Week 1: Orientation + Session 1. The first week is devoted to a group orientation where an overview of the program will be provided and the program and practices will begin to be introduced. Before this session, a mandatory phone interview (10-15 minutes) for those new to the Centre or Facilitator will be arranged to review eligibility and ensure the program will be beneficial for you. The duration of this first session is approximately 3 hours with participation being mandatory for continued participation in the program.
Week 2-8: Sessions 2-8. Participants will meet as a group with a facilitator(s) once a week for 8 weeks. Each session is approximately 2.5 hours long. Each session is organized around a theme that is explored through short talks, experiential exercises, group inquiry and mindfulness meditation practices. Participants will be provided materials (digital handouts and audio) to support what they are learning in the classes and for use during home practice. Commitment to home practice is an essential component for participation in and effectiveness of the program. This home practice may take approximately 45 minutes a day, five-six days a week, for eight weeks and involves such tasks as listening to audio, meditation and performing brief exercises.
Day of Silent Retreat: In addition to these sessions there will be one full-day mindfulness silent retreat held on a weekend between weeks 5 and 7. Although this is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to attend.
The MBCT program will teach you specific techniques aimed at reducing anxiety and depression as well as how to cope with emotional distress as it arises.
In addition, the program is aimed at helping you:
- become familiar with the workings of your mind
- notice the times when you are at risk of getting caught in old habits of mind that re-activate anxious and downward mood spirals
- explore ways of releasing yourself from those old habits and, if you choose, enter a different way of being
- get in touch with a different way of knowing yourself and the world
- notice small beauties and pleasures in the world around you instead of living in your head
- be kind to yourself instead of wishing things were different all the time, or driving yourself to meet impossible goals
- find a way so you don’t have to battle with yourself all the time
- accept yourself as you are, rather than judging yourself all the time
Our current in-person therapeutic groups are small (about 12 people).
Who should attend
This program is for anyone who is experiencing mild to moderate depression or anxiety or has a history of depression. It is also for those who are interested in learning a set of attitudes and skills designed to help manage mood and promote long-term wellness. Meditation experience is not necessary to participate in this program.
This program is not recommended for individuals currently suffering from severe depression or psychosis.
All participants must be free of substance misuse.
Materials
Participants can use our meditation Zafu cushions and yoga mats during the sessions or are welcome to bring their own. Chairs will also be available. It is advisable to wear loose, comfortable casual clothing. Digital and audio materials will be provided and are included in the program fee.
Fee: $600 In-Person (HST and materials included)*.
*The MBCT program is not covered under MSI. However, those with extended healthcare benefits (i.e., private health insurance) may be eligible for reimbursement. Please contact your health insurance provider for details as to whether therapeutic group sessions (in-person or online) offered by a Registered Psychologist are covered.
Note that any fees not paid by medical insurance may be tax deductible as a medical expense.
To make our therapeutic groups more accessible to everyone, payment plans are available for those who require them. A valid credit card is required for this option.
Please be aware of our payment, cancellation and refund policies.
Completed registrations indicate understanding and acceptance of our Payment, Cancellation and Refund Policy.
Registration
Enrollment is limited as our groups are small. Pre-registration is required as is a sufficient number of enrolments for the program to run.
