This silent retreat is for those already teaching or interested in teaching mindfulness-based programs (MBP) such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention Therapy and Mindful Self-Compassion. It fulfills the silent retreat prerequisite for all Mindfulness-Based Interventions. In addition, it is open to individuals who would like to further develop their mindfulness meditation practice. Some experience with mindfulness meditation is expected. The importance of Silent Retreats for teachers of Mindfulness-Based Interventions is articulated beautifully in this article by Jon Kabat-Zinn.

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an intensive training retreat version of an empirically-supported 8-week program designed to cultivate the skill of self-compassion. Based on groundbreaking research by Kristin Neff and integrated with the clinical perspective of Christopher Germer, MSC teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to difficult emotions with kindness and understanding.

Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy (MiCBT) is a sophisticated integration of evidence-based core principles of mindfulness and CBT. MiCBT consists of a four-stage transdiagnostic treatment approach and is applicable to a wide range of mental health conditions and ages. It is based on the integration of traditional methods of mindfulness training (Burmese Vipassana tradition of Ledi Sayadaw and U Ba Khin) with well-established principles and methods from cognitive and behavioral traditions.

This silent retreat is for those already teaching or interested in teaching mindfulness-based programs (MBP) such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention Therapy and Mindful Self-Compassion. It fulfills the silent retreat prerequisite for all Mindfulness-Based Interventions. In addition, it is open to individuals who would like to further develop their mindfulness meditation practice. Some experience with mindfulness meditation is expected. The importance of Silent Retreats for teachers of Mindfulness-Based Interventions is articulated beautifully in this article by Jon Kabat-Zinn.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an empirically-supported 8-week psycho-educational group intervention that teaches mindfulness meditation as a health intervention. Created by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979, MBSR offers participants the possibility to develop a different relationship to stress resulting from chronic physical and psychological illnesses. This online teacher training is highly interactive. Throughout the 10 weeks, trainees will meet twice a week and move back and forth from experiencing the sessions of MBSR, and working in small groups to begin practicing teaching the various components of the MBSR program under the supervision and guidance of the teacher trainers. Inherent in this teacher training is the necessity of a personal mindfulness practice as a platform from which to teach and trainees will have an opportunity to experience a full 8-week MBSR as a participant. The delivery of MBSR requires the teacher to teach from a personal integration of what it means to embody a non-judgmental present moment focus with an understanding of how this supports and strengthens such mind states as kindness, compassion and equanimity. This training will provide the opportunity to strengthen these teacher competences.

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), is an innovative, empirically validated treatment program designed to prevent relapse in people who have recovered from unipolar depression and has shown promise in the treatment of mood disorders more generally. Self-knowledge grounded in sustained meditative awareness is its central tenet. Based on the research of Drs. Zindel Segal, Mark Williams, and John Teasdale and documented in their book Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression, the program integrates tools of cognitive therapy with the practice and clinical application of mindfulness meditation.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an empirically-supported 8-week psycho-educational group intervention that teaches mindfulness meditation as a health intervention. Created by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979, MBSR offers participants the possibility to develop a different relationship to stress resulting from chronic physical and psychological illnesses. Research outcomes have demonstrated positive improvements in physical and psychological symptoms, as well as changes in health attitudes and behaviors. This 6-day teacher training intensive will provide health care professionals and educators the opportunity to study and experience the foundational underpinnings, mindfulness meditations and specific exercises that are the framework of the MBSR program. The themes, rationales, intention and practice skills of each MBSR class session will be reviewed, discussed and practiced. Participant screening guidelines will be covered, and samples of client handouts will be provided.

This advanced training intensive is for MBSR teachers who wish to deepen their understanding of universal principles for teaching mindfulness-based interventions. As such, the focus for this training is less about teaching to the structure of MBSR and more about intentionally embodying mindful presence and strengthening the facilitation of mindful inquiry. Inquiry is both a practice and a skill. As a practice it is the ability to convey the philosophic underpinnings of mindfulness with an integrity that invites our participants to embark on a journey of discovery about the relevance of mindfulness practice as an approach for reducing stress and for the prevention of depression relapse. As a skill, mindful inquiry, demonstrates a willingness to embody the spirit of mindfulness with an oral congruity of where that understanding rests. The training is highly interactive and highlights the necessity of personal practice as a platform from which to teach.