Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course

Explore how to cultivate present-moment awareness and harness inner resources for facing all of life's challenges. Learn evidence-based practices to reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. 

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an 8-week program for faculty and staff that provides in-depth training in mindfulness meditation and movement practices, and helps participants integrate mindfulness into their daily lives. Outcomes have included reduced symptoms for stress as well as physical and behavioral health conditions such as anxiety and depression, chronic pain, hypertension. 

This experiential program, created by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979, is based on ancient contemplative practices integrated with western science and medicine. Over 40 years of research demonstrates it consistently delivers benefits associated with increased self-awareness and attentional and emotional regulation. 

Please note, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is not appropriate for everyone. See below for more information under Is MBSR right for me?

 

Format

The Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course consists of 8 weekly online, highly participatory sessions, each 2.5 hours long, and one in-person all-day intensive retreat. Each session will include guided meditation, gentle movement, or other mindfulness-based practices, group discussions, and daily homework. Please plan to have your video camera on during each session's attendance, group discussions, and breakout sessions. It is important for the psychological safety and wellbeing of the entire group that cameras are on during these elements. 

This is an educational program, not a therapeutic intervention.

 

Objectives

Objectives for the course include: 

  • Establishment of a daily meditation practice
  • Cultivation of mindful awareness through several different types of mindfulness practices
  • Recognition of negative patterns of reactivity triggered by stressors, and the development of alternative responses to stress
  • Development of a deeper connection to and understanding of one's body and emotions
  • Strategies to integrate and apply mindfulness practices in both personal and professional settings
  • More effective communication with colleagues, supervisors, family, and friends

 

Is MBSR right for me? Requirements and Precautions

While MBSR can be helpful for any individual who faces stress and challenge in their life, there are circumstances when it may not be appropriate. If you are experiencing recent grief or trauma, serious mental or physical health challenges, chemical dependencies, or suicidal feelings, please reach out to the instructor to discuss whether or not this is the best time to enroll in the program. This mindfulness-based program includes skill training or practice in meditation, gentle stretching (yoga), and other mindful movement. If for any reason you are unable to, or think it unwise to, engage in these practices and exercises, whether during the weekly sessions or practicing on your own, you are under no obligation to engage in them, nor will you hold Tulane University liable for any injury sustained from these exercises.

By registering, you agree to the following:

  • Not to attend sessions under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.
  • You are 18 years of age or older. MBSR is designed for adult learners.

Attendance and commitment are also important factors to consider. Participants should be able to attend each session, the all-day retreat, and to practice mindfulness at home for 30-45 minutes a day. If you already know you will miss more than one session, this might not be the time to enroll in the course.

 

Orientation

Applicants are required to attend an MBSR orientation session before their application will be considered. The orientation session is a brief overview of the course, provides context, practical and logistical information, and sets expectations. Current workshop dates are:

 

Application Timeline

Wednesday, October 1: MBSR Course application opens

Friday, October 31: MBSR Course application closes

By Monday, November 10: Spring 2026 cohort selected

 

Spring 2026 Timeline

Tuesday, January 20, 6 PM – 8:30 PM: Introduction to Mindfulness (Zoom)

Tuesday, January 27, 6 PM – 8:30 PM: Perception and Learning (Zoom)

Tuesday, February 3, 6 PM - 8:30 PM: Being and Doing (Zoom)

Tuesday, February 10, 6 PM - 8:30 PM: Stress and Stress Reactivity (Zoom)

Tuesday, February 24, 6 PM - 8:30 PM: Responding to Stress (Zoom)

Sunday, March 1, 10 AM - 2:30 PM:  Retreat Day (In-Person, Location TBD)

Tuesday, March 3, 6 PM - 8:30 PM: Stressful Communications (Zoom)

Tuesday, March 10, 6 PM - 8:30 PM: Interacting with the World (Zoom)

Tuesday, March 17, 6 PM - 8:30 PM: Keeping the Practice Alive (Zoom)

 

Questions?

Contact Dolores Hemphill at dhemphil@tulane.edu. Dolores is a qualified MBSR instructor and will be conducting the course.