How-To's and FAQs for Students
Find helpful how-to's and answers to our most frequently asked questions below.
Student Support is Important to Us
At the Mindfulness and Health Institute (MHI), we are committed to providing exceptional learning experiences, including supporting students before, during, and after each course. Therefore, we have organized our most frequently asked questions and resources into clear categories, so you can easily find the tools and guidance you need to support your mindfulness practice.
General How-To's
- How to login to your MHI account
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How to recover forgotten username or password
- How to access your MHI account and course webpage
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How to update or correct your name, email address, username, and password
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How to download your course receipt or paid invoice
- How to request a refund
Pre-Course FAQs
- What are the Benefits and Risks of Mindfulness-Based Courses?
- Where can I get more information about courses?
- Is it possible to connect with someone?
Tuition & Tuition Assistance FAQs
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Are there payment plans available?
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Do you offer tuition assistance?
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How do I make a donation to support tuition assistance for others and increase access to mindfulness courses?
Course Logistics FAQs
- What is the Orientation session?
- How do I access the course content?
- Where do I find the Zoom link now that I’m registered?
- What are the attendance requirements?
- What happens if I miss a class? Is there a way to “make up” a missed class?
- Are the sessions recorded?
- Will there be homework assignments?
- What happens in the “All-Days”?
- How do I request a Certificate of Completion?
- How long do students have access to the MHI platform after the course is over?
Course-Specific FAQs
- MBSR & MBCT: What is the difference between MBSR and MBCT?
- RETREATS: Which retreats qualify for MBSR teacher training?
- TEACHER TRAINING: What is the difference between Training to Teach “Introducing Mindfulness” and MBSR teacher training?
In the upper right-hand corner of the screen, please select "Log in" and follow the on-screen prompts.
If you do not remember your username or password, please see the "How to recover forgotten username or password" FAQ below.
You can reset your Username or password using the "Did you forget your username or password" link below the login form.
If you continue to have trouble logging into your MHI account, please contact hello@mindfulnessandhealthinstitute.org and a team member will assist you.
Alternative Option: Log in with magic link
Enter your email or Username in the login form and click "Log in with magic link" and the system will send you an email with a one-time use special link that when clicked, will automatically log you into your MHI account.
Accessing MHI Account
When logged in to your MHI Account, from any screen on the MHI website, you can access your account overview by clicking on the picture in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. The picture icon may vary between users, but it will have a downward facing arrow to the right of it. Example below:
A drop-down menu will appear and you can select from a list of choices:
- Your profile
- Your account
- My courses (this will show up only for students who have registered for a course starting September 2024 and beyond)
- Logout
Account Information
Select "Your profile" and you will be taken to a page where you can update your name, email address, username (called Simplero ID), and password.
Course Content
Select "Your account" and you will be taken to your course information for all courses (past, current, and future) you have registered for starting in September 2024 and beyond. In this section, there are 3 areas that contain course information:
- Membership Site: For those who have registered for courses at MHI that started September 2024 and beyond, the "My Courses" under the Membership Site is a master list of all courses you have registered. Courses you have access to will have content available to you, while courses you have not registered for will be grayed out and are only preview-only.
- Courses: For those who have registered for courses at MHI that started September 2024 and beyond, all courses you have access to can also be found under the Courses section of the account page.
- Purchases: For those who have registered for courses at MHI that started September 2024 and beyond, all purchases can be reviewed here. To download your receipt or paid invoice, please see the "How to download your course receipt or paid invoice" how-to below.
Accessing MHI Account
- Login to your MHI Account (for information on how to do this, please see the "How to login to your MHI account" FAQ above).
- Navigate to "Your Profile' in your account menu (see "How to access your MHI account and course webpage").
- You will be taken to a page where you can update your name, email address, and username (called Simplero ID).
- To update your password, please navigate to the "Security" tab at the top of the profile section.
Login to your MHI account and go to your "Profile" (see "How to access your MHI account and course webpage" for more information). There will be a vertical dashboard on the left side of the screen. Select the "Receipts" option and click on the receipt you want to view.
