Online - Research and Evaluation - Teacher Workshop - 09.00 - 17.00 UK TIME
Date: 25/02/2021
Location: Online

MBCT is an evidence-based program. Effective teachers need an understanding of the evidence base in order to communicate effectively with potential participants and other interested parties about what the evidence shows and the limitations of current knowledge. Effective teachers also adopt an empirical mind-set. Rather than assuming that their courses must be effective because the literature says MBCT is helpful, they collect data to find out how their participants are responding to the course. The first half of the day provides an informative summary of the evidence base for MBCT and other important topics in the mindfulness field. Topics covered include: Assessment of mindfulness. Why should we attempt to measure mindfulness, what methods are available, how effective are they, and what have we learned about mindfulness and MBPs from this research? Efficacy of MBPs. What does research tell us about the benefits of MBPs? What do they help with, and how much? How do they compare with other evidence-based approaches to mental health and wellbeing? Other questions about efficacy. How much home practice are participants doing, and does it matter? Are self-help and online programs effective? Is MBCT cost-effective? What are the effects on the brain? Can evidence-based MBPs cause harm? Mechanisms of change in MBPs. How do beneficial effects of MBPs come about? What are the important changes? Effects of mindfulness training on kindness and compassion. The second half of the day cultivates teachers' skills for adopting an empirical attitude about the courses they teach. Topics include: Why evaluating the courses we teach is important; How to develop useful questions about the courses we teach; Measures recommended by the OMC for assessing outcomes, mechanisms of change, acceptability, harmful and unpleasant experiences, and home practice; Thinking empirically about the findings obtained; Evaluating our teaching using the MBI-TAC framework.

PLEASE NOTE: The OMC is now providing this event online in response to the spread of the Coronavirus. If you are happy to proceed please acknowledge this, when asked, in the below form. Masterclasses and workshops at the OMC are directed by leaders in their field, within mindfulness training, teaching and research. These events offer continuing professional development in teaching MBCT and in specialist areas of applying mindfulness training. They will interest mindfulness teachers as well as those wishing to find out more about recent developments in their field of interest.