Learn the comprehensive skills and practices necessary to deliver the MBSR program confidently!

Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn and first introduced in a hospital setting, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based modality that has been shown to help alleviate a wide range of physical and mental health issues—such as anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain, stress, and more. This comprehensive learning manual for professionals provides everything you need to practice and teach MBSR.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is a timely book that focuses on structure and flexibility when delivering this seminal program. Whether you work in health care, the mental health field, social work, or education, this manual offers clear direction and a sound framework for practicing MBSR in any setting. You’ll gain an understanding of the underlying principles of mindfulness, learn to establish your own personal practice, and discover how you can embody that practice. You’ll also find tips to help you guide meditations, engage in inquiry, and to convey the content of the program to others.

If you’re looking for a clear protocol and curriculum for delivering MBSR, this book has everything you need to get started today.

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Susan L. Woods, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, conference and workshop speaker, author, and curriculum developer. She is a national and international teacher and trainer in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and resides in Vermont.

Patricia Rockman, MD, is a family physician with a focused practice in mental health. She is associate professor in the department of family and community medicine at the University of Toronto, and cofounder of the Centre for Mindfulness Studies. She is a public speaker, curriculum developer, and teaches and mentors in MBCT and MBSR.

“There is so much wisdom and skill here. It should be required reading for MBSR teacher training, and even experienced mindfulness instructors stand much to gain. From their personal experience of practice and ‘teaching from the practice,’ these highly skilled trainers weave together valuable insights of embodiment and inquiry, and provide the most thorough discussion of the pedagogy of teaching mindfulness-based practices to be found anywhere.”
—Carl Fulwiler, MD, PhD, director of the MBCT training program at Cambridge Health Alliance

Carl Fulwiler, MD, PhD

“This wonderful book provides a trustworthy resource for anyone curious about MBSR. Written concisely, and packed with concrete examples, the authors provide an informative manual for delivering MBSR contextualized in the history, philosophy, and aspirations of the program. I was blown away by the quality of writing, especially on how a teacher can best embody mindful presence, and it was so helpful to see common pitfalls identified as well. Highly recommended!”
—Norman Farb, PhD, associate professor of psychology at the University of Toronto Mississauga

Norman Farb, PhD

“As one of the very first MBSR teachers with Jon Kabat-Zinn, I’m thrilled to recommend this excellent book. Stunningly thorough and full of integrity, it is a godsend for anyone aspiring to teach MBSR and mindfulness-based programs. Based on their decades of experience, the authors’ unstinting generosity in offering detailed instructions to prospective teachers embodies the heart of what they are teaching. May the clarity, honesty, and power of their guidance on diversity and cultural relevance inspire everyone in the field!”
—Trudy Goodman, PhD, founding teacher at InsightLA, cofounder of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy, and the fourth person trained to teach MBSR with Jon Kabat-Zinn

Trudy Goodman, PhD

“This wonderful book skillfully balances the practical of what, where, and who we teach with the conceptual/experiential of why and how. Importantly, it explores key issues in our field, including curriculum drift and dilution, certification, diversity, and online delivery among others. It is suitable for both new teachers-in-training, as well as the continuing education and development of established teachers of MBSR and other mindfulness programs. A huge contribution!”
—Evan J. Collins MD, FRPCPC, assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at the University of Toronto, and coauthor of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Evan J. Collins MD, FRPCPC

“Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is more than just a protocol, and this book is more than just a manual. It is a clear, cogent, and comprehensive guide to the teaching of mindfulness that is borne of the collective wisdom and experience of two remarkably gifted teachers and trainers. This book is a detailed reference and companion guide to teaching this transformational program that acknowledges the primary role of the embodiment of the teacher. I highly recommend this book to teachers of MBSR at every level of experience. You’ll be glad you have it.”
—Steven D. Hickman, PsyD, executive director at the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, founding director of the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness, and associate clinical professor at the UC San Diego School of Medicine

Steven D. Hickman, PsyD

“This book goes to the heart of MBSR. It will prove to be an invaluable companion for MBSR teachers worldwide. The essence and spirit of the MBSR curriculum shines through, along with clear, practical, and down-to-earth guidance on form and structure. The writing honors the established integrity of the MBSR program, and simultaneously clearly communicates the relevance and contribution the program makes to this moment in history. A timely and welcome contribution to our field.”
—Rebecca Crane, PhD, director of the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice at Bangor University in the UK, and author of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Rebecca Crane, PhD

“What a wonderful offering on the art and science of MBSR and its implementation with an emphasis on trauma sensitivity, inclusivity, and diversity in serving all who live with stress, pain, or illness.”
—Bob Stahl, PhD, senior MBSR teacher at the Mindfulness Center at Brown University, and coauthor of AMindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook, Livingwith Your Heart Wide Open, Calming the Rush of Panic, and MBSR Every Day

Bob Stahl, PhD

“In the four decades since MBSR was founded, teachers have developed a great deal of wisdom and practical knowledge about how to make it work most effectively for participants. Woods and Rockman are two of the very best. They offer both deep insight and fingertip feel for how to engage participants of all kinds in MBSR as a living, breathing curriculum—not a static checklist of to-dos. They understand how to be both very faithful to the pillars of this groundbreaking program, and responsive to the needs of those who come to it at critical junctures in their lives. It also provides a treasure trove of resources for MBSR trainers.”
—Barry Boyce, founding editor of Mindful magazine and www.mindful.org

Barry Boyce