Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between mindfulness programs and compassion programs?

  • All of our courses are mindfulness-based interventions offering variety of mindfulness practices throughout the course. In mindfulness programs, mindfulness practices are at the core. In compassion programs, mindfulness practices are offered with more emphasis on compassion for self and others.  

What are the similarities between MBSR, MBCT, and MSC?

  • Built around the foundations of mindfulness practices (formal and informal)
  • Secular with scientific context
  • Encourage experiential learning through mindfulness practices and inquiry
  • No prior meditation experiences are necessary
  • 2.5 hours or more of weekly sessions for 8-weeks (MBSR, MBCT:2.5 hrs, MSC:3 hrs)
  • Include a teacher led all-day or half-day silent retreat
  • Cultivate awareness to personal patterns that cause suffering and create ways to change one's relationship to suffering
  • Can be therapeutic but cannot be substituted for therapy

What are the differences between MBSR, MBCT, and MSC?

 

 

MBSR

(Mindfulness-Based

Stress Reduction)

MBCT

(Mindfulness-Based

Cognitive Therapy)

MSC

(Mindful

Self-Compassion)

Who can benefit?

General public. 

Especially those experiencing chronic stress.

Anybody who deals with low mood and/or worry.

For prevention of relapse of depression and anxiety.

General public.

Especially those experiencing emotional distress and struggle with self-criticism.

Over the course of 8-weeks participants can...

Become aware of personal experiences to stress and open to the possibility of responding instead of reacting to stress.

Gain insight into negative thought patterns and triggers associated with low mood and anxiety. Recognize the possibility to choose the state of mind, moment to moment.

Observe difficult emotions as they arise and be able to soothe and validate. Can build emotional resilience and capacity for emotional wellbeing.

Core practice

Mindfulness

Mindfulness

Mindfulness with emphasis on compassion training

All-Day

7 hours

6 hours

4 hours

 

How do I register for a Class?

Do you provide CE credits?

  • UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness has been approved to offer CE credit by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). We provide APA and BRN CE credit for many of the courses we offer. You can review the details on our Continuing Education page. 

Can I get a refund after the first class?

  • A refund (minus the non-refundable/non-transferable deposit) will be made for participants who withdraw prior to the 2nd class by emailing mindfulness@health.ucsd.edu. There will be no refunds after the 2nd class starts. Registration, deposits, and funds are non-transferable.

    In the unlikely event that the course is cancelled, UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is responsible only for a full refund of the registration fee and not for transportation, hotel accommodations or any miscellaneous expenses.

    The refunds are processed in the same method as the payments were submitted.

I might miss more than 2 classes. Should I still register?

  • To truly derive the full benefits of the course, it is best to make the time to commit to being at all 8 of the classes. If you are going to miss more than 2 classes, we recommend that you consider attending the class at another time.

Is there a UC San Diego employee or a UC San Diego Health employee discount?

  • Sorry, there is no UC San Diego Health employee discount at this time.

Do you have resources to help me continue my practice after the class ends?

  • We offer a 30-Min Introductory Workshop in Mindfulness and Compassion Practices. Please check out our Introductory Workshop webpage for more information.
  • For past MBSR graduates, you are welcome to participate in any of the upcoming MBSR All-Day Silent Retreats. Please follow the link for more information and upcoming dates. 
  • For other resources, review the Continuing Practice page.
How can I becoming a mindfulness instructor through UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness?

For further questions or assistance, please sign up for a Free Consultation.