MBSR 8-Week Certificate Course

Learn how to reduce stress, lower anxiety and live with greater ease

✔ Cultivate self-awareness
✔ Respond rather than react to stress
✔ Change habitual reactivity patterns

The most trusted and scientifically researched mindfulness meditation training program

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is the gold standard in mindfulness training, created at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.

  • Learn the most respected mindfulness based training program
  • Earn your course certificate of completion and digital badge
  • Prerequisite for CWMF Training &  MBSR Teacher Training

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#1 Global Provider

  • Mindful Leader has taught hundreds of MBSR classes, with thousands of students worldwide
  • Accredited Training provider, following IACET/ANSI standards
  • Top Rated 4.8/5, 500+ reviews on Trustpilot

Expert Online Instruction

  • Accredited MBSR Instructors with extensive experience 
  • Interactive, practice based, group learning environment
  • Live & Online (Zoom), from the comfort of home/office

Robust Course Materials

  • Focused attention, body scan, loving kindness, and mindful movement guided meditations
  • Weekly PDF Lessons 
  • Additional supportive resources

Curriculum at a Glance

 2.5 hour Orientation, 8 weekly 2.5 hour Sessions, Plus Day-long (8 hour) at Home Retreat
(Attendance is mandatory for all sessions)

Orientation

  • Intro & Program Overview
  • Meet Instructor & Participants
  • Q&A

WEEKS 1 & 2

  • Mindful Movement
  • Mindful Eating
  • Body Scan Meditation
  • Perception Didactic
  • Awareness of Breathing
  • Pleasant Events Calendar

WEEKS 3 & 4

  • Walking Meditation
  • Lying Down Mindful Movement
  • Unpleasant Events Calendar
  • The Stress Response
  • Standing Mindful Movement
  • Group Exploration of Stress

WEEKS 5 & 6

  • Sitting and Standing Meditations
  • Working with Difficulties
  • Responding Instead of Reacting
  • Choiceless Awareness Meditation
  • Mindful Communications Discussion of Full Day

Full Day Retreat 

  • Morning Sessions
  • Meal Break
  • Afternoon Sessions

WEEKS 7 & 8

  • Silent Meditations
  • Loving Kindness Meditation
  • Formal and Informal Practice
  • Sustaining Your Practice
  • Course End

What's Included in the Training

✔ 8 weeks of live instructor lead sessions + orientation
✔ Day-long at-home retreat
✔ Guided meditations & online course materials
✔ Certificate of MBSR training completion & digital badge
✔ Qualifies for 7.2 CEUs
✔ Qualifies as prerequisite for CWMF training
✔ Qualifies as prerequisite for MBSR Teacher Training
✔ 1 week unconditional refund guarantee AFTER the course starts
✔ Option to add 1 on 1 coaching with instructor

BONUS: Free 90-Day Meditate Together Membership 

Who Should Enroll in the Training? 

Great for Beginners and Advanced Meditators

Individuals • Healthcare & Wellness Professionals • Psychotherapist •  Coaches •  Mindfulness Teachers • HR  Professionals • Leaders •  Internal Champions of Mindfulness

Testimonials from MBSR participants

Eboni Webb

David Gaskin

Luci Benedict

Molly Engel

Julie Space Roehn

Cecelia Low Wang

Pricing: Sliding Scale, Based on Income

Our goal is to provide this valuable training to as many individuals as possible. For those applying for our scholarship tier, we operate on the honor system. If you have the means, we encourage you to choose the Supporter Tier. Additionally, we provide a flexible payment plan that allows for bi-weekly payments. (every two weeks)

Select the tier, payment options, and optional coaching during the checkout process

SCHOLARSHIP TIER - Student & Senior

$99

4 biweekly payments (or 1 time: $399)

For college students and retirees.

BASE TIER - Personal/Individual

$149

4 biweekly payments (or 1 time: $567)

For personal improvement.

SUPPORTER TIER - Organizational/Professional

$199

4 biweekly payments (or 1 time: $723)

For organizations and professionals.

