What is MBSR?
The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme is an internationally recognised 8-week course originally developed by Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
The course combines guided mindfulness practices, gentle mindful movement, group discussion, and practical ways of bringing awareness into everyday life. Over the eight weeks, participants gradually develop skills in attention, self-awareness, and responding more effectively to stress.
The programme includes:
- Eight weekly group sessions (approximately 2 to 2¼ hours each)
- One day-long mindfulness retreat
- Guided home practice between sessions
- Course materials and audio recordings to support learning
Each week builds on the previous one, creating a structured and supportive learning journey that helps participants cultivate greater awareness, resilience, and wellbeing in daily life.
Whether you are completely new to mindfulness or already have an established meditation practice, MBSR offers a structured and supportive way to deepen your understanding and experience of mindful living.
More than 40 years of research have shown MBSR is beneficial for:
- Reducing stress and anxiety, and improving quality of life.
- Increasing workplace resilience, and reducing burnout and emotional exhaustion.
- Measurably reducing cortisol and blood pressure.
- Reducing reactivity, rumination, worry, and overthinking.
Mindfulness-based approaches, developed from MBSR, are now used widely across UK health services.
What you may notice
- More space between what happens and how you respond
- Greater calm during difficult moments
- A kinder relationship with yourself
- Better sleep and improved concentration
- More presence with the people you care about
Practical details of next course
| DATES | The course is planned to run on Monday evenings 7:00pm to 9:15pm from 4th January to 22nd February 2027 (provisional, subject to participant availability). |
| FORMAT | Weekly evening sessions + one retreat day. All sessions including the retreat can be attended online. If there is sufficient local interest, some sessions will also be available in person near Bournemouth. Between sessions, participants are encouraged to follow home practices for around 30 minutes per day. |
| INVESTMENT | £95 suggested — sliding scale £40–£150, pay what fits your circumstances, no need to explain. This covers all 8 weekly sessions and the retreat. |
| WHO IT’S FOR | Anyone who feels stressed, busy, overwhelmed, or simply curious about living with greater ease and awareness. No previous mindfulness experience needed. |
FAQs
Do I need any experience with mindfulness or meditation?
No. Most participants start with none.
Do I need to attend every session?
MBSR builds week on week, so I ask everyone to commit to attending all eight sessions before joining. That said, life happens, and missing one session isn’t the end of the road. The hybrid format always allows you to join online.
Is there homework?
You will get the best from the course if you make a commitment to yourself to practise between sessions. This will involve approximately 30 minutes a day somewhere quiet where you won’t be disturbed.
It’s a very common concern to think this will be difficult, especially if you are already feeling stressed by pressures at home or work, but many people find that making time to practise at home brings a greater sense of freedom and space to the rest of the day.
Is this religious? Will it conflict with my own beliefs?
No. Mindfulness is secular and evidence-based. It doesn’t ask you to adopt any belief system or spiritual practice, and nothing taught requires you to believe anything in particular.