Please confirm that you are within the refund period for your course by reviewing our Refund Policy on the Policies and Procedures webpage.
Then, please email hello@mindfulnessandhealthinstitute.org with the following information:
- Email subject line: Refund Request
- In the body of the email, please provide the following information:
- Your full name
- Your email address
- Name of the course
- Name of the instructor of the course
- Start month and year of the course
Since the early 1980’s, there has been a steady growth of academic research studying mindfulness courses. The many academic journal articles, shown on the graph below, are studies of many mindfulness courses and interventions.
Today, we know, empirically, that there are benefits and risks to mindfulness courses.
Before participating in a mindfulness course, we offer the following information to help you become informed about the efficacy, utility, as well as the potential risks. For many, the benefits are compelling and attainable, while the risks are minimal and manageable. For all of us, it is important we consider these benefits and risks in order to make the best decision possible about attending a mindfulness-based course and practicing mindfulness.
The summary below shows some of the benefits and risks, along with a few of the relevant research resources.
A SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
- Improved sense of well-being
- Improved self-care
- Stress reduction
- Decreased depression
- Decreased anxiety
- Increased focus and attention
- Heightened emotional regulation
- Decreased judgment
- Increased compassion
- Decreased pain
- Increased awareness and concentration
- More effective coping skills
Resources
Chin, B., Lindsay, E. K., Greco, C. M., Brown, K. W., Smyth, J. M. et al. (2019). Psychological mechanisms driving stress resilience in mindfulness training: A randomized controlled trial. Health Psychology, 38(8), 759–768. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000763
Greenburg, J., Romero, V. L., Elkin-Frankston, S., Bezdek, M. A., Schumacher, E. H., & Lazar, S. W. (2018). Reduced interference in working memory following mindfulness training is associated with increases in hippocampal volume. Brain Imaging and Behavior, 13, 366–376. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11682-018-9858-4
Ireland, M. J., Clough, B., Gill, K., Langan, F., O’Conner, A., & Spencer, L. (2017). A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness to reduce stress and burnout among intern medical practitioners. Medical Teacher, 39(4), 409-414. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2017.1294749
Jha, A. P., Witkin, J. E., Morrison, A. B., Rostrup, N., & Stanley, E. (2017). Short-Form Mindfulness Training Protects Against Working Memory Degradation over High-Demand Intervals. Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, 1, 154–171. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41465-017-0035-2
Loucks, E. B., Nardi, W. R., Gutman, R., Kronish, I. M., Saadeh, F. B., et al. (2019). Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction (MB-BP): Stage 1 single-arm clinical trial. PlosOne. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223095
Anheyer D, Haller H, Barth J, Lauche R, Dobos G, Cramer H. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Treating Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2017; 166 (11):799-807.
Kuyken, W, Warren FC,Taylor, RS, Whalley, B, Crane C, Bondolfi G, et.al.: Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse: An Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis. From Randomized Trials. JAMA Psychiatry. 2016 June:18:73(6);565-574.
A SUMMARY OF RISKS
- Executive dysfunction
- Asocial behavior
- Insomnia
- Panic and anxiety increase
- Traumatic re-experiencing
- Heightened awareness of emotions
- Blunting or distancing from emotions
- Pain or discomfort during mindful movement exercises
Resources
OUR COMMITMENT IS TO YOUR SAFETY
Prior to taking any mindfulness course with the Mindfulness and Health Institute, you have the opportunity to meet with us. We offer Information Sessions and one-on-one Advising Sessions at no cost. Also, you may email us at hello@MindfulnessAndHealthInstitute.org with questions, feedback, or to request a meeting.
Our Instructors are available throughout the duration of the course, as are the MHI staff and leadership. At the end of each course, you have the opportunity to provide feedback through our course evaluation.
You are encouraged to let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or are experiencing any difficulties, physically, mentally or emotionally.