COACHING (OPTIONAL)

$149

One time payment

Add 45 minute 1 on 1 coaching 

iacet-logo-with-white-space-new versionMindful Leader is an accredited training provider through the International Accreditors of Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and adheres to international ANSI Standard for Continuing Education and Training. 
MBSR qualifies for 7.2 CEUs. Learn More

Incredible Value

Led by an expert  MBSR instructor, you will get trained in MBSR, the most scientifically researched and established mindfulness program. You'll receive program orientation, 8 live sessions, a full day long retreat, a certificate of completion, digital credentials and course materials. 

Upcoming MBSR Classes
All classes are taught Live & Online (Zoom)

Starts: February 26th

Mondays, 6:00PM - 8:30PM ET

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Sessions: February 26th - April 22nd
Retreat: Sunday, April 14th
Instructor: Alisha Aum
Closed

Starts: March 4th

Mondays, 6:00PM - 8:30PM ET

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Sessions: March 4th - April 29th
Retreat: Sunday, April 21st
Instructor: Karen Jones
Closed

Starts: March 8th

Fridays, 9:00AM - 11:30AM ET

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Sessions: March 8th - May 3rd
Retreat: Saturday, April 20th
Instructor: Bill McCracken
Closed

Starts: March 17th

Sundays, 9:00AM - 11:30AM ET

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Sessions: March 17th - May 12th
Retreat: Saturday, May 4th
Instructor: Dr. Siobhán Gibbons
Closed

Starts: March 22nd

Fridays, 12:00PM - 2:30PM ET

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Sessions: March 22nd - May 17th
Retreat: Sunday, April 28th
Instructor: Karen Jones

Starts: April 9th

Tuesdays, 6:00PM - 8:30PM ET

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Sessions: April 9th - June 4th
Retreat: Saturday, May 25th
Instructor: Peter Calin

Starts: April 12th

Fridays, 9:00AM - 11:30AM ET

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Sessions: April 12th - June 7th
Retreat: Saturday, May 18th
Instructor: Karen Jones

Starts: April 21st

Sundays, 9:00AM - 11:30AM ET

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Sessions: April 21st - June 16th
Retreat: Saturday, June 1st
Instructor: Dr. Tushar Bhagat

We add new classes frequently. If you don’t see a class that fits your schedule, sign up for email notifications. 

We stand behind our work and unconditionally guarantee your satisfaction with your purchase. If you’re not 100% satisfied simply email us anytime up to class one for a full refund minus a $25 application fee. Once class one begins there are no refunds. 


We are committed to serving our customers with care and integrity

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this course qualify as a prerequisite for MBSR Instructor Certification training?

This is the official 8 Week MBSR course, taught online and live by an accredited MBSR instructor. We adhere to the MBSR Standards of Practice, and this training course serves as a prerequisite for MBSR Instructor Certification programs.

What can I do with my certificate of completion?

After completing the MBSR training, you will receive a certificate of completion and badge, which you can share with others via email, social media, or a website. We use the Open Badge 2.0 credentialing framework, and your digital credentials are verifiable through www.credential.net. These credentials do not expire.

How much time is required to complete the course?

The MBSR training program spans eight weeks and meets online once a week. Each session lasts approximately 2.5 hours (with the exception of sessions 1 and 8, which may run a little longer). There is also a day-long retreat on the Saturday between sessions six and seven, and a mandatory orientation the week before the first session.

What are the course requirements for participants?

To successfully complete the MBSR program, you must:

- Attend all live online sessions, including the orientation and day-long silent meditation retreat

- Practice formal meditation for at least 45 minutes per day, six days a week, using the provided guided audio meditations and any other assigned informal home practices

- Actively participate in the live sessions, share your experiences, and listen to the experiences of others taking the course

- Have a 15-minute pre-course meeting with your instructor

How much work is required outside of the weekly live sessions?

Throughout the MBSR program's eight-week duration, it is essential to dedicate at least 45 minutes daily for formal and informal home practice. This primarily involves meditation using the provided guided recordings, along with some informal activities and reflections.

What is MBSR?

MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) is a program developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn that includes sitting meditation, walking meditation, eating meditation, gentle movement, body scan, stress reduction, and informal, everyday practices. You can learn more about MBSR by clicking the provided link. Learn more about MBSR here.

Can I switch teachers?

Yes, you may switch teachers during the refund period. To request a refund or switch to another class that has not started, you must make the switch within seven days of your orientation. After the first class has begun, no changes can be made.

Is prior meditation or mindfulness training required?

