Mindfulness is the intentional act of paying attention to the present moment, non-judgmentally. While definitions may vary, mindfulness consistently involves purposeful action, focused attention, and curiosity about the current experience, allowing us to fully engage with life as it unfolds.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an 8-week experiential learning program rooted in the principles of mindfulness. Guided by a professionally trained MBSR teacher, the program combines mindfulness practices, group discussions, and topics such as stress, communication, and resilience.

For more details about the course structure and what’s included, visit the MBSR page.

While both programs share the same foundation of mindfulness practice and stress reduction, MBSR-T (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens) is specifically designed to meet the developmental needs of adolescents.

MBSR is an 8-week program for adults that includes longer sessions, sustained silent practice, and more in-depth reflection. In contrast, MBSR-T offers shorter practices, more movement-based activities, and age-appropriate language to help teens engage with mindfulness in a way that feels accessible and relevant to their daily lives.

Both programs aim to cultivate greater awareness, resilience, and emotional regulation — just tailored for different stages of life.

Each person’s experience with MBSR is unique, and while benefits cannot be guaranteed, research has shown that many participants experience significant positive changes in various aspects of their lives.

Some commonly reported benefits of MBSR include:

• Improved sleep quality

• Lower blood pressure

• Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression

• Enhanced pain management

• Increased focus, concentration, and resilience

• Better emotional regulation and reduced rumination

• Greater self-compassion and the ability to respond skillfully rather than react impulsively

MBSR has over 40 years of empirical validation, with research demonstrating significant psychological and physical benefits. Studies show that MBSR can increase empathy and compassion toward others, enhance cognitive functions such as focus, attentional control, cognitive flexibility, and memory processing, and improve psychological health by reducing stress, ruminating thoughts, and fostering better emotional regulation and resilience. Additionally, MBSR has been shown to improve physical well-being, including boosting immune function, relieving pain, and lowering blood pressure. While individual experiences may vary, mindfulness practices provide an opportunity to tap into these wide-ranging benefits. Research highlights that the brain is not hard-wired—it’s possible to cultivate greater happiness, focus, and resilience through mindfulness.

For more details, check out the list of scientific articles below.

No, MBSR is not group therapy. It is a participatory program where participants learn experientially about stress, stress reactivity, and how to respond more skillfully to life’s challenges. MBSR is best viewed as an educational course that provides an atmosphere for self-exploration. Participants focus on their own reactions and responses rather than sharing personal stories or life events. The goal is to build tools and resources that can be integrated into your daily life long after the course ends.

If the MBSR course you’re hoping to join is full or the current schedule doesn’t work for you, you’re welcome to reach out and request to be added to the waitlist.

We occasionally open new sections based on demand, and being on the waitlist ensures you'll be among the first to know about upcoming offerings.

In most cases, health insurance does not cover MBSR courses in the United States. Some insurance companies may reimburse members under wellness codes as part of preventive health initiatives. We can provide a receipt for you to submit to your insurance company, but we recommend contacting them directly to confirm coverage.

Mindfulness practice is a core component of the MBSR program, both during class sessions and throughout the week. Participants are encouraged to practice daily using mindfulness recordings that include meditations and yoga sequences, each lasting approximately 40–45 minutes.

We understand that life can be incredibly busy, and adding a weekly class along with 45 minutes to an hour of daily mindfulness practice can feel challenging. It’s not uncommon for participants to find that joining the program initially adds some stress as they adjust to making time for it.

However, mindfulness often helps participants prioritize what’s truly important and become more efficient in their daily lives. Taking time to restore and rebalance can also increase energy reserves, helping you meet the demands of a busy schedule with greater resilience and clarity.

MBSR can be a valuable complement to psychotherapy. If you are currently in therapy, we recommend discussing your intention to take the 8-week course with your therapist. Ideally, your therapist will support your participation. With your permission and a signed consent agreement, we can collaborate with your therapist during the program if needed.

No prior experience is necessary. The MBSR program is designed for everyone, regardless of their background with mindfulness, meditation, or yoga. Participants will have the opportunity to explore and experience mindfulness with the guidance of a skilled teacher who can answer questions and provide support. For those with prior experience, the course can be a valuable refresher to deepen or rebuild a strong daily practice.

Not at all. The class is open to individuals with a wide range of abilities. The yoga practices in MBSR are gentle and focus on mindful attention to movement rather than achieving specific postures. If you have any physical challenges, please let your teacher know so they can offer modifications and ensure the practices suit your needs. Throughout the course, you’ll be encouraged to care for yourself in the best way possible.