Our Advisory Council ensures that our courses adhere to evidence-based standards and current research. This involves evaluating the empirical basis, limitations, and risks associated with the curricula content and materials. The Advisory Council also reviews course evaluations that identify areas in need of improvement and makes recommendations to leadership. The Advisory Council is comprised of mindfulness-based trainers, teachers, researchers, clinicians, and leadership.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- National Institute of Health’s PubMed online library: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- American Mindfulness Research Association: https://goamra.org/
- Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness, Practices for Safe and Transformative Healing by David Treleaven, 2018. https://davidtreleaven.com/
If you still have questions about a course after reading the description provided on the website, MHI offers a variety of opportunities to speak with a member of our team, including monthly Information Sessions and one-to-one Advising Sessions. Learn more.
You may also email us at hello@mindfulnessandhealthinstitute.org.
If you still have questions about a course after reading the description provided on the website, please register for an Information Session. If you would like to discuss a course you are considering you can also schedule a one-to-one Advising Session. Learn more.
If you are unable to attend an information session or advising session due to scheduling conflicts, or have an urgent matter, please email hello@mindfulnessandhealthinstitute.org.
Payment plans are available for courses and can be found in your shopping cart.
Yes! All of our Learning and Advancing mindfulness courses (except retreats) use a sliding scale payment system, so that students can pay what they can afford. Course pricing is set to allow for generosity while meeting individuals needs and includes Pay-It-Forward, Standard, and Scholarship rates (see detailed information for each tier below). By providing tiers of payment options, MHI hopes to reduce financial barriers, foster inclusivity, increase accessibility, and increase course impact.
- Pay-It-Forward: This is an opportunity to support those less fortunate, making courses accessible to those that cannot pay the standard rate. Paying at this level is an act of generosity.
- Standard Rate: The standard rate covers the costs of these courses, making it possible for MHI to continue to offer them.
- Scholarship Rate: This rate is available for those who cannot afford to pay the standard rate. We ask you to use this rate only if paying the higher rate creates a hardship for yourself and/or your family.
Early Bird discounts and payment plans for teacher training courses are available to support access to these trainings as well.
Thank you, 100% of donations go to fund courses and increase access to mindfulness courses. Please donate to the Mindfulness and Health Foundation non-profit.
Donations help to make mindfulness accessible to a wide range of individuals, including, but not limited to:
- Economically challenged individuals
- Underrepresented populations
- Veterans
- The ill and their caregivers
- Those facing acute and chronic health issues
- Those who want to flourish and live with more ease
- Those in training to bring mindfulness back to their communities
Orientations are a great opportunity to learn deeply about what to expect and what you can get out of attending your mindfulness course.
When you attend an Orientation, you will get to know if your mindfulness course is a good fit for you at this time. Specifically, you will:
- Learn about what mindfulness is and is not
- Experience key practices taught in your course
- Understand the Risks & Benefits
Thank you for registering. The Zoom link is located in your MHI account on the course webpage under the "Welcome and Course Logistics" lesson module. For more information on how to access this, please see "How to access your MHI account and course webpage" at the top of this webpage under General How-To's.
Students who meet attendance requirements below will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Continuing Education credits: There are additional requirements for students earning Continuing Education credits beyond those detailed below, please review attendance requirements on the CE Credits webpage for more information.
Learning and Advancing mindfulness courses (excluding retreats): Participation and group learning is an important aspect of each course. Each session builds upon what has been introduced before, which is why we encourage students to attend all sessions. However, students can miss up to two (2) sessions and still receive a Certificate of Completion.
Teacher Trainings: Students in teacher training courses are expected to attend 100% of the classes.
Retreats: The expectation is that you attend the full retreat, as if it were in-person.
Each session builds upon what has been introduced before, which is why it is important to attend all the sessions. To protect the privacy and safety of the students, courses are not recorded.
Generally, it is not possible to make up a missed class. In some circumstances, MBSR or MBCT students who are unable to attend a scheduled class may make up the missed session by joining a class that is running concurrently at a different time within the same week, provided a class is available and with the instructor’s permission. Students must request the instructor in advance if they plan to attend a different class as a make-up session.
To protect the privacy and safety of the students, courses are not recorded.
