This program is most beneficial:

 

• For those who suffer from reoccurring depression or ongoing anxiety.

• For those suffering from chronic stress, illness, physical pain and/or mental suffering who wish to increase their overall health and wellbeing in a group setting.

• For those interested in an opportunity to learn a new way of relating to unwanted thoughts and feelings and powerful skills for responding to them in an intentional and skillful manner.

 

Course Overview:

 

• Introduction to neuroscience, and negative mind states associated with depression and anxiety

• Looks at the “illness” of depression/anxiety and asks how mindfulness can help you stay well

• Change your relationship to thoughts & feelings and recognize patterns of mind and emotions

• Increase tolerance of distress and how to relate differently to daily challenges

• Learn personal triggers and early warning signals to prevent negative spirals

• Learn CBT skills, how our thinking patterns and emotions influence our behaviours 

• Learn how to recognize, investigate and manage sensations in the body 

• Develop a solid meditation practice & learn how to manage stress, quiet your mind, and calm your body

• Learn a variety of meditation techniques including sitting, walking, body-scan, mindful movement (yoga), and self compassion (loving kindness)

• Strengthen your connection to yourself, others, and the environment

• Feel supported within a small group of like-minded people

 

What is the course structure and commitment?

​

• Orientation (required for enrolment, no charge)

• Eight weekly classes, 2 ½ hours each (31 hours direct instruction)

• Half day silent retreat (5 hours), between classes 6 and 7

• Home practice assignments 45-60 minutes each day

• You must be willing to make a strong commitment to attend all classes and to practice daily home assignments for eight weeks. If you are unable to attend your regularly scheduled class, we encourage you to make up the class by viewing the zoom video recording prior to the next session.

• To receive a completion certificate for the course, you may not miss more than two classes, and you must attend the Silent Retreat Day session.  If you cannot attend the Retreat session during your course, you may make it up at a future retreat sitting.

• Prerequisite: none, although it is helpful to have some familiarity with mindfulness meditation or have completed the MBSR program.

 

Silent Retreat Half Day

The Silent Retreat Day is an intensive 5 hour session of mindfulness practices intended to assist participants in firmly and effectively establishing the use of mindfulness across multiple situations in their lives, while simultaneously preparing them to utilize mindfulness far beyond the conclusion of the MBCT program.  This half day class takes place between weeks six and seven. Having established a daily mindfulness practice during the previous 6 weeks, you will be better prepared to benefit from this retreat.

​