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10-Week Online MBSR Foundations Training with
​Eight-Week MBSR program 


April 1 to June 3, 2021
​(Registration for Spring is closed) 
​
Fully Recognized by the Mindfulness Center at Brown University


MBSR Foundations Training Recognition ​
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This 10-Week Online MBSR Foundations Training is organized by our Centre For Mindfulness Canada, in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  The successful completion of this MBSR Foundations Training is fully recognized and acknowledged by the Mindfulness Center, School of Public Health, at Brown University.  

The diagram on the left is taken from the Mindfulness Centre at Brown University.  It outlines the sequence of requirements under the MBSR Teacher Training Level 1. 

After the successful completion of MBSR Foundations, trainees will be able to offer short introductory programs or workshops based on the MBSR curriculum.  These offerings will be part of the requirement for MBSR Teacher Advancement Intensive (TAI), which is second step of the formal training for teaching MBSR. 

After the completion of all the parts listed under MBSR Teacher Training Level 1 (i.e., column on the left), your name will be listed on the Brown University Mindfulness Center website, in the MBSR Teacher Registry as having completed:  “MBSR Teacher – Training Level 1”.   The 10-Week Online MBSR Foundations only fulfills one part within the "MBSR Teacher Training Level 1".   These training steps and requirements are set by the Mindfulness Center at Brown University and are subject to change. 

Please note, you will not be able to teach the eight-week MBSR program after completing MBSR Foundations alone.  You can only begin to teach the eight-week MBSR program after you complete the entire MBSR Teacher Training Level 1, and then can start your MBSR Teacher Training Level 2 (which has group and individual mentorship). 

​For a complete view of the entire Teacher Training Pathway and other Levels of Training, please click on the button below. 

View Details
Format for the 10-Week Online MBSR Foundations Training
​​

The format for the 10-Week Online Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Foundations Training program combines concurrent required participating in an eight-week MBSR program (including an information session) as well as engaging in the 10-Week Foundations Seminar.  ​ 

The required concurrent participation in the eight-week MBSR class will allow the participant-trainees to engage in formal MBSR mindfulness meditation practices, as well as investigation of themes of perception, automatic, habitual stress reactivity, mindfulness-mediated stress response and interpersonal communication.   

If you have not taken the eight-week MBSR program as a participant prior to your application to this Training, you will not be able to take this MBSR Foundations program.  Taking the MBSR program for the first time with Foundations does not fulfill the pre-requisite requirement. 

MBSR Foundations involves meeting twice each week (Wednesday and Thursday nights) over a 10-week period, in addition to the MBSR All-Day (see below for detailed schedule).  If your application for 10-Week Online MBSR Foundations Training is accepted, you will be automatically registered in both the eight-week MBSR program and MBSR Foundations Seminar.  There is no extra application nor any extra fees required for the automatic required enrolment in the eight-week MBSR program.  Please note again, the automatic enrolment in the eight-week MBSR program does not fulfill the prerequisite for having taken the eight-week MBSR program prior to this Training.  

The program begins with a “Foundations Opening”.  This will be a week prior to session one of the eight-week MBSR program.   The program ends with "Foundations Closure".  Please see details below under Dates/Times. 


Participant-Trainee Role

The importance of directly experiencing the dynamics, rigor, structure and fluidity of the MBSR curriculum,
personally, cannot be over emphasized. Through a trainee’s own direct experience of the eight-week MBSR program, the personal and multi-faceted nature of the MBSR program is revealed. This personal experience directly fosters the early learning of the participant-trainee. The experiential in vivo nature of the program is enhanced and supported by cognitive frames that help deepen understanding and integrate learning.

Reflection and investigation in the MBSR Foundations seminar is supported with reflective writing, group
dialogue, readings, written assignments, and a variety of individual and group learning activities.  
​
Participant-trainees will begin to apply their learning by guiding peers in a short meditation practice
sessions and to express, creatively, how the required readings are integrated into their experience of the
eight-week MBSR program. 

