Announcement: Exciting New MBSR Program for CancerPatients and Their Families Launching January 2025!

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Laura Nasi is in the process of obtaining her certification as a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Instructor at the Institute for Mindfulness-Based Approaches.
Starting January 2025, she will be offering an 8-week MBSR program specifically designed for individuals dealing with a cancer diagnosis, those undergoing treatment, and survivors, as well as their significant others and families who may also benefit from mindfulness practices during these challenging times.

What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, observing our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment.
It encourages us to approach our experiences with openness and curiosity, fostering a deeper connection to ourselves and our surroundings.
This practice has its roots in ancient meditation traditions but has gained significant attention in modern psychology and healthcare for its profound benefits.

Why the MBSR Program May Be Useful for Regaining Health
As an integrative oncologist, my focus will be on supporting those affected by cancer through the MBSR program. Research has
shown that mindfulness can lead to numerous health benefits, including:

  • Reduced Stress: MBSR significantly reduces stress levels, which is crucial for those facing the challenges of cancer (Kabat-Zinn, 1990).
  • Improved Mental Health: Mindfulness practices have been linked to reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms, providing emotional support to patients and their families. A meta-analysis revealed that mