Mindfulness in English in Bern
I offer individual mindfulness sessions and the MBSR course in English in Bern. MBSR stands for Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. The MBSR course was developed by Prof. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts (USA) in 1979. It has been intensively applied in the health sector worldwide and is increasingly being used to foster wellbeing and personal development for people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Through the MBSR course we can discover our inner resources and learn a new way of dealing with physical and emotional stress. In the MBSR course we systematically train mindfulness through various exercises. We then increase our body awareness, handle our thoughts more efficiently and improve our emotional intelligence. This leads to more clarity and inner peace, even if the external circumstances are challenging. The MBSR course is considered the foundational program, from which many other mindfulness-based interventions were derived. |
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness stands for nonjudgmental moment-to-moment awareness. It means waking up from a life that was switched on automatic pilot to consciously perceive our experience in the present moment.
Mindfulness is not an abstract concept but a state of mind that we can train just like a muscle. This training is beneficial for people of all ages and education levels. The goal is the understanding and training of our own mind. This promotes long-term concentration, wellbeing, health and happiness. The MBSR course is characterized by: 1) providing tools for everyday life 2) being based on science 3) secularity and neutrality |
The MBSR course inventor Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness.
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Who is the MBSR course for?
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Mindfulness is open to adults of all ages, cultures, life situations and levels of education. People of all religions and cultures can participate. You need no prior knowledge or experience. You don't need a special physical condition. People with very different physical ailments and limitations can attend the classes.
The participant groups are usually very heterogeneous. This wide spectrum of ages, life backgrounds and stories of suffering are the strength of the MBSR course. As a group we become aware that stress and suffering are part of human life, and that we all have untapped internal resources that allow us to cope with such challenges more effectively. |
MBSR course participants are often people who:
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Who souldn't attend the MBSR course?
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An MBSR course is not recommended if you're currently in an acute situation, such as:
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What is included in an MBSR course?
The classic 8 week MBSR course, as described by Jon Kabat-Zinn, lasts a total of two months and includes:
- Preliminary Interview - Eight group sessions (2.5 hours weekly) - A Mindfulness Day (6 hours) - Personal Evaluation You'll receive a detailed booklet, a course certificate and the digital files (CD and MP3 format) of the main exercises containing detailed instructions so that you can practice at home. You are invited to practice the exercises at home for 45 minutes per day during the duration of the course (two months). Home practice and gradually trying to integrate mindfulness into your daily routine is an important part of the method, as it allows you to get the most out of the classes. The MBSR course is systematic and accompanied mindfulness training. Each of the weekly group sessions includes:
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The MBSR course is based on the experiences of the participants. This means that the exercises are a very important part of the group sessions. By experiencing and feeling your body and observing your emotions and thoughts, you train your awareness.
Your experiences are deepened through your personal reflection and the brief lectures by the teacher. Next dates: In 2018 I offer individual mindfulness sessions in English. No 8-week MBSR course will be run in English in 2018. Number of participants: 6 to 15 people Language: English For people who understand English better than German and for native English speakers. Here are the details about MBSR course in German, MBSR course in Spanish and all course dates. CHF 850.- for the entire MBSR course, including materials 2 persons together: CHF 800.- per person Enrollment You can contact me directly: [email protected] I contact every interested person to answer their questions and give further information on the MBSR course. This preliminary interview takes place over phone. The interview will help you to clarify your intentions and the MBSR course's suitability for your needs. |
What are the effects of the 8 Week MBSR course?
The scientific basis of the MBSR course is certainly one of the most important factors for the program's success worldwide, as this video (3min) on the history of the MBSR course tells us, from the "Center for Mindfulness" at the University of Massachusetts.
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The MBSR course is the most scientifically-researched mindfulness program.
The following effects have been shown: - Reduction of anxiety and depressive disorders. - Reduction of pain sensations. - Strengthening the immune system. - More effective management of stressful situations. - Better ability to relax. - More confidence. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to change throughout our entire human life and to reorganize. Neuroplasticity shows us that through regular mindfulness training an adult can slowly build new and positive habits. For more information on research on the topic you can consult the extensive database provided by the American Mindfulness Research Association. The Mind and Life Institute is fostering scientific knowledge on the human mind with the aim to contribute to the reduction of human suffering. |
MBSR - Individual or Team Coaching
The MBSR course can also be learned in individual sessions. This offers the advantage of greater flexibility in terms of dates, hours and location. For the MBSR content I recommend between 5 to 8 coaching sessions. They can be taken individually or together with your partner or with a friend.
The MBSR course can also be booked as in-house course for a team or as healthcare promotion in the workplace. I also offer coaching based on mindfulness and mindfulness training, which isn't based on MBSR: Please contact me directly for further information. |

Born in Bern in 1980, I studied Political Sciences and International Relations at the University of Geneva. I then worked internationally in the field of sustainable development in different companies and universities. I lived and worked during several years in Santiago de Chile.
For eight years I have been practicing mindfulness meditation. This helps me to stay more connected to myself and thus become more balanced and relaxed. In 2014 I started the training of several years to become an MBSR teacher at the Center for Mindfulness in the University of Massachusetts (USA). The center was founded by Jon Kabat-Zinn and teachers included Florence Meleo-Meyer, Robert Smith and Saki Santorelli. Currently I'm in the last stage of the training.
With the pioneer of corporate mindfulness training, Chade-Meng Tan, I took the "Search Inside Yourself" course in 2013 in the USA. The same year I opened my own company in Santiago de Chile (www.plenamente.cl) running mindfulness training for individuals and companies and individual as well as executive coaching. I since teach in different countries in Latin America and in Switzerland. My mother tongue is German and I work in German, English, French and Spanish.
You can find my CV on LinkedIn Christine Freiburghaus
For eight years I have been practicing mindfulness meditation. This helps me to stay more connected to myself and thus become more balanced and relaxed. In 2014 I started the training of several years to become an MBSR teacher at the Center for Mindfulness in the University of Massachusetts (USA). The center was founded by Jon Kabat-Zinn and teachers included Florence Meleo-Meyer, Robert Smith and Saki Santorelli. Currently I'm in the last stage of the training.
With the pioneer of corporate mindfulness training, Chade-Meng Tan, I took the "Search Inside Yourself" course in 2013 in the USA. The same year I opened my own company in Santiago de Chile (www.plenamente.cl) running mindfulness training for individuals and companies and individual as well as executive coaching. I since teach in different countries in Latin America and in Switzerland. My mother tongue is German and I work in German, English, French and Spanish.
You can find my CV on LinkedIn Christine Freiburghaus