MBSR FAQs

There are no pre-requisites for joining a course. You don't need any previous experience of mindfulness or meditation. In fact, is well suited to people who completely new to mindfulness.

You will be asked to attend eight weekly sessions, each 2.5 hours in duration, plus a separate online half-day retreat.

You will also have approximately 45 minutes of daily home practice in between sessions. Home practices include those which are taught during the class and reflection exercises. There are vital learnings to be gained from the home practice and it will inform our discussions during sessions. It is therefore really important participants think about whether they can make the time commitment, before registering for a course.

The courses will take place in small groups online via Zoom. Although the number of people on a course will vary, you can expect a minimum of 8 and maximum of 14 participants.

Once you have registered for a course, you will be asked to complete a confidential personal history questionnaire.

This is to ensure I am aware of any sensitive issues around your participation. A free 20-minute follow up call will then be arranged with you, prior to the course commencing.

At least 24 hours before the start of the course, you will receive an email with additional course details including the Zoom login information.

You will receive weekly PDF handouts before each session. The handouts will cover the theoretical elements of each session and details the home practice for that week. Audio files with guided meditation practices will also be sent via email after the first session.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. You’ll need enough space to sit or lie down comfortably, and a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. A yoga mat can be helpful but isn’t essential. You may also want a chair, cushions and a blanket to help you feel comfortable during the practices.

As the course takes place online, you’ll need Zoom, a device with an in-built webcam and microphone, and a stable internet connection.

The movement / yoga part of the course is very gentle. Course participants are encouraged to work within their physical capabilities and never beyond it. A range of options will be offered for finding a comfortable sitting or lying posture.

A confidential, trusting and supportive group setting encourages participants to openly share their feelings and experiences. Often this is one of the most beneficial and rewarding aspects of the course. However it is completely up to you, how much and what you are willing to share within the group. You are under no pressure to share anything you don't want to.

No. MBSR courses are designed to be secular and non-religious. People who take the course come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.

Although not ideal, it is not a major problem to miss one session but this should not be the first one. To optimise your experience of the course, you should avoid missing anymore than two sessions during the eight weeks.

No. MBSR sessions are not recorded. This helps to create a private and confidential space where participants can feel comfortable taking part and sharing their experiences.

A cancellation must be requested at least 14 days before the first session of a course. In these circumstances, we will refund the course fee, minus any administrative charges associated with your payment method, if applicable. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the course starts are normally non-refundable. At our discretion. we may offer the option to transfer your booking to a future course or consider a refund in exceptional circumstances.

MBSR is not intended to replace medical or psychological treatment, and it may not be appropriate for everyone at every stage of their lives. If you are currently experiencing significant mental health difficulties, such as severe depression, suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, psychosis or untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it may be more appropriate to seek additional support before undertaking an MBSR course.

Similarly, if you have experienced a very recent bereavement, current trauma or active substance abuse misuse, an MBSR course may not be right for you at this time.

If you are unsure whether MBSR is appropriate for you, please get in touch before booking and we can discuss this.

Apps and books are wonderful resources for mindfulness and meditation practices. However people often find that a structured 8 week course gives them something to commit to. Hearing the experiences of others in a group setting also offers the opportunity for rich learning and provides a sense of community, as opposed to practicing alone.