Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an 8-week, research-based course that combines cognitive behavior therapy skills with mindfulness attitudes and practices to help participants relate differently to their inner experiences. It is an empirically supported approach to helping to prevent the relapse of chronic depression and it is also proving useful with anxiety.

MBCT is a skill building course meant to complement psychological treatment, and should not be considered a standalone therapy. If you are interested in taking an upcoming MBCT course, you must first register for a free initial consultation with the teacher to make sure the program is right for you. You can register online or securely email the teacher to schedule your consultation appointment.

Each participant in the course will receive:

• 20 total hours of instruction in MBCT, which includes carefully sequenced experiential exercises, guided meditations, group discussions, and mindful movement practices;
• A workbook with weekly handouts to reinforce the learning and provide support for home practice;
• Weekly home practice assignments;
• Access to all meditation audio recordings
• A parting gift to help participants sustain a mindfulness practice after the course ends
• Free participation in any future MBCT retreats sponsored by the course teacher

Upcoming Offerings:

Join Certified MBCT teacher, Tracy Ochester, PsyD, RYT-200

• Spring: Held virtually via Zoom 8 Wednesdays June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15 & 22 + 1/2 Day Retreat Sunday July 12. Deadline to enroll is Wednesday May 27th.
• Fall: 8 Wednesdays October 14, 21 & 28, November 4, 11, & 18 (no class 11/25), December 2 & 9 + ½ day retreat Saturday November 14th. Deadline to enroll is Wednesday October 7th.

Register for a free initial consultation with the teacher to make sure the program is right for you: register online or email the teacher securely to schedule.

Fees:

Fees are based on a sliding scale according to after tax household income. MAM members receive a discounted rate. Those who are able to pay more make it possible for providers to serve those with less.

Make-up classes and refunds are not available for missed classes in the series. Payment in full is due by the course deadline and there are no refunds after this date. MAM requires a minimum of 6 registrants per MBI to hold class. Classes with fewer than 6 will be cancelled with options for rescheduling into open classes. In the event that the course is cancelled, you will receive a full refund of the registration fee, but refunds will not be provided for any pre-arranged transportation, accommodations or other miscellaneous expenses.

Continuing Education Credits:

Taking this course as a participant fulfills one of the requirements for becoming a Certified MBCT Teacher. MO & KS licensed mental health professionals can earn up to 20 continuing education units by participating in this course. MBCT is offered in partnership with Ochester Psychological Services, LLC, which manages payment and maintains all documents and records for this course.

Not sure which Mindfulness Based Program (MBP) is right for you? Watch our pre-recorded Intro to MBPs session to learn about the various programs and sample some of the practices and take our MBP Matching Questionnaire.

The Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program is an evidence-based course that teaches participants skills needed for greater awareness in the present moment of their own distress or suffering so they can respond with kindness and wisdom. Participants learn how to treat themselves more like someone they love, befriending themselves, cultivating a gentle curiosity about inner experiences, motivating with encouragement rather than punishment, and coping with difficult emotions with greater calm and ease. The course consists of eight weekly 2.5 hour classes plus half-day retreat. This program fulfills one of the prerequisites for becoming a MSC teacher and 24 CE credits are offered for MO & KS licensed mental health professionals.

Each participant in the course will receive:

• 24 total hours of instruction in Mindful Self-Compassion, which includes carefully sequenced self-compassion exercises, guided meditations, written exercises, group discussions, and mindful movement
• Weekly handouts to reinforce the learning and provide support and reminders for home practice
• Weekly homework assignments (optional, but recommended)
• Access to all meditation audio recordings

Interested individuals are invited to contact the teacher for a free introductory phone session to make sure the course is right for you.

Upcoming Offerings:

• Fall 2020: 8 Sundays from 3:15 – 5:45 pm with Aimee Eckhardt September 27, Oct 4, 11 (no 18), & 25, Nov 1, 8, 15, & 22 + 1/2 day retreat Saturday Nov 14 from 9 am – 1 pm. Deadline to enroll is September 18th.

Fees

Once you’ve purchased your pass, visit the calendar to register for the course of your choosing:

• MAM members = $465 (purchase a pass)
• Non-Members = $545 (purchase a pass)

The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Kristin Neff & Christopher Germer is highly recommended (but not required) and will be referenced during the course. You can purchase it yourself, or you can purchase it from the teacher on the first day of class for $20. Just let us know that you’d like us to reserve you a copy when you register.

Make-up classes and refunds are not available for missed classes in the series. Payment in full is due by the course deadline and there are no refunds after this date. MAM requires a minimum of 6 registrants per MBI to hold class. Classes with fewer than 6 will be cancelled with options for rescheduling into open classes. In the event that the course is cancelled, you will receive a full refund of the registration fee, but refunds will not be provided for any pre-arranged transportation, accommodations or other miscellaneous expenses.

