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Description
In this Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program, participants learn and practice mindfulness meditation (including body scan and gentle yoga). Participants also learn how to cultivate an observant, accepting and compassionate stance towards their thoughts, emotions, body sensations and impulses as well as specific information about stress physiology and psychology.
Position Requirements
During this 8 week (1.5 hours/week) program, a safe, supportive, and deeply engaging learning environment is created by 2 VIU Counsellors that allows participants to seek, explore, and inquire.
Upon completion of the program, MBSR participants will be able to:
- Articulate the key aspects of mindfulness as it relates to stress reduction, coping with pain and illness and enhancing well-being
- Practice and apply mindfulness techniques in both personal and professional settings as a means of contending more effectively with the demands of life
- Integrate mindfulness into social interaction with peers, family and friends and supervisors to facilitate more effective and mindful communication
Empirically supported benefits of mindfulness include both physical and psychological benefits such as:
- Increased immune functioning
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduction of chronic pain
- Improvement in sleep
- Reduced rumination and stress
- Boost to working memory
- Increased focus and attention
- Less emotional reactivity, resulting in better communication and conflict resolution
Sign-up Directions
To learn more about the current status of this program, visit the Mindfullness Based Stress Reduction webpage, or email either of the Counsellor contacts further below.
This program is offered in both the fall and spring semester. A half-hour intake interview is required with one of the counsellors teaching the program.
Contact: Art Phipps Art.Phipps@viu.ca or Michelle Daoust Michelle.Daoust@viu.ca to book an intake appointment.