MBSR Ottawa currently offers three programs:

1. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction - Foundation Program (not currently offered)
2. Training for MBSR instructors - introductory, intensive and ongoing training programs available locally or at a distance.
3. Mindfulness for professionals in healthcare, education or human resources interested in learning how to develop and run a mindfulness program or how to apply mindfulness in their professional practice.

    Guided Meditations (free) for Dr. Hick's course

All programs are led by Dr. Steven Hick, PhD

Dr. Hick is a registered social worker and full-time professor in the School of Social Work at Carleton University. He is engaged in on-going training and practice in MBSR interventions with the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts. He is currently publishing two books on MBSR - one on mindfulness and the therapeutic relationship and one on mindfulness and social work practice.

MBSR Instructor Training Process:

1. Complete the eight week or 5 day MBSR program (I offer the program in cities other than Ottawa in the 5 day format)

2. Complete two and one half day MBSR practicum instructor training course. Participants practice the specific skills required to teach MBSR. A comprehensive handbook is provided.

3. Offer the MBSR program yourself - if possible as a co-facilitator with an experienced instructor. I offer a supervision process whereby I listen to, and comment on recordings of your sessions.

Prerequisites for supervision:

    * Completion of one or both of the Foundational Trainings:

      - MBSR course

      - Practicum in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

    * Ongoing daily meditation and body-centered awareness practice and commitment to the integration of mindfulness into everyday life

    * Professional experience and graduate degree or equivalent in the fields of health care, education, and/or social change (this can be waived in special circumstances)

    * Experience as a group facilitator

    * Participation in 5-10 day silent, teacher-led mindfulness meditation retreat.

 Hourly supervision charges are applied to the following:

     * Telephone and/or onsite Supervision sessions

    * Review of classroom teaching materials, including audiotapes and CD’s

    * Review of teaching demonstration audiotape, videotape or onsite observation

4. Continue to offer the program and maintain your personal mindfulness practice.

5. Complete the One Year Training Program. This program is primarily about cultivating your personal practice. It involves weekly contemplation or meditations. Participants submit monthly reflection reports.

6. Attend the 5-10 day MBSR Silent Retreat.

Mindfulness-Based Training for Professionals

Custom training courses for your staff or standard courses on:

mindfulness and self-care for professional

mindfulness and the helping relationship

mindfulness and community work

mindfulness and social change