Between sessions, you can anticipate an additional 4-6 hours for readings, 
preparation, reflection and assignments.  This does not include the daily home mindfulness practices that are part of the eight-week MBSR program (i.e., 40-60 minuted daily). 

​​Dates/Times 

The 10-Week Online MBSR Foundations Training with ​Eight-Week MBSR program involves 65 session hours ​(see detailed Foundations Schedule below), which includes attending one of the upcoming eight-week MBSR information/orientation session. 

All MBSR participants are required to attend one information/orientation session prior to the start of the program unless you have attended one through our Centre within the last six months. 

You can choose one of the following upcoming MBSR program info session:  
 Upcoming 2021 Online MBSR Info sessions 
Time
Registration 
January 21, 2021 (Thursday)
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM PST
Past event
February 24, 2021 (Wednesday)
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM PST
Past event
March 31, 2021 (Wednesday)
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM PST
Past event

​Detailed Schedule for Spring Foundations (April 1 to June 3, 2021)

​MBSR Foundations involves meetings weekly on both Wednesdays (MBSR Session) and Thursdays (MBSR Foundations Seminar), in addition to attending one MBSR info session (listed above), and one MBSR All-Day session listed below (i.e., Saturday, May 15th).  Here is the breakdown of the sessions: 

  • Eight-Week MBSR program on Wednesdays starting at 5:30 pm Pacific Standard Time (PST).  The weekly MBSR program is 2.5 hours long with exception to first and last sessions, which are 3 hours long, plus, a 7.5 hour all day on a Saturday. 
 
  • Foundations Seminar will be on Thursdays starting at 4:30 pm Pacific Standard Time (PST).  The weekly Seminar is 3.5 hours.  ​

Please note, all times are in Pacific Standard Time (PST).  The Pacific time zone encompasses western Canada, western United States, and western Mexico.  To calculate your specific times zone, you can use this link. 
​
   
Date
Session 
Time
Hours
Week 1:
​
Thursday, April 1
​
Foundations Opening Session ​
4:30 PM to 8:00 pm (PST)
3.50 hrs
Week 2:
Wednesday, April 7
MBSR Class 1
5:30 PM to 8:30 pm (PST)
3.00 hrs
 
Thursday, April 8
Foundations Seminar 1​​
4:30 PM to 8:00 pm (PST)
3.50 hrs
Week 3:

Wednesday, April 14
MBSR Class 2
5:30 PM to 8:00 pm (PST)
2.50 hr
 
Thursday, April 15
​
Foundations Seminar 2
4:30 PM to 8:00 pm (PST)
3.50 hrs
Week 4:
Wednesday, April 21
MBSR Class 3
5:30 PM to 8:00 pm (PST)
2.50 hrs
 
Thursday, April 22
Foundations Seminar 3
4:30 PM to 8:00 pm (PST)
3.50 hrs
Week 5:
Wednesday, April 28
MBSR Class 4
​5:30 PM to 8:00 pm (PST)
2.50 hrs
 
Thursday, April 29
Foundations Seminar 4
4:30 PM to 8:00 pm (PST)
​3.50 hrs
Week 6:
Wednesday, May 5
MBSR Class 5
5:30 PM to 8:00 pm (PST)
2.50 hrs
 
Thursday, May 6
Foundations Seminar 5
4:30 PM to 8:00 pm (PST)
3.50 hrs
Week 7:
Wednesday, May 12
MBSR Class 6
5:30 PM to 8:00 pm (PST)
2.50 hrs
 
Thursday, May 13
Foundations Seminar 6
4:30 PM to 8:00 pm (PST)
3.50 hrs
 
Saturday, May 15
​MBSR All-Day
9:00 AM to 4:30 pm (PST)
7.50 hrs
Week 8:
Wednesday, May 19
MBSR Class 7
4:30 PM to 8:00 pm (PST)
2.50 hrs
 
Thursday, May 20
Foundations Seminar 7
​5:00 PM to 8:30 pm (PST)
3.50 hrs
Week 9:
Wednesday, May 26
MBSR Class 8
5:30 PM to 8:30 pm (PST)
3.0 hrs
 
