Mindfulness Programs

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program was originally developed at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in the late 1970s by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD. It is an eight-week, evidence-based, highly experiential course that is currently offered at more than 250 hospitals, universities, and clinical settings in the United States and around the world. MBSR’s primary aim is to develop skills that can be flexibly applied in everyday life to stress, pain, and illness. Through experiential learning and discussion during class, as well as through daily mindfulness practice at home, participants learn and refine a range of self-regulatory skills that involve finely tuned attention to thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.

Who can benefit from MBSR?

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, up to two-thirds of all office visits to family doctors are for stress-related symptoms. Depression and anxiety symptoms are often associated with chronic illness and chronic pain and should be addressed as part of the overall management of health problems. MBSR may help reduce medical symptoms and psychological distress as well as the need for clinical services.

Potential Health Benefits of MBSR

  • Reduced pain
  • Reduced medical symptoms
  • Improved immune system function
  • Improved mental health
  • Decreased stress hormones
  • Improved sleep

Upcoming 8-week MBSR Courses

  • Monday Evenings (in person): September 29, 2025 – November , 2024 (finish editing) 
    Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm ET
    Retreat day (in person)    : Saturday, November 8, 2025, 9am – 4pm ET
    Teachers: Carol Greco, PhD and Kelly Beck, PhD
    Fee: $350
    Location: TBD (Center for Integrative Medicine or Shadyside Hospital)
  • Wednesday Evenings (virtual): September 18th, 2024 – November 6th, 2024
    Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm ET
    Retreat day (virtual): Saturday, October 26, 2024, 9am – 4pm ET
    Teacher: Barbara Ivanko, LSW
    Fee: $350
    Location: Virtual

 

Please attend one of our MBSR Orientation sessions (free, required) to learn about the program and determine whether it is right for you.

You can sign up for the 8-week MBSR course in advance ( MBSR REGISTRATION LINK ) but enrollment is not final until you attend an Orientation and provide payment.

 

MBSR Orientation sessions:

  • Thursday, August 15th – Barbara Ivanko – 6pm – virtual
  • Monday, August 19th – Carol Greco – 7pm – in person

To register for one of the Orientation sessions, simply email to mindfulness@upmc.edu or grecocm@upmc.edu

Please provide your name, phone number, choice of Orientation date and tentative MBSR class choice (online or in person).

The instructor will provide you with the link (virtual Orientation) or directions (in Person Orientation)