Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Programme, MBSR
The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Programme (MBSR) was developed in 1979 at the University of Massachusetts Medical Centre (UMass) by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn. This 8 week programme was initially designed to support participants to respond more effectively to stress, pain and illness. We have all, no doubt, experienced times when we have conducted our lives mechanically, on auto-pilot and have become separated from our ability to appreciate the many joys that life offers us. The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Programme is based on the belief that by developing increased awareness of our selves, including body, mind and heart, we will have the ability to restore ourselves to a balanced sense of health and well-being.
Extensive research has shown that MBSR is beneficial to people with a range of medical conditions. In more recent years, the MBSR programme has been adapted by others working particularly in the area of mental health. Reports from this area of work clearly indicate that the MBSR programme can greatly assist those experiencing psychological distress, including anxiety, panic, depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
Since its inception at the University of Massachusetts Medical Centre more than 20,000 people have completed the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Programme.
See the UMASS Centre for Mindfulness for further information: www.umassmed.edu