Thursday, May 27
Foundations Seminar  8
​4:30 PM to 8:00 pm (PST)
3.50 hrs
Week 10:
Thursday, June 3
Foundations Closing Session 
4:30 PM to 8:00 pm (PST)
​3.50 hrs
Note:  You will receive a one page document with this detailed schedule upon your acceptance into the program. 
​

Course Goals/Learning Objectives

The goals/learning objectives for MBSR Foundations trainees, as outlined by Mindfulness Center at Brown University, are:

  • Characterize and articulate the personal and collective key learnings made available through the 8-week MBSR curriculum;
  • Express, through personally honed language, the effects and impact of both formal and informal MBSR practices on oneself as well as others in the program;
  • Identify and analyze the critical nature of the relational field and dialogue and inquiry as it shows up in the MBSR classroom, as a specific strength of the program;
  • Offer short introductory programs based on elements of the MBSR curriculum; 
  • Ascertain one’s own strengths, personal patterns and responses, and areas of development as a critical component for skill in teaching. 
​
Requirements For the 10-Week Online MBSR Foundations

  • Successful completion of a live (online or in-person) 8-week MBSR program (including eight, 2.5 hour classes, an all-day class, and daily home practice)
  • At least one year of consistent daily meditation practice (two years preferred)
  • At least one year of consistent body awareness movement, preferably yoga
  • Participation in a 5-7 day silent (live online or in-person), teacher-led mindfulness retreat within the last three years.  If you would like a list of possible retreat locations that could meet this requirement, you can email us at info@drkasimalmashat.com. 
  • Graduate degree or equivalent background experience in healthcare, public health, medicine, or education. Graduate level work in other disciplines will be considered, including business and law.  This will be addressed case by case. 

​Continuing Education ​
​

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​This 10-Week Online Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Foundations Training program, offered through the Centre For Mindfulness Canada, has 63.50 CE credit hours approved by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA).  The Centre For Mindfulness Canada maintains responsibility for the program.​  
​

​Fees

The fees are all in Canadian Dollars for the 10-Week Online MBSR Foundations Training with
​Eight-week MBSR program. 
  
Early Bird Fee
(By March 1, 2021)
Regular Fee
(After March 1, 2021) 
10-Week Online MBSR Foundations Training with ​Eight-Week MBSR Program 
$2,500 CAD Total
$2,800 CAD Total

​Refund Policy

A refund, less a $100 processing fee, will only be offered for cancellations made 30 days prior to the program start date (i.e., for cancellations made by March 1, 2021).  No refunds or credit will be offered for cancellations made after March 1, 2021, unless there is an emergency or due to extenuating circumstances. 
​
Payment Options
 
  • Interact e-transfer (preferred), wire transfer, money order, check or cash.
  • Credit card payments available via Square invoicing (with additional $75 CAD processing fee)
  • Please do not send any payment until your application has been accepted.  
  • Do you have questions?  Please contact us at info@drkasimalmashat.com for questions or instructions on how to send the interact e-transfer or where to mail the check to. ​

​
About the Instructors
​
​The 10-Week Online MBSR Foundations Training with ​Eight-week MBSR program will be facilitated by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat. He is a Registered Psychologist and Certified MBSR Teacher and authorized Teacher Trainer by the Mindfulness Center at Brown University. He is the founder of Center For Mindfulness Canada. Kasim has also completed a six-month meditation retreat in silence in Southeast Asia and presented a TEDx about mindfulness. For a full bio - click here. ​
​
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While MBSR Foundations will be fully facilitated by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat, we will be joined in only a couple of MBSR Foundations Seminar segments by guest presenter ​Florence Meleo-Meyer.  She serves as Global Ambassador to the MBSR Affiliates world-wide at the   Mindfulness Center, Brown University and is inspired by the potential of MBSR to impact global health and well-being when taught by teachers trained with rigor, depth, and cultural sensitivity. She has trained MBSR teachers and teacher trainers for over 20 years. As Director of Oasis Institute, for Professional Education and Training at the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts’ Medical School, she engaged with and supported the development of thousands of MBSR teachers globally. ​For additional info about Florence, click here. ​​​
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