Mindfulness is an ongoing approach to life, and participants are encouraged to develop a practice that best supports their unique needs. By the end of the 8-week program, you’ll have the tools and understanding to create a mindfulness routine that works for you.

Potentially, yes. Research has shown that while MBSR does not eliminate chronic pain, it can help reduce the perception of pain and change your relationship with it. Many participants report feeling less limited by pain, experiencing reduced severity, and finding greater joy in life, even in the presence of ongoing discomfort.

MBSR is not about controlling thoughts or reducing certain emotions, but rather about understanding and working with them. Through mindfulness practice, participants become more familiar with how their minds work and build the skill of noticing where their thoughts go, as well as the emotions and physical sensations associated with them.

While strong emotions like anger are a natural part of life, MBSR helps participants acknowledge their presence and explore how these emotions impact their lives. Rather than reacting impulsively, mindfulness practice creates space to respond more skillfully. For example, you may still experience anger but notice its effects in the moment, allowing you to make a conscious choice—like walking away—before it overwhelms you or others.

The goal of MBSR is not to eliminate emotions or control the mind, but to cultivate awareness and choice in how we engage with our thoughts and feelings.

Mindfulness is a universal concept found in many traditions and cultures, including Buddhism, where it is a central practice. However, MBSR is a secular program designed to be accessible to people of all religious backgrounds or none at all. Mindfulness is about being present and aware of your life as it is, which can complement many religious or spiritual practices.

Self-pacing and personal judgment are essential when participating in an MBSR course. For example, the gentle yoga included in the program may carry a small physical risk, such as muscle strain, but participants are encouraged to stay within their comfort zone and care for their bodies without overwhelming themselves.

Emotionally, some participants may experience an initial increase in pain, anxiety, or depression during the first few weeks of the course as they begin to face aspects of their lives they may have previously avoided. These feelings often lessen as the course progresses, and research shows that MBSR tends to reduce pain, depression, and anxiety by the end of the program. Participants are always encouraged to take care of themselves and modify practices as needed to ensure a safe and supportive experience.

In some cases, it’s recommended that participants be under the care of a mental health professional or medical doctor, or delay enrolling in an MBSR program until they’re in a more stable situation. This may include a history of substance or alcohol abuse with less than a year of sobriety, current or recent thoughts of self-harm or suicide, unresolved trauma or recent traumatic events, or being in the midst of major life changes. The goal is to ensure that participants can fully benefit from the MBSR course at a time in their life when they feel supported and ready to engage with the practices.

MBSR is designed for adults, and participants must be 18 or older to register. However, we offer Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens (MBSR-T) — a developmentally appropriate adaptation of the adult program for adolescents ages 13–18.

MBSR-T can be offered in group settings or as individual sessions, depending on availability and interest. If a group course is not currently scheduled, one-on-one sessions may be an option. Please reach out to inquire about upcoming offerings or to explore the best fit for your teen.

Yes! If a group MBSR-T course is not currently available, individual sessions may be offered as an alternative. These one-on-one sessions follow the same MBSR-T curriculum and can be tailored to your teen’s needs, schedule, and comfort level.

You’re also welcome to reach out to express interest in future group offerings — courses are sometimes created based on community need, and we’re happy to add you to the waitlist for upcoming sessions.

Yes, there can be significant benefits to taking an MBSR course again. Revisiting the program can deepen your mindfulness practice, reinforce the skills you’ve already learned, and help you address new challenges or life situations that may have arisen since your initial training. Even if you experienced positive effects the first time, taking the course again offers an opportunity to further develop your ability to manage stress and enhance your overall well-being.

The MBSR program is a structured, 8-week group course with a set curriculum designed to teach mindfulness practices and concepts in a supportive group environment. Coaching, on the other hand, is a personalized one-on-one experience tailored to your specific goals and needs. While MBSR provides a comprehensive introduction to mindfulness, coaching offers more flexibility and individualized support to deepen your practice or address specific life challenges or goals.

Yes, coaching can be an excellent way to build on the foundation you’ve developed in MBSR. Coaching sessions are tailored to your unique needs and can help you refine your practice, explore specific areas of mindfulness, or navigate challenges as they arise. It’s a great option for ongoing support and deepening your mindfulness journey.

It’s generally not recommended to do MBSR and coaching simultaneously. The MBSR course is an intensive, structured program designed to immerse participants in mindfulness practices over an 8-week period. To get the most out of the course, we encourage you to focus fully on the MBSR experience.

If you feel you need additional support after completing the course, we can discuss coaching as a way to deepen your practice and explore how mindfulness can continue to support your goals.

If your question isn’t covered there, feel free to reach out directly through the Contact page. We’d be happy to help!