MBSR 8-Week
Program

What is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction?

Course Synopsis

The Scottsdale Institute for Health and Medicine’s Stress Reduction Program is an 8 week course based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.

Participants attend a 2 – 2.5 hour class once a week for 8 weeks, and a full day session between the sixth and seventh class. Typical class size is 15 to 25. The course actively involves participants learning and practicing mindfulness-based stress reduction methods to improve their health and their ability to handle stressful situations effectively.

Relatively intense training in mindfulness based stress reduction techniques along with stretching, pain reduction techniques, and neuromuscular reeducation are presented within an overall context of self-awareness and health promotion (Kabat-Zinn, 1982; Kabat-Zinn et al., 1985).

All prospective participants are encouraged to discuss their situations with the instructor prior to enrollment in the program.  The participants are given the opportunity to discuss their individual situation and life stresses in detail. In addition, there is an orientation class scheduled before the start of the 8-week program. In the last class of the 8-week program, plans are made to promote self-directed continuance of the program.

Criteria for Participation

Participants In the Stress Reduction Program fall Into four general categories:

Preventive and life enhancement: These participants are self-referred or referred by others
Psychological/emotional: The severity of the diagnosis ranges from mild to moderate, with common diagnoses being; depression, anxiety, panic disorder, or adjustment disorder.
Medical Diagnosis/Stress Related Diagnosis: This category of participants includes those with mind/body complaints or physical illnesses exacerbated by insufficient coping skills.
Medical Diagnosis/Acute or Chronic: This category of participants are seeking management of symptoms such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Prospective participants are encouraged to discuss their situations with the instructor prior to signing up. In addition, there is an orientation class scheduled before the 8-week program begins.

People come to the stress reduction program for conditions such as:

Physical Conditions

  • High blood pressure
  • Headaches
  • Heart disease
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Gastrointestinal distress
  • Skin disorders
  • Cancer
  • Immune disorders
  • Chronic pain
  • HIV infection
  • AIDS

Psychological/Emotional Conditions

  • Anxiety and panic
  • Depression
  • Type A behavior
  • Job or family stress
  • Boredom and restlessness
  • Fear
  • Anger
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Loneliness
  • Eating disorders
  • Loss of memory
  • Low self-esteem
  • Addictions

The majority of people report lasting decreases in both physical and psychological symptoms. Pain levels also improve and people learn to cope better with pain that may not go away. The majority also report an increased ability to relax, greater energy and enthusiasm for life, improved self-esteem, and an increased ability to cope more effectively with both short and long-term stressful situations.

Schedule

In 2024 MBSR classes will be taught by Paul Sugar and pending Covid updates held at The Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85253, and LIVE ONLINE. An orientation session has been scheduled at the same location AND LIVE ONLINE to provide more information about the class. Registration can be completed at the orientation session or you can preregister. For a live online classes please Pre-register in order to receive an online link. Please call 480-947-3655 or email mindful@cox.net with questions about preregistering or simply come to the orientation session. For CE info go here.

2024 Spring April 10- June 5,  Live online classes and in person all day retreat are available for this schedule. MBSR Class includes Mindfulness Meditation, Mindful Movement, and Mindfulness in everyday life. 

Orientation-Wednesday April 10, 6:00 pm-7:00  Room: Live online
Class 1 – Wednesday April 17,  6:00 pm-8:30  Room: Live online
Class 2 – Wednesday April 24,  6:00 pm-8:30 Room: Live online
Class 3 – Wednesday May 1,  6:00 pm-8:30 Room: Live online
Class 4 – Wednesday May 8, 6:00 pm-8:30 Room: Live online
Class 5 – Wednesday May 15, 6:00 pm-8:30 Room: Live online
Class 6 – Wednesday May 22, 6:00 pm-8:30 Room Live online
All Day- Saturday May 25, 9:00 am- 4:00 pm Room Live online and in person
Class 7 – Wednesday May 29, 6:00 pm-8:30 Room: Live online
Class 8 – Wednesday June 5, 6:00 pm-8:30 Room: Live online

Course materials include four mindfulness meditation audio recordings, two mindful hatha yoga videos, one mindful tai chi warm-up/stretching video, and a workbook.

Cost:

The cost of the course is on a sliding scale based upon annual income. Ask about our financial aid programs too.

CE are $80 per profession.

Because this class is not considered formal medical or psychological treatment, payment cannot be billed to insurance plans.

Annual Income Based Tuition
Pay Here
Less than $30,000 – $150
$30,000 to $59,999 – $250
$60,000 to $89,999 – $350
Greater than $90,000 – $450
Continuing Education Credit (CE) – $80 per profession
Custom

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