Continuing Education Credits:
Taking the MSC course as a participant is the first step in becoming an MSC teacher. MO & KS licensed mental health professionals can earn up to 24 continuing education units by participating in this course. MSC courses are offered in partnership with Self-Compassion KC & Sydney Spears, PhD who maintain responsibility for the content of the courses they teach.

Not sure which Mindfulness Based Program (MBP) is right for you? Watch our pre-recorded Intro to MBPs session to learn about the various programs and sample some of the practices and take our MBP Matching Questionnaire.

iRest Yoga Nidra is a form of meditation based on ancient yogic teachings, made accessible for modern day life. The practice strengthens parts of the brain that allow for greater insight and quiets parts that are responsible for distressing thoughts, feelings, urges, and sensations. Through regular practice, participants make space for wise responding to challenging situations, rather than emotionally reacting.

Yoga nidra is often called “the yoga of sleep”. There is only one posture – lying down. Participants are guided through the deepest forms of effortless yogic relaxation, inducing a meditative state somewhere between wakefulness and sleep. Studies have shown that yoga nidra may be a helpful complimentary approach for conditions such as post-traumatic stress, insomnia, anxiety, depression, addiction, and chronic pain. It can calm the nervous system, decrease emotional reactivity, and improve self-regulation.

Upcoming Offerings:

Join us at the Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness 11100 Ash Street Suite 103 Leawood, KS 66211 for the following 2019 course offerings:

• This course is offered on a “by demand” basis. Potential participants must attend a free introductory phone consultation prior to enrolling in the course to ensure it is right for you. Call Sydney Spears at 913-406-5176. 

Fees:

Fees are based on a sliding scale according to after tax household income. MAM members receive a discounted rate. Those who are able to pay more make it possible for providers to serve those with less. Click the appropriate link below to purchase your pass.

Make-up classes and refunds are not available for missed classes in the series. Payment in full is due by the course deadline and there are no refunds after this date. MAM requires a minimum of 6 registrants per MBI to hold class. Classes with fewer than 6 will be cancelled with options for rescheduling into open classes. In the event that the course is cancelled, you will receive a full refund of the registration fee, but refunds will not be provided for any pre-arranged transportation, accommodations or other miscellaneous expenses.

Continuing Education Credits:

Up to 12 continuing education credits are available for this course for MO & KS licensed mental health providers.

Interested in becoming an iRest Yoga Nidra teacher? Taking this 8-week course is just the first step. You can read more about the training required to become a Certified iRest Teacher through the iRest Institute.

Not sure which Mindfulness Based Program (MBP) is right for you? Watch our pre-recorded Intro to MBPs session to learn about the various programs and sample some of the practices and take our MBP Matching Questionnaire.

(MBRP) is an 8-week course that brings practices of mindful awareness to people who suffer from addictive habits of mind. The skills learned in this course serve to increase awareness of triggers, destructive habitual patterns, and automatic reactions that can hijack our lives. The mindfulness practices in MBRP are designed to help participants pause, observe present experience, and bring awareness to the broader range of choices available to them in any given moment.

MBRP is a skill building course meant to complement, not to replace psychological treatments. Research shows it is best suited to individuals who have undergone initial addictions treatment and wish to maintain their treatment gains and develop a lifestyle that supports their well-being and recovery. If you are interested in taking an upcoming MBRP course, you must first register for a free initial consultation with the teacher to make sure the program is right for you.

Upcoming Offerings

This course is offered on a “by demand” basis. Register for a FREE initial interview with MBRP teacher, Dr. Tracy Ochester, to make sure the program is right for you. Participants of Dr. Ochester’s MBRP course are welcome to attend her Recovery Friendly Ashtanga Yoga classes for FREE during the course of their 8-week program.

Fees:

Fees are based on a sliding scale according to after tax household income. MAM members receive a discounted rate. Those who are able to pay more make it possible for providers to serve those with less. Scholarships may be available to individuals who can demonstrate severe financial hardship.

Make-up classes and refunds are not available for missed classes in the series. Payment in full is due by the course deadline and there are no refunds after this date. MAM requires a minimum of 6 registrants per MBI to hold class. Classes with fewer than 6 will be cancelled with options for rescheduling into open classes. In the event that the course is cancelled, you will receive a full refund of the registration fee, but refunds will not be provided for any pre-arranged transportation, accommodations or other miscellaneous expenses.

Continuing Education Credits:

Taking the MBRP course as a participant is the first step in becoming an MBRP teacher. MO & KS licensed mental health professionals can earn up to 20 continuing education units by participating in this course. MBRP is offered in partnership with Ochester Psychological Services, LLC, which manages payment and maintains all documents and records for this course.

Not sure which Mindfulness Based Program (MBP) is right for you? Watch our pre-recorded Intro to MBPs session to learn about the various programs and sample some of the practices and take our MBP Matching Questionnaire.