MCC Offers Course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction with Free Orientation Session

MANCHESTER, Conn. (February 27, 2019). MCC’s Continuing Education division is offering an orientation session to provide background on the benefits of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). The session, to be held Tuesday, March 12, from 6 to 8 p.m., is free; however, pre-registration is required.

The orientation session is the precursor to an 8-week course in the stress-reduction modality that will meet Tuesday evenings from March 26 through May 21, 6 to 8:30 p.m. The program also includes one Saturday class on May 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Both the free orientation and the 8-week modality course will be held in Great Path Academy on the MCC campus, room GP137. The course fee is $299.

The orientation session will provide information on MBSR and how it can help peoples’ well-being. The program will teach attendees how to practice MBSR.

As a modality for reducing stress, MBSR incorporates cognitive therapy elements. MBSR is designed to calm the mind and body in order to relieve pain, manage anxiety, cope with illness or physical distress, increase productivity, improve sleep, sharpen focus and feel a deeper sense of peace. Attendees will practice mindfulness in class and at home between classes.

“Our electronic device-dependent, fast-paced lives have left us feeling frazzled and overwhelmed,” according to Instructor Melissa Tweedie. “Mindfulness practices help us to re-connect to ourselves and to others, rediscovering our abilities to turn off the stress within our bodies and find a path to wellness and ease even in the midst of life’s inevitable stressors. Mindfulness doesn’t take away our stress. It teaches us how to have a different and healthier relationship to everything in our life.”

Tweedie holds a master of science degree and sixth year certificate in psychology from the University of Hartford. She earned her MBSR teacher certification through the University of California at San Diego. Since 2006, she has worked as a school psychologist at H.C. Wilcox Technical High School in Meriden

There is an expanding research base suggesting the use of MBSR in promoting psychological health and well-being. Interest has spread to applications for children and adolescents.

For information about pre-registering for the orientation session, contact the Containing Education Credit-Free programs information line at 860-512-2800 or CEinfo@manchestercc.edu. For registration information, visit www.manchestercc.edu/cfregistration.