FAQ
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Q & A
Welcome to Our Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Online Program
We are here to answer your questions about our online MBSR training. Our goal is to make your learning journey as smooth and beneficial as possible.
General Questions About Mindfulness & The Program
What are the benefits of practicing mindfulness? Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness can reduce stress, minimize “brain chatter,” help you cope with physical and mental pain, and improve your attention and focus. Whether you’re looking to improve your physical health, mental health, or overall well-being, mindfulness is a great tool.
When can I start the MBSR Online Training? The program is self-paced, so you can begin at any time that works for you. There are no fixed start dates.
How do I access the program materials? Each lesson comes with clear instructions, and you can download all audio talks and meditations. To download an audio file, simply tap the three dots on the right side of the audio player.
Program Structure & Logistics
Do I have to complete the training in 8 weeks? No, you can take as long as you like to go through the material. While the program is designed as an 8-week course, you have full flexibility to complete it at your own pace.
Do I have to be online on a certain day? No, you can complete the training on your own schedule. There are no specific days you need to be online.
After I finish the course, do I still have access to the materials? Yes, you get full lifetime access to the training. You can also download all the audio teaching and practice files to keep and use at a later date, even after you’ve completed the program. This also allows you to repeat the course for free in the future if you wish to refresh your practice.
Can I go back and re-watch sections? Yes, you have full flexibility to go back and forth to any section within the course while you are actively participating.
How is the learning verified in a self-paced online program? We ensure the integrity of your learning through a few measures:
- Progress Monitoring: Our system tracks your progress to ensure you’re not rushing through the material.
- Time-Gated Lessons: Some lessons, like a 15-minute meditation, won’t allow you to move to the next section until the designated time has elapsed. This ensures you dedicate the necessary time to each practice.
Getting the Most from Your Training
How should I structure my practice? To get the full benefit of the training, we recommend:
- Practicing 30–45 minutes per day.
- Not doing more than one lesson per week.
How do I do the Self-Retreat? The retreat is designed for you to do in a setting you prefer. We’ve created a comfortable six-hour schedule for you to follow. We highly recommend limiting all electronic distractions and letting friends and family know you will be unavailable during that time.
Understanding the Downloaded Files
What do the file names mean? Our file names are structured to help you easily identify the content. Here’s a quick guide:
- #: Lesson and topic number (e.g., 1.02, 2.05)
- Type: The file type, such as gm (Guided Meditation) or talk (Spoken content).
- Source: Where the content comes from (e.g., ross, mbsrwb for MBSR workbook).
- Keywords: Important themes (e.g., stopping, dropping, awareness).
- Length: The duration of the file (e.g., 3m for 3 minutes).
MBSR Certification and Becoming a Teacher
Does this course certify me to teach MBSR? No. Completing this program fulfills the first requirement for being accepted into an official MBSR teacher training program, but it does not, by itself, certify you to teach the full MBSR program. You will receive a Certificate of Completion for our 80-hour program, which allows you to offer aspects of MBSR to individuals and groups.
How do I become a certified MBSR teacher? Becoming a certified MBSR teacher is a comprehensive, multi-phase process that involves:
- Completion of an 8-week MBSR course (like this one) and a 5-10 day silent meditation retreat.
- Ongoing Training, which includes a practicum and preliminary teaching experience.
- Developing Teaching Skills by co-teaching with a mentor and completing further training modules. This process is managed through institutions such as the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
How do I select the right MBSR/MBCT teacher? While mindfulness teachers are not currently regulated by a single governing body, qualified teachers adhere to a standard curriculum. To teach MBSR, teachers must follow the curriculum established by the University of Massachusetts Medical School and typically go through a three-stage training process: course participation, teacher training, and co-teaching with experienced mentors.
Need More Help?
Please, do not hesitate to reach out!
Email: TheMindfulCoach@gmail.com
Warmly,
Heid & Ross