No prior experience is necessary to take the MBSR course. We will guide you through every step of the journey alongside other participants.

What should I do if I need to miss a live session?

You may miss up to one session during the course and still receive your certificate of completion. However, if you have any unplanned absences, please inform your instructor as soon as possible.

How should I prepare for the Full Day Retreat?

The "Full Day Silent Retreat" will take place over Zoom. Please join from a quiet area free from noise and distraction. Ask members of your household to allow you to have solitude and silence. Bring any necessary items for the day, such as water, medication, and blankets. You will have an hour for a silent and mindful eating practice, so please bring your meal. Wear comfortable clothing and know that you will be able to tend to personal needs throughout the day to visit the bathroom, take medications, or to drink water, etc.

What is the duration of the full-day retreat?

The full-day retreat runs from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm ET.

What should I do if I cannot attend the retreat?

We recognize that reserving an entire day for your retreat might be challenging. In case of  a scheduling conflict, you can reach out to your course manager to arrange attendance at an alternative full-day retreat.

Is it possible to get a refund even after the course begins?

We stand behind our work and unconditionally guarantee your satisfaction with your purchase. If you are not fully satisfied, simply email us within seven days of orientation for a full refund minus a $25 application fee. Once class one begins, refunds are no longer possible.

What benefits does this course offer for experienced meditation or mindfulness practitioners?

As an experienced practitioner, you can expect to benefit greatly from the MBSR course. The course can introduce you to new meditation techniques, enhance your understanding of mindfulness research, and provide opportunities for community engagement. Furthermore, the program serves as the first step towards an MBSR Instructor Certification, opening doors for professional growth. By participating in this course, you can refine your personal mindfulness practice while connecting with other like-minded individuals in a supportive environment.

How do instructors differ from one another?

All our instructors are accredited to teach MBSR and have experience teaching mindfulness. All classes adhere to the official MBSR Standards of Practice. Each teacher maintains the structure of the course, however their approaches may vary. 

How do I schedule a coaching session?

If you have purchased coaching, your instructor will contact you after class one to schedule a session. If you have not yet purchased coaching, you can do so anytime through this link

Can my household member and I attend sessions from the same device?

We request that participants join individually from two separate devices and two separate rooms. During the sessions, we often break into small groups or pairs, and sharing a screen can be challenging. It is essential to experience MBSR individually for the best outcome and to have a unique personal experience.

Can I start teaching MBSR after completing the course?

No. On average, it takes an MBSR instructor 2-3 years to become fully certified. Several classes are required before one can become a fully certified instructor. Taking the 8-week MBSR course is the first step in your journey to become an MBSR instructor.

Where can I find information on the path to becoming an MBSR instructor?

Various institutions offer helpful articles and resources that outline the full path to becoming an MBSR instructor. Please refer to our MBSR Teacher Training Guide.

Do you offer group discounts?

Our pricing is already discounted and highly competitive. We do not offer group discounts for public classes. However, we would be delighted to arrange a private group class for your organization. Please contact us for more details.

Is the course accredited?

Mindful Leader is an accredited training provider through the International Accreditors of Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and adheres to the international ANSI Standard for Continuing Education and Training. MBSR qualifies for 7.2 CEUs. In addition certifications are managed on Accredible, the world's leading digital credential platform, following the Open Badges 2.0 framework.

Final Note about Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), is the most extensively tested evidence-based mindfulness program available. Given the proliferation of mindfulness programs without established standards, it can be difficult to know which program to choose. For individuals seeking a reputable and in-depth exploration of mindfulness meditation, we highly recommend MBSR training. The program adheres to the same standards and structure as the in-person program created by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, as outlined in the MBSR Standards of Practice. This includes 2.5 hour sessions each week for 8 weeks, a full day-long at-home retreat, and daily practice. It is not a quick 5-minute meditation course on an app, but rather an intense course for those seeking to deepen their mindfulness practice and understanding through a trusted and well-researched system.

If you decide to enroll in the MBSR program, you can expect to experience some of the same benefits that many others have already enjoyed. In case you cannot make the commitment right now, we hold several classes every month and will be delighted to welcome you when you are ready. However, if you believe now is the time to prioritize your mental well-being, we encourage you to register today and enjoy the benefits and deeper understanding of mindful meditation through a trusted standardized practice.