Students are given suggestions for personal practice toward the end of each class. This includes both recommended guided practices, and also ways to cultivate new habits of mindfulness in everyday life. Depending on the class, these range from 15-45 minutes of daily practice. Each session (except the first) includes a review of the previous week’s personal practice. You will have access to web resources, such as guided practices and written material to support each class.
The All-Day session is an intensive day of mindfulness practice that typically takes place on a Saturday or Sunday. This day offers students the opportunity to enhance the meditation practices learned in class and at home, along with new practices. Students will spend this All-Day session in silence, away from the usual demands and distractions of life, opening the possibility for new insights and perceptions through a kind, curious, non-judgment lens of awareness.
Instructors will submit their final attendance numbers within two weeks of course end-dates. If you meet the attendance recruitments for your course (see attendance policy above), MHI will send you an email containing your Certificate of Completion. If you have not received your Certificate of Completion within a month of your course ending, please check your spam and promotions folder for the email. If you still can't find it, please contact hello@mindfulnessandhealthinstitute.org and a member of our team will assist you.
Students continue to have ongoing access to the learning platform, even after completing the course. Students are encouraged to visit the platform to access the course materials to support their practice and ongoing mindfulness journey. It is our intention to continue to make these materials available indefinitely; however, please be aware access to materials may change in the future based on technical or business conditions.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) are both evidence-based mindfulness courses that have been developed to help individuals manage stress and improve mental well-being. While they share similarities in their foundational principles (i.e., non-judging, patience, beginner’s mind, trust, non-striving, acceptance, letting go, gratitude, and generosity), they have distinct differences in terms of their intended applications and approaches.
MBSR involves mindfulness meditation, body scan exercises, gentle yoga, and other techniques to promote self-awareness and stress reduction. It is often used as a general approach for people dealing with stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and various health-related issues. MBSR helps students become more present in their daily lives, develop non-judgmental awareness, and manage difficult emotions. MBCT, on the other hand, is an adaptation of MBSR that specifically targets the prevention of relapses in individuals who have experienced recurrent episodes of depression and/or anxiety.
MBCT combines mindfulness practices from MBSR like mindfulness meditation, body scan exercises, and gentle yoga with elements of cognitive therapy such as cognitive restructuring. This course aims to help students become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, particularly those that might contribute to depressive or anxiety symptoms, so that they may disengage from negative thought patterns and behaviors.
The 5-7 day retreats offered by MHI meet the requirements for most MBSR Teacher Training Certificate pathways. Some certifying bodies accept two 3-day retreats in lieu of a 5-day retreat. Please check with your certifying body to confirm.
There are a number of differences between these two trainings, which are listed below. One unifying element of both courses is the focus on teacher competencies as identified in the MBI:TAC (Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Teacher Assessment Criteria).
Training time: Training to Teach Introducing Mindfulness is a 10-day, 80-hour intensive course.
MBSR Teacher Training is a 2-5 year training pathway, depending on the training center. The number of courses for certification to teach MBSR vary from as few as 3 to as many as 7.
Training cost: Training to Teach Introducing Mindfulness is $2195.
MBSR Teacher Training can range from $7,000 to $15,000 or more, including training costs, retreat expenses, and other training materials. There are a number of MBSR Teacher Training pathways and they vary in content, cost, pre- and co-requisites, and time commitment.
Length of course you are learning to teach: "Introducing Mindfulness" is a series of three 1-hour classes.
"Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)" is a series of eight 2.5-hour classes, not including an orientation day and an all-day retreat.
Audience: Training to Teach Introducing Mindfulness is for those who would like to introduce mindfulness into their work, organization, community or other settings where the full 8-week, 2.5 hour course may not be feasible. For example, it is suitable for those intending to introduce brief mindfulness sessions in general population contexts, workplaces, and educational settings, and for healthcare and mental health professionals planning to introduce mindfulness practices in clinical settings.
The MBSR Teacher Training is for individuals who wish to teach the MBSR curriculum, develop a more profound understanding of its principles and techniques, deepen their own practice, and gain mindfulness teaching skills to help others manage stress and enhance well-being.
Continuing Education Credits
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