Course description

Centre for Mindfulness, Research and Practice (CMRP)

TEACHER TRAINING RETREAT

LEVEL ONE (TTR1)

 

This intensive entry level mindfulness-based teacher training is considered as the highest standard of training available - having been developed, refined and delivered since 2002 and taught by some of the most experienced mindfulness-based teachers in Europe. Approximately 50% of all UK mindfulness-based teachers have been trained by the Centre for Mindfulness, Research and Practice (CMRP) and teachers from all over the world choose to attend this programme.

 

Criteria for admission: 

• Completion of a group-based 8-week MBCT/MBSR course – or completion of an CMRP taught 9 week distance learning MBSR programme – or completion of a 5 day intensive MBSR training (if accessing an 8 week programme is not possible)
• Commitment to an ongoing daily personal mindfulness-based practice, based on MBSR/MBCT practices

Please apply only after completion of an 8-week MBSR/MBCT course. 

 

This training programme is offered to those who are at an early stage in developing mindfulness-based approaches in their work context - and to those who want to support their ongoing development, who have not yet attended any teacher training

 

OVERVIEW

 

On TTR1, you will learn to teach the core practices and outline curriculum of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. The foundational skills, approach and practices that you learn are common to both MBSR and MBCT[1],

This training offers you an opportunity to learn and practice:

• Embodiment
• Inquiry
• Guiding Practices
• Professional Good Practice

 

These are the key foundations for the teaching of mindfulness-based programmes. All subsequent training development rests on them[2]

 

FURTHER INFORMATION

TEACHER TRAINING RETREAT – LEVEL ONE (TTR1)

This is an intensive programme, designed to immerse participants in the principles and practice of mindfulness-based teaching. It starts from the premise that as teachers we need to embody mindfulness-based practice in our own lives, before we can attempt to teach it to others.  The programme facilitates an opportunity for sustained inner work through practice and learning alongside your peers. The programme is designed to be a collaborative and participatory learning experience.

The training primarily focuses on the teaching process and curriculum of the group based 8-week mindfulness-based programme (MBSR). However, the underpinning experience and understanding is also valuable for those who wish to integrate mindfulness into individual therapeutic work or teach mindfulness in a different form.

 

THE PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

TTR1 is experienced in a retreat environment to develop and support the deepening of your personal mindfulness practice. During the week, there will be regular periods of silence – and a silent led practice day.

Format of the Day:

• Early morning movement and sitting practice
• MBSR key curriculum components taught to group as course participants (Mornings)
• Teach Back Sessions (Afternoons) – guiding sections of core mindfulness-based practices and practicing inquiry skills in small peer groups.
• Taught didactic sessions on key theoretical underpinning
• Reflective discussion in ‘home’ peer group with tutor
• Personal journaling to embed learning
• Evening sessions based on practice and reflection

 

 

The intention is to create a group process that feels safe and trustworthy, and an open, spacious learning environment, which encourages spontaneity and creativity as well as structured learning. 

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Teaching Skills

By the end of the training, participants will have:

• Practiced and developed skills and understanding in guiding mindfulness-based practices and the inquiry process that follows the practice
• Experienced the curriculum and themes of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction – as the basis of all Mindfulness-Based Programmes (MBP),
• Developed an understanding of the ways of learning and teaching within Mindfulness-Based Programmes, which includes:
  • Teaching out of one’s own direct embodied experience.
  • Bringing Investigation / exploration / inquiry / curiosity to the learning process.

Personal Practice

By the end of the training participants will have:

• Developed a grounded understanding of mindfulness as an approach cultivated through on-going personal awareness, in both formal and informal everyday practice, in silence and in dialogue.

• Explored the value of mindfulness-based practice as a way of relating to difficulty
• Experienced being part of a practice community with a sense of common purpose.

 Theory and Professional issues.

By the end of the training participants will learn about:

• the origins and context of mindfulness in contemporary settings
• the central importance of a commitment to a sustained path of personal development and practice.
• the process of assessment and orientation as a vital part of the delivery of mindfulness courses.
• the importance of committing to personal / professional supervision and self care for mindfulness teachers.
• some of the ethical issues which arise in this work

 

One of our priorities within the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice is to establish high standards for teacher training and development. This programme is designed to begin the process of training to be a teacher of mindfulness-based approaches. Participants come to this programme with varying skills and experience and levels of practice. Inevitably, not everyone will be ready to begin to teach on completion of this programme. Further development may be required, perhaps by attending another 8 week course and consolidating further personal practice. At the end of the week, there is an opportunity to discuss this and other matters in a one to one meeting with one of the programme tutors. This can be a helpful in reflecting on next steps and reviewing your learning and development needs after your  TTR1.

All CMRP Alumni are welcome to join our alumni association. Please visit http://www.friendsofbangor.org/ for further information.