Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a widely recognized evidence-based, educational program to teach individuals effective strategies for managing stress and improving overall well-being. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a widely recognized evidence-based, educational program to teach individuals effective strategies for managing stress and improving overall well-being. Developed in the late 1970’s by Jon Kabat-Zinn this course is considered to be the "Gold Standard" in Mindfulness Educaiton.

This 8-week course combines the practices of mindfulness meditations and the development of participants’ awareness of present moment experiences and insight into the workings of the thinking mind, to help individuals manage stress, pain and illness.

Joy, contentment, and appreciation of the small pleasures in life can be cultivated through an active participation in this life enhancing experience.


What to Expect

1-1/2 hour Orientation Session

2-1/2-hour participatory experience that includes Instructor presentations, guided group discussions, home practice reviews and introduction to and practice of guided Mindfulness meditations. Meditation practices include the Body Scan, Gentle Yoga Movement (mind-body awareness), Seated and Walking Meditation, and Loving Kindness/Compassion meditation.

All Day In-Person Mindfulness Retreat


Included in this Course:

Support through the provision of course reading materials, guided meditation audio tracks, and on-line supplemental resources.
Home Practice Guides
An In-Person Day of Mindfulness Retreat

Why Mindfulness?

In addition to learning ways to manage both short and long term stressful life events, participants who implement the Mindfulness practices as learned in these programs often report the following:

Ability to slow the ruminating mind and catastrophic thinking.
Increased awareness for changing unskillful habits.
Mitigation of the effects of chronic pain.
Greater energy and enthusiasm for life.
Improved self-esteem and overall personal growth.
Sleep quality improvements.
Management of mindless eating.


Your instructor is committed to and skilled at creating a safe, supportive, and deeply engaging environment providing unlimited email access for support throughout the program.
This challenging life-affirming course requires a solid commitment for optimal and long-lasting benefit


$450 General Public
$420 UNC Affiliate currently employed by the University or Healthcare System
$340 Participant repeating the UNC 8 Week Mindfulness course within 12 months
$275 Currently enrolled UNC Undergraduate and Graduate Student

Limited scholarship support may be available