Welcome!

The next Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course will run on Monday evenings from 6:30-9pm, 11 January to 14 March 2016 (no session on 15 February 2016). Included in the course is an Introduction and Orientation session, Monday 11 Jan 2016, and a Practice Day, Saturday 5 March 2016, 9am-3pm.

The first session, an Introduction and Orientation Session, is part of the Mindfulness Meetup on 11 Jan 2016. It can be booked separately for £15 (in advance, or £20 on the door). This is for those considering the course and needing more information before booking. It gives an introduction to mindfulness, an opportunity to practice together and explains what to expect on the MBSR course.

What is MBSR? MBSR is a well researched evidence-based course. It teaches core-skills in mindfulness, a particular way of paying attention, on purpose and non-judgementally that can enhance the awareness of our experiences, moment by moment. Practicing mindfulness regularly can help develop skills to be better able to manage stress and enhance well-being, confidence and positivity, even when times are challenging. The benefits have been well-researched and include having more energy, feeling more relaxed and more confident in handling stressful situations.

The MBSR curriculum is covered over eight 2-hour sessions and a 6-hour 'practice day'. The group size is capped at 15 participants to ensure access to personalised attention in developing mindfulness skills. How to build a home practice is an essential part of the course and 40-60 minutes a day is recommended. Worksheets and access to recordings of the practices are provided at the end of each session.

Who teaches the course? The course is taught by Dr Bernadette Carelse and is delivered to the high standards of the Good Practice Guidelines developed by the UK Network of Mindfulness Teachers. Dr Carelse qualitifed to teach meditation and yoga in 2001 and MBSR in 2013. She has also done doctoral research on childen's experiences of mindfulness. She regularly runs training in schools.

How much does the course cost? The MBSR course costs £240. This covers the introduction and orientation session, the taught sessions and the all-day practice session. It includes access to audio recordings to support home practice and handouts.

There are some discounts available for teachers and others working in educational settings (£200), those in full-time education or with low incomes (£150) and those who have completed an MBSR course with us in the past (£100). If you are eligible, please contact us for a discount code.

Are refunds available? Holistic Education requires payment at point of registration for all courses and sessions. Invoices are only raised where the employer is paying. No place is secure on a course until full payment has been received. Once an invoice has been raised the course place is dependent on prompt payment; if the invoice is not paid on time the course place is released for other participants on the waiting list. Responsibility for payment remains with the course attendee, if the employer does not pay the invoice the applicant will be liable to make payment or meet the cancellation charges.

After submitting your application you may withdraw your application 4 weeks prior to the event commencement date at which point you will be offered a refund, minus 25% admin fee. If you cancel your place on a course within 4 weeks of the event commencement date, or after the course has started, no refund will be offered. In the unlikely event that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the course has to be cancelled by Holistic Education CIC, we will refund any fees paid.