Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based, 8-week program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn that helps participants build mindfulness skills to relate differently to stress, health concerns, and everyday challenges.
Through weekly sessions that include guided meditation, mindful movement, and inquiry, participants learn to cultivate greater awareness, compassion, and steadiness. The program supports developing the ability to respond with more choice rather than reacting on autopilot.
Who Should Participate
MBSR is for people experiencing stress or ongoing life challenges who want practical tools to support well-being. Participants often join with concerns such as:
- Stress, anxiety, worry, or low mood
- Chronic pain or chronic medical conditions
- Sleep disturbance
- Headaches, hypertension, or grief and loss
- Relationship challenges
All-Day Session
As part of the program, participants attend a teacher-led all-day silent retreat (typically between weeks 6 and 7). This is an opportunity to practice what you have been learning—such as sitting meditation, mindful movement, and walking meditation—in a supportive, spacious setting.
Free Orientation Session
Please watch the recording of our MBSR Orientation Session to learn about the origins and evidence-based foundations of MBSR, experience a brief practice, and review the class structure and participation guidelines.
Orientation session recording: Orientation Session Recording Here
Passcode: we.g#3D5
Note: All UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness MBSR graduates are invited to join an upcoming all-day session for free by registering here: Register HERE.
Note: CFM requires a minimum of 10 registrants per program. Classes with fewer than 10 registrants will be cancelled and provided a refund. Please be aware of this when making arrangements to attend this program.
At the completion of this program, participants should be able to:
- Identify patterns of stress reactivity and recognize moments of “autopilot.”
- Practice core mindfulness skills to support present-moment awareness.
- Apply mindfulness approaches to relate differently to stress and everyday challenges.
Lorraine M. Hobbs
Lorraine M. Hobbs, M.A., is Founding Director of the Youth, Family & Education Programs at the UCSD San Diego Center for Mindfulness, a family therapist, and a certified teacher of MBSR, MSC, CCT, and the Humanize Contemplative Dyad program. She is co-author of two books on self-compassion for youth, pioneers mindfulness and self-compassion training globally, and develops innovative curricula including AI-supported emotional strength training for kids.
Certificate of Completion
To be eligible for a Certificate of Completion, you must attend at least 6 of the 8 weekly sessions. After completing the end-of-program survey, email mindfulness@health.ucsd.edu to request your certificate.
CE Certification
CE certification requires an additional $50 fee. You must attend all sessions and the all-day session in order to receive the CE certificate.
Continuing education credits are awarded in the following categories: American Psychological Association (APA) and Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).
Psychologists
UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 27.0 CE credit.
California Licensed MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, LCSWs
This activity is an approved continuing education program by the American Psychological Association. Credit hours may be applied to your license renewal through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. 27.0 CE credit.
Nurses
UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing to sponsor continuing education. Provider Number CEP16351. 32.0 contact hours.
A refund (minus your $50 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit) will be made for cancellations submitted in writing up to 7 days prior to the event start date by emailing mindfulness@.ucsd.edu. No refunds will be allowed within 6 days of the event start date.
Please be aware that the registration fee, deposits, and funds are non-transferable to other programs.
In the unlikely event that the course is cancelled, UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is responsible only for a full refund of the registration fee. In regards to in-person programs, the center is not responsible for any refunds to transportation, hotel accommodations, or any miscellaneous expenses.
Refunds are processed using the same method as the original payment (unless past 180 days).
Recent Testimonial
As a wife, mother, full time student, and full time employee, there’s rarely a moment to pause. The MBSR program has given me the rare opportunity to take just a few hours each week to slow down and focus on myself. Practicing mindfulness has been a grounding and much needed reset in the middle of my busy life.
| Date | Day & Time | Register | Teacher(s) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 10 – April 28, 2026 | Tuesdays, 5:30–8 p.m. PT | Register Here | Lorraine Hobbs | Online |
| April 19, 2026 | All-day session (Sunday), 9 a.m.–4 p.m. PT | Included with the MBSR program starting March 10, 2026. Please plan to attend. | Online | |
| March 14 – May 2, 2026 | Saturdays, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. PT | Register Here | Renee Lewis | UC San Diego Health Building: 6333 Greenwich Drive, San Diego |
| April 19, 2026 | All-day session (Sunday), 9 a.m.–4 p.m. PT | Included with the MBSR program starting March 14, 2026. Please plan to attend. | UC San Diego Health Building: 6333 Greenwich Drive, San Diego |