Reduce stress, cultivate creativity through mindfulness meditation

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Do you want to reduce stress more effectively and cultivate creativity, attentiveness and tranquility? The York University Psychology Clinic is now offering three meditation programs to choose from, including an online program.

Gain the support of group meditation with on-the-spot instruction and help keep your brain healthier by practising mindfulness meditation.

For more information, email yupc@yorku.ca.

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)

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behaivour Therapy (MB-CBT) derives a powerful synergy from three strong traditions. Ancient Asian meditation methods are invigorated and revolutionized by groundbreaking research in cognitive therapy and neuroscience. In this group, the scientific approach employs methods drawn from all three traditions.

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 will start Tuesday, Sept. 30, and run on the following Tuesdays: Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18 and 25; and Dec. 2.

Location: York University Psychology Clinic, Room 102

Time: 5:30 to 7pm

Group leader: Paul Ritvo

Fee: $175 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 with the 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

This group was piloted last spring and proved very successful. You can participate from any internet-linked computer with sound capacity. The course content is identical to the Tuesday night group. Group members found it helpful to have answers to questions spoken and typed so that responses can be critically reviewed during the days between groups.

The first session will start Thursday, Oct. 2, and run on the following Thursdays: Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30; Nov. 6, 13 and 20.

Location: Your internet-linked computer (URL to be provided after registration is complete)

Time: 5:30 to 7pm

Group leader: Paul Ritvo

Fee: $150 for eight sessions ($50 for students with valid ID)

Program B: Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation has existed for thousands of years. Carefully separated from religious orcultural context, it is the practice of bringing one’s attention to the present in a non-judgmental and observant way. Research suggests the benefits of this form of meditation include better stress management, decreased anxiety, increased concentration and more balanced interaction to 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 will be on Friday, Oct. 3, and run the following Fridays: Oct. 10, 17, 24 and 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28; and Dec. 5.

Location: York University Psychology Clinic, Room 102

Time: noon to 1pm

Group leader: Paul Ritvo

Fee: $150 for 10 sessions ($50 for students with valid ID)

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