What is Mindfulness–Based Stress Reduction?

Mindfulness–Based Stress Reduction was pioneered by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. and assisted by Saki Santorelli, Ph.D. and colleagues in 1979, at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. In 1993, Bill Moyers featured Jon Kabat-Zinn's Stress Reduction Clinic in his series "Healing and the Mind". A great wave began as many health care professionals wanted to model similar programs. Currently there are over two hundred medical centers in the United States that have Mindfulness–Based Stress Reduction programs. MBSR has also expanded internationally, there are programs in nearly every continent of the world.

The Mindfulness–Based Stress Reduction Program is an intensive eight-week training to empower participants to take an active role in the management of their health and wellness. The classes meets weekly for 2.5 hours and there is an all-day session in the sixth week. Participants are asked to practice mindfulness meditation and/or mindful movement for 30-45 minutes a day with instructional CD's. Upon completion of the Stress Reduction Program, alumni can continue with free refresher and/or quarterly all-day sessions. In addition, there are a once a month Alumni Graduate program.

This program has improved hundreds of participants ability to live and cope with chronic pain, illness, stress related conditions, and the stresses of everyday life. By learning to actively participate in the management of health and well being, many participants report they are better able to manage stress, fear, anger, anxiety, and depression both at home and in the workplace. Participants have stated that they feel less judgmental and critical of themselves and subsequently to others. Many also report a decrease of the frequency and length of medical visits to hospitals, emergency rooms, and health care professional offices. There has also been a noticeable decrease in the use of prescription and non-prescription medications.

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