An Evidence-Based Mindfulness Programme for Stress, Chronic Pain and Emotional Wellbeing
Stress is an unavoidable part of life. However, when stress becomes chronic, it can affect both physical and mental health, contributing to anxiety, burnout, sleep difficulties, chronic pain and emotional exhaustion.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an internationally recognised, evidence-based programme that teaches mindfulness skills to help people respond more effectively to stress. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult experiences, MBSR helps individuals develop greater awareness, resilience and emotional balance.
Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in 1979, MBSR has become one of the most widely researched mindfulness programmes in healthcare and psychology.
At My International Therapy, mindfulness-based approaches may be integrated into psychotherapy to help clients better manage stress, regulate emotions and improve overall wellbeing.
What Happens During an MBSR Programme?
Traditional MBSR follows a highly structured format consisting of:
- eight weekly sessions
- guided mindfulness meditation
- body scan practice
- gentle mindful movement and yoga
- group discussion
- psychoeducation about stress
- home mindfulness practice between sessions
Daily home practice is considered an important part of the programme.
Some psychotherapists also integrate MBSR principles into individual therapy when a full group programme is not appropriate.
