Gina M. Biegel – Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens

Outline

Foundational Principles of MBSR-T

• Program similarities and differences from adult MBSR and MBSR-T
• History of MBSR-T
• Theoretical foundations of MBSR-T
• The psycho-educational format of MBSR-T
• Ethical and moral considerations
• The mindful clinician: impact on MBSR-T outcomes
• Cultural relevance

Core MBSR-T Curriculum

• Awareness of intention, attention and attitude
• MBSR-T mechanisms of change
• Introduce mindfulness to teens
• Define mindfulness for teens
• Setting intentions
• Formal and informal mindfulness practices in MBSR-T
• Foundational pieces to each formal practice
• Overcome barriers with silence and breathing
• Titration approach to MBSR-T
• Use of on-your-own-practices

Stage 1: Development of Broad Awareness and Insight

• Mindfulness and the 5 senses
• Defining stress from a teen’s perspective
• 4-Step mindful check-in
• Mindful qualities for daily living
• Awareness of thoughts
• Awareness of mind and body
• Body-scan
• Sitting practice
• Integration to teen’s activities
• “Guest House” poem by Rumi

Stage 2: Increases in Present Moment Functioning and Living

• Mindful walking
• Cultivating self-care: both client and clinician
• Heartfulness
• Awareness of the positive
• Awareness of the negative
• Judgments as fact: transforming the narrative
• Mindful stopping
• Approaching stress, pain and suffering
• Stress equals pain times blocking
• Reduction of self-harm behaviors
• The Harm Awareness Journal

Stage 3: Maintenance and Growth

• Mindful homework/test-taking
• 10 Tips to minimize homework and test-taking stress
• Mindful messaging in social media
• Mindful communication: listening and reflecting
• Awareness of gratitude toward self and others
• Building trust: the trust exercise
• Review of intentions: pave the way for tomorrow

Evidence-Based Research on MBSR-T

• Effects on mental and physical conditions
• Research in clinical settings
• Research in educational settings
• Next steps: current research
• The MAAS-A: the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale-Adolescent
• MBSR-T adaptations in individual and family psychotherapy