IMISA Training
Sharing Mindfulness in Context: Training in trauma-sensitive mindfulness-based practices
After a process of reflection and reconfiguration of the 2-year Stellenbosch University certification training in mindfulness-based interventions previously offered by IMISA, we have developed a new iteration in order to make the training more accessible and affordable, with an even stronger emphasis on context and trauma sensitivity.
This new tiered approach to training will enable participants:
• of Tier 1 to share short trauma-sensitive mindfulness practices within their community / work context.
• of Tier 2 to teach mindfulness-based programmes.
We aim to widen our relevance as the training becomes more context-sensitive, trauma-sensitive, diverse and accessible.
Please see below the structure of this new training.
Please note that we will no longer be offering the 2-year Stellenbosch University certification training in mindfulness-based interventions.
Tier 1
The Institute for Mindfulness South Africa (IMISA) offers uniquely South African training in the development of a personal practice of mindfulness and in sharing these practices with others.
Dates for the next 3-month cycle of 2025 are 26 July – 30 September and applications are now open.
Contact Lynne Gordon (IMISA Operations Officer) at lynne@mindfulness.org.za for more information.
The training has an emphasis on being sensitive to the trauma in our society and its impact on our bodies, thoughts and emotions.
It focuses on learning practices which soothe the overactive, alert nervous system (self-regulation) and about kindly befriending ourselves and others (compassion training practices).
This 3-month online training run by skilled facilitators consists of
• 2 Saturday meetings and 10 weekly evening group sessions
• 6 sessions with a mentor in groups of 3 or 4
• Meetings with a learning partner from the group
Participants will
• Have access to the learning platform with course content, videos and relevant articles
• Develop a personal mindfulness practice
• Be equipped to skilfully share short mindfulness practices within their work and community contexts
This training is suited to
• Health professionals
• Coaches
• Educators
• Leaders & trainers in NPOs (non-profit organisations)
• Religious leaders
• Corporate executives & managers
• Human resources practitioners
• Mind-body practitioners (e.g. yoga teachers)
Tier 2
This is a more substantive training in mindfulness-based interventions, consisting of
two 3-month modules, two in-person residential retreats and significant academic content.
This training is aimed primarily at health professionals.
Completion of Tier 1 training is a pre-requisite for Tier 2 training.
Participants will:
• Deepen and refine personal mindfulness practice.
• Be equipped to teach a 6-or 8-week mindfulness-based programme.
This training, which is currently under development, will be offered through Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, in collaboration with the Institute for Mindfulness South Africa (IMISA).
For more information, please email Lynne Gordon, IMISA Operations Officer, on lynne@mindfulness.org.za.
Mindfulness-Based Programmes
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a participant-centred approach to stress management and is to date, the most successful and well-researched stress reduction programme worldwide.
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Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
MBCT is designed to help people who suffer repeated bouts of depression and chronic unhappiness. Research suggests this program is also effective in preventing depression relapse.
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Other Mindfulness-Based Approaches
A mix of trainings, courses and retreats which have mindfulness as a foundation and are informed by the ethics and ethos of this approach, used in varied and diverse settings.
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Mindfulness-Based Corporate Programmes
Programmes that cultivate healthier, conscious, and compassionate working environments. Helping employees and teams feel more connected; nurturing them to grow and thrive at work.
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Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Chronic Pain
These programmes introduce mindfulness and meditation to individuals with chronic pain, guided by health professionals experienced in pain management.
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Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) is an eight-week series of two-hour sessions, developed specifically for people recovering from alcohol, drug & process addictions.
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Mindfulness-Based Eating
Our relationship to food is a central one that reflects our attitudes toward our environment and ourselves. Mindfulness-based interventions are particularly well suited to addressing disordered eating behaviours.
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Mindful Self-Compassion
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) teaches simple effective skills and develops emotional strength to meet life’s challenges with kindness instead of blaming, shaming or criticizing ourselves.