Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR)

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR)

The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR) is a scientifically evidence-based group program designed to help individuals develop new perspectives and coping skills for challenging emotional and physical experiences such as stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and anger in daily life.

Mindfulness practices also offer a resource that can be integrated into everyday living, providing an inner anchor when dealing with intense physical symptoms and difficult emotions.

The MBSR program can be used as a supportive, preventive, complementary, or standalone method. Integrating this capacity into daily life helps individuals build resilience when facing physical and emotional challenges.

This program was developed in 1979 at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) by Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn. Rooted in Buddhist philosophy, it has evolved over the years into a scientifically validated, multidimensional approach supported by institutions such as Massachusetts, Stanford, Toronto, Oxford, and many other universities worldwide.

Through this training, participants can access advanced mindfulness education based on scientific foundations and experiential practice.

Program Benefits

  • Recognizing automatic behavioral patterns
  • Reduction in physical strain caused by accumulated stress in the body
  • Decreased impulsivity and emotional reactivity
  • Improved attention and focus
  • Enhanced problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Understanding personal stress triggers and developing coping strategies
  • Reduction in repetitive negative thinking
  • Calming of the inner critical and constantly thinking mind
  • More flexible nervous system regulation
  • Improved body awareness and positive body perception
  • Reduction in emotional eating patterns
  • Decrease in chronic pain, insomnia, and psychosomatic symptoms
  • Development of sustainable healthy habits
  • Expansion of emotional awareness for oneself and others
  • Ability to face difficult emotions without self-harm or overwhelm
  • Development of kindness and understanding toward oneself and others
  • Increased resilience in dealing with grief, loss, illness, and life challenges
  • Integration of acceptance, patience, non-striving, trust, and letting go
  • Faster recovery from crisis situations
  • Improved capacity for connection and meaningful relationships
  • Increased overall life satisfaction and well-being

These outcomes represent commonly reported and, in many cases, scientifically supported benefits. However, each individual’s experience is unique.

About the MBSR Program

  • 8 weeks duration
  • Weekly 2.5-hour sessions
  • Meditation and yoga practices delivered in a secular format
  • A 6-hour silent retreat (Mindful Day)
  • Course materials, guided audio practices, and homework assignments provided
  • Continuous support via WhatsApp group and email
  • International Participant Certificate upon completion

The program includes experiential learning, group sharing, and practical application of mindfulness in daily life and interpersonal communication.

Who Is MBSR For?

  • Individuals seeking to manage difficult emotional and life experiences
  • People experiencing chronic pain or physical health conditions
  • Individuals facing anxiety, depression, burnout, or fatigue
  • Those wishing to improve quality of life, balance, calmness, focus, and self-compassion
  • Anyone wanting to develop stress management skills
  • Beginners with no prior meditation or yoga experience
  • Professionals such as therapists, healthcare workers, HR professionals, coaches, and others seeking complementary skills
  • Adults aged 18 and above interested in mindfulness practices

Program Content

Session 1

Introduction to mindfulness, recognizing autopilot mode

Session 2

Understanding perception and automatic patterns

Session 3

Being present and body–mind integration

Session 4

Physiology and psychology of stress

Session 5

Responding rather than reacting to stress

Session 6

Mindfulness in relationships

Session 7

Developing self-compassion

Session 8

Integrating mindfulness into life, closure and new beginning

Admission Process

Admission to the MBSR program includes a one-to-one interview with instructor Canan Coşkun Sayın.

After completing the application form, a personal interview is scheduled to assess suitability and alignment with your needs.

If both parties agree on participation, registration is finalized upon payment.

This process ensures that participants receive the most appropriate experience while maintaining the integrity of the program.

Community After the Program

At Mindfulness and Compassion Academy, we support not only learning but also long-term community building.

  • Free weekly mindfulness and compassion practices in the “Awake and Compassionate Mind” group
  • Alumni community access after completion
  • Discounts on future programs for graduates

You are invited into a supportive community of practice, not just a course.

MBSR September Program

Session 1: September 9, Wednesday | 20:00 – 22:30

Session 2: September 16, Wednesday | 20:00 – 22:30

Session 3: September 24, Thursday | 20:00 – 22:30

Session 4: September 30, Wednesday | 20:00 – 22:30

Session 5: October 7, Wednesday | 20:00 – 22:30

Session 6: October 14, Wednesday | 20:00 – 22:30

Day of Silence: October 17, Saturday | 10:00 – 15:00

Session 7: October 21, Wednesday | 20:00 – 22:30

Session 8: October 28, Wednesday | 20:00 – 22:30

MBSR November Program

Session 1: November 4, Wednesday | 20:00 – 22:30

Session 2: November 11, Wednesday | 20:00 – 22:30

Session 3: November 18, Thursday | 20:00 – 22:30

Session 4: November 25, Wednesday | 20:00 – 22:30

Session 5: December 2, Wednesday | 20:00 – 22:30

Session 6: December 9, Wednesday | 20:00 – 22:30

Day of Silence: December 12, Saturday | 10:00 – 15:00

Session 7: December 16, Wednesday | 20:00 – 22:30

Session 8: December 23, Wednesday | 20:00 – 22:30

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I start if I am new to mindfulness?
MBSR is a beginner-level foundational program.

Who is this program for?
Adults aged 18 and above.

Do I need prior experience?
No. All applicants are invited to a preliminary interview.

What is included in the program?
Basic mindfulness practices applied to stress, anxiety, anger, and chronic pain.

Is it individual or group-based?
It is conducted as a closed group.

Is it online or in-person?
It is delivered online via Zoom.

Is it recorded?
No.

Duration?
8 weeks, 9 sessions, plus a silent day (26 hours total).

Certificate?
Yes, internationally recognized certificate is provided.

Attendance requirement?
At least 6 sessions required for certification.

Missed sessions?
Can be completed in a future group.

Materials needed?
A quiet space, internet connection, and Zoom access.

Communication?
WhatsApp group support is provided.

Registration process?
Application form → interview → acceptance → payment → enrollment.

Support after the program?
Yes, ongoing community and alumni access.

Scholarships available?
Yes. 25%, 50%, and 100% scholarships are available. Applications can be sent to:
canan@mindfulnessvesefkatakademi.com