Reduce stress, cultivate creativity through meditation programs on campus

Two meditation programs will be offered on campus this fall to help foster a mindful approach to dealing with stress and cultivating creative attentiveness.

The York University Psychology Clinic will offer the programs beginning Sept. 29, with the support of group meditation and on-the-spot personal instruction.

If you are looking for an activity that will help keep your brain healthy, come out to one of the groups to learn about the practice of meditation.

To register for any of the following three meditation programs, visit the York University Psychology Clinic website for each program’s registration form.

Program A:  Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (MB-CBT)

This program draws a powerful ‘synergy’ from two behavioural traditions. Ancient Asian meditation methods are being revisited and revolutionized by groundbreaking research in cognitive therapy and neuroscience. Whether you want to learn to meditate or strengthen skills, these 10 sessions will challenge you to engage in vigorous practice and explore powerful benefits.

The first session takes place Tuesday, Sept. 29, and the program runs weekly until Dec. 1.
Location: York University Psychology Clinic, Room 102
Time: 5:30 to 7:00pm
Group Leader: Professor Paul Ritvo, C.Psych.
Fee: $200 for 10 sessions ($75 for students with valid ID)

(For participants with extended health coverage for psychological services, the fee should be reimbursable; for students in YFS health plan, the fee is reimbursable by session with a note from your family doctor.)

Unable to attend in person? Join the MB-CBT group online. It runs for six weeks beginning Thurday, Oct. 15, from 5:30 to 7:30pm and costs $120 (or $30 for students).

Program B:  Mindfulness Meditation, Wednesday Lunchtime Series

This program explores mindfulness meditation, which has existed for thousands of years. Carefully separated from religious or cultural context, it is the practice of bringing one’s attention to the present moment in a non-judgemental and observant way. Research suggests the benefits of this form of meditation include better stress management, decreased anxiety, increased concentration and more balanced interaction with everyday situations.

In this class, you will learn mindfulness meditation in a stage-based approach focused on cultivating effective technique, with an emphasis on incorporating practice into your daily life.

The first session takes place Wednesdaym Sept. 30, and the program runs weekly until Dec. 2.
Location: York University Psychology Clinic, Room 102
Time: noon to 1pm
Group Leader:  Noah Wayne, PhD (Cand.)
Fee: $150 for 10 sessions ($40 for students with valid ID)

(For participants with extended health coverage for psychological services, the fee for either group should be reimbursable; for students in YFS health plan, the fee is reimbursable by session with a note from your family doctor).

For more information, email yupc@yorku.ca.