Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Veterans
What is Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction?
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a course to help people learn the practice of mindfulness. It is modeled on the program created by Jon Kabat Zinn and described in Kabat Zinn's book, Full Catastrophe Living. The group meets once a week for 2.5 hours for eight consecutive weeks. Mindfulness meditation and the application of mindfulness to daily life are the core program components. In addition, participants are introduced to gentle yoga, how to change unwanted thinking habits and to develop compassion for oneself and others. To assist the learning process, participants receive a guided meditation CD and hand-outs with specific home program recommendations.
Loving Kindness Meditation at the VA
Loving kindness meditation is a practice designed to enhance feelings of kindness, goodwill and compassion for self and others. This meditation practice involves the repetition of phrases of positive intention for self and others. A 12-week course in loving kindness meditation has been shown to increase self-compassion and mindfulness and reduce PTSD symptoms and depression in veterans. Carolyn is a co-teacher in ongoing research examining the effects of Loving Kindness Meditation training in veterans suffering PTSD.
Mindfulness at the VA
The VA Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program (MBSR) serves as a complement to ongoing treatment for veterans suffering from chronic pain, stress, anxiety or depression. Many veterans with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also find the class helpful.
A growing number of scientific studies show mental and physical health benefits as a result of participation in MBSR. The program requires a high level of participation involving 8 weekly 2.5 hour morning sessions and one day long retreat between weeks 6 and 7.
Please check with your VA provider to determine if this program may be of benefit to you. Referrals can be made through your primary care provider, your mental health provider, or by contacting the MBSR coordinator directly.
The program was featured in a 2009 Seattle Times article.
Carolyn is one of several teachers for this program.
Loving Kindness Meditation at the VA
Loving kindness meditation is a practice designed to enhance feelings of kindness, goodwill and compassion for self and others. This meditation practice involves the repetition of phrases of positive intention for self and others. A 12-week course in loving kindness meditation has been shown to increase self-compassion and mindfulness and reduce PTSD symptoms and depression in veterans. Carolyn is a co-teacher in ongoing research examining the effects of Loving Kindness Meditation training in veterans suffering PTSD.
For more information
If you are interested in learning more about the MBSR and/or Loving Kindness Meditation programs at the Puget Sound VA, please contact Michelle Martinez, Program Administrator & Research Specialist: (206) 277-1721.
Loving Kindness Meditation Watch this 30 minute informative and inspiring video about the program. |
