once for a full-day retreat (always scheduled on a weekend). In addition to class time, participants are invited and encouraged to spend up to 30 minutes daily practicing at home with the support of recorded meditations. While the time commitment may appear daunting, consider it an investment, knowing that the time you put into these 8 weeks will return to you in the form of an expanded sense of presence and ease that extends well beyond our time together. The time invested in developing a mindfulness practice pays off in ways that spending time getting things done just doesn’t.
What is the Financial Investment?
MBSR is an 8-week, live, teacher facilitated experiential course. The investment for the course, including materials and downloadable recorded practices is $475 for PRE-Licensed Professionals and others who do NOT want CEU's. The investment for Licensed Professionals in the State of Minnesota who want CEU's is $650.
Can I Pay for the Course with my HSA or FSA Dollars?
YES you can!
Will I be Qualified to Teach MBSR when I Complete the 8-week Series?
No. Taking the 8-week series will allow you to deeply understand and embody mindfulness practice. That embodiment and understanding will make it's way into your personal life and professional practice. However, the 8-week series is a prerequisite for becoming a Certified MBSR instructor, and this course does satisfy that prerequisite.
What if I miss a session?
Each session builds on the previous one. We strongly encourage consistent attendance so that you get all the benefits of live guidance and group dynamics. While missing a session is not ideal, we get it—life is unpredictable - so it’s always possible that you may miss a session. However, sessions will not be recorded, so if you know up front that you will miss more than one session, consider taking the course when you are able to attend all 8 sessions.
I’ve never done a full-day retreat before — what do I need to know?
If the thought of a full-day retreat feels daunting, don't worry—it's simpler than you might think. The 8-hour day is structured around guided meditation sessions, gentle physical movements, and enriching group discussions. No experience is required. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to participate fully. Consider this retreat your special day to focus solely on your own well-being—a rare, precious gift to yourself.
I’ve tried mindfulness before, and it didn’t work. How will this be different?
If you've dabbled in mindfulness before with limited success, MBSR offers a structured, comprehensive approach that might be the key to unlocking its benefits for you. This program isn’t about surface-level fixes or information; it delves deep into mindfulness theory and practice, facilitating a transformative shift in how you engage with stress, emotions, and life itself. Additionally, the group setting and Colette’s expert guidance provide the accountability and direction often missing in mindfulness practices.
Can I get Continuing Education Credits for MBSR?
If you’re a therapist or licensed clinical social worker in Minnesota, yes! The MBSR program qualifies for 24 CEUs.
I’m still not sure if MBSR is right for me.
It's completely natural to have reservations—mindfulness is a personal journey, and it's essential that you find the right fit. Here's what we unconditionally promise each participant in our Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program: Research-backed stress reduction strategies: MBSR techniques are grounded in over 30 years of research. A focus on application: There is more value in practicing mindfulness than there is in knowing mindfulness. We center practice and application to your REAL life. Compassionate guidance: You’ll not only experience compassion from Colette and your peers, but you’ll deepen your own self-compassion as well.