MBSR 8-Week Certificate Course

Reduce stress, lower anxiety and live with greater ease

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

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The most trusted and scientifically researched mindfulness meditation training program

  • Cultivate self-awareness
  • Respond rather than react to stress
  • Change habitual reactivity patterns
  • 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 MBSR Training Provider

  • Established in 2009, we've taught 200+ MBSR classes
  • Accredited Training Provider, following IACET/ANSI standards
  • Rated 4.8/5 with 400+ reviews on Trustpilot

Expert Online Instruction

  • Certified MBSR Instructors trained at UMASS, Brown & USCD
  • Interactive, practice based, group learning environment
  • Live & Online (Zoom), from the comfort of home/office

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
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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

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

We aspire to make this valuable training available to as many people as possible.  For our scholarship tier, we use the honor system. If you are able to pay a little more, please consider selecting the Supporter Tier.   

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

SCHOLARSHIP TIER

$139

3 easy payments (or 1 time: $399 USD)

For students and retirees

BASE TIER

$197

3 easy payments (or 1 time: $567 USD)

Standard price for all participants

SUPPORTER TIER

$241

3 easy payments (or 1 time: $723 USD)

Support scholarships

COACHING (OPTIONAL)

$149

One time payment

Add 45 minute 1 on 1 coaching 

Register Now

iacet logo with white space 1 (2)Mindful 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

Starts: March 4th

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

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Sessions: March 4th - April 29th
Retreat: Sunday, April 16th
Instructor: Dr. Siobhán Gibbons
Closed

Starts: March 6th

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

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Sessions: March 6th - May 1st
Retreat: Sunday, April 23rd
Instructor: Dr. Gus Castellanos
Closed

Starts: March 8th

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

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Sessions: March 8th - May 3rd
Retreat: Sunday, April 23rd
Instructor: Peter Calin
Closed

Starts: March 12th

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

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Sessions: March 12th - May 7th
Retreat: Saturday, April 29th
Instructor: Alisha Aum

Closed

Starts: March 15th

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

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Sessions: March 15th - May 10th
Retreat: Saturday, April 29th
Instructor: Alisha Aum
Closed

Starts: March 24th

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

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Sessions: March 24th - May 19th
Retreat: Sunday, May 7th
Instructor: Bill McCracken
Near Capacity

Starts: March 28th

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

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Sessions: March 28th - May 23rd
Retreat: Sunday, May 7th
Instructor: Punita Jani-Thaker

Starts: April 1st

Saturdays, 9:00AM - 11:30PM ET

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Sessions: April 1st - May 27th
Retreat: Sunday, May 14th
Instructor: Bill McCracken

Starts: April 7th

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

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Sessions: April 7th - June 2nd
Retreat: Saturday, May 20th
Instructor: Cheryl Shah

Starts: April 10th

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

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Sessions: April 10th - June 5th
Retreat: Saturday, June 3rd
Instructor: Linnie Vassallo

Starts: April 12th

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

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Sessions: April 12th - June 7th
Retreat: Saturday, May 27th
Instructor: Cindy Gittleman

Starts: April 25th

Tuesdays, 9:00PM - 11:30PM ET

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Sessions: April 25th - June 20th
Retreat: Saturday, June 10th
Instructor: Bill McCracken

Starts: April 28th

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

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Sessions: April 28th - June 23rd
Retreat: Saturday, June 10th
Instructor: Natalia Cepeda

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 standard 8 Week MBSR course, taught live & online by a authorized MBSR instructor. We follow the MBSR Standards of Practice. This training course qualifies as a prerequisite for MBSR Instructor Certification programs.

What can I do with my certificate of completion?

Your MBSR training certificate of completion certificate and badge can be shared with anyone via social media, a website, and via email. We use the Open Badge 2.0 credentialing framework. Your digital credentials are verifiable through www.credential.net and do not expire. 

How much time is required to complete the course?

The training program is eight weeks long, meeting live online once a week for about 2 1/2 hours per session (sessions 1 and 8 may be a little longer), with a day-long retreat on the Saturday between sessions six and seven. There is also a mandatory orientation the week before our first session.

If you're considering registering for the program, please ensure you are able to fully commit to this program, as the instructor and your fellow participants are helped by your presence and dedication for the eight weeks of the program.

What are participants required to complete?

* Attend all online live sessions, including the orientation and day-long silent meditation retreat.
* Practice formal meditation for a minimum of 45 minutes, six days per week during the training program using the guided audio meditations provided, as well as any other informal home assignments.
* Actively participate in the live sessions, listen to the experiences of others taking the course, and share your own experiences.
* Complete the pre-course questionnaire on the order form. 
* 15-minute pre-course meeting with your instructor. 

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

There is a minimum of 45 minutes to over an hour of formal and informal home practice every day during the eight weeks of the MBSR course. Much of this is meditation using the guided recordings provided for that week, in addition to some informal activities and reflections.

What is MBSR?

MBSR or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is a course developed by Dr. Jon Kabat­-Zinn. It features sitting meditation, walking meditation, eating meditation, gentle movement, body scan, stress reduction, and informal, everyday practices. You can learn more about MBSR here.

Can I switch teachers?

Yes, but you would need to do so during the refund period. You would have to switch teachers within seven days of your orientation to request a refund or switch to another class that has not started. Once the first class has begun, we cannot make any changes.

Is prior meditation or mindfulness training required?

No experience is needed to take MBSR. We'll guide you through every step of the journey you'll be taking with the other participants.

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

You may miss up to 1 session during the course and still receive your certificate of completion. If your circumstances create unplanned absences, please contact your instructor as soon as possible. It may also happen that you enroll in a session with more than one known schedule conflict. If this is the case, please contact your course manager to see about switching sessions within seven days of orientation.

How should I prepare for the Full Day Retreat?

The "All Day Silent Retreat" will take place over Zoom. Please join from a quiet area free from noise and distraction. Consider asking those who will be in the same space to give you the gift of time for this practice. Bring what you may need during the day, like water, medications, blankets, etc. to support your practice. Bring lunch since we will have an hour for a silent and mindful eating lunch practice. 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.

How long is the full-day retreat?

The retreat is from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm ET.

What should I do if I can't make the retreat?

While the retreats are mandatory, we do understand it may be difficult to set aside an entire day to be present. For those who cannot make their scheduled retreat, we do allow participants to attend a different full day retreat. Participants must reach out to their course manager as soon as they know they cannot attend to get a different retreat scheduled.

Can I get a refund if I’m not satisfied? Even after the course starts?

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

What will this course offer for students who already have other meditation or mindfulness experience?

With the variety of meditation teachings and styles available in contemporary society, the MBSR course may have meditations and other practices even experienced students may not have previously encountered. There is a great deal of information about the scientific study of mindfulness, as well as new connections that form while learning with others, which can be helpful in sustaining a personal practice in mindfulness-based stress reduction. In addition, this is the full MBSR course, which is the first step for those who may be interested in pursuing an MBSR Instructor Certification.

What is the difference between instructors?

All our instructors are authorized to teach MBSR and have experience teaching mindfulness. All classes follow the official MBSR Standards of Practice. The main differences between the classes are the days and times when they will occur. 

How do I schedule a coaching session?

If you purchased coaching, your instructor will reach out to you after class one to schedule with you. If you have not purchased coaching you can do so any time with this link. 

I want to take this course with someone in my household. Can we join sessions from the same device?

We request that you participate as individuals, from two separate devices, and two separate rooms. During the sessions, we often break into small groups, and sometimes groups of only two people, so sharing a screen creates a challenge. It’s important to experience MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) individually for the best outcome and to have your own, unique experience.

Can I start teaching MBSR after completing the course?

No. It takes the average MBSR instructor about 2-3 years to become an instructor. There are multiple classes that are needed before you can become fully certified. Taking the 8-week MBSR course is the first step on the MBSR instructor path. You must first be a participant in the class before you can teach the class.

Here are some helpful articles and resources that map out the full path to becoming an MBSR instructor from different institutions: MBSR Teacher Training Guide

Do you offer group discounts?

We do not offer group discounts. We offer a "Pick What You Pay" pricing tier for our community to choose the price option that works best for them. The course is the same at all price tiers.

Is the course accredited?

This course is accredited by Mindful Leader. Our certifications are managed on the Accredible platform and are Open Badges 2.0 Certified.

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.

By committing to the MBSR program, you may reap the same abundant benefits and rewards that many have experienced before. If you are unable to commit at this time, we offer multiple classes monthly and will be happy to welcome you when the time is right. However, if you feel that now is the time to prioritize your mental well-being, we invite you to register today and experience the deeper benefits and understanding of mindful meditation with a standardized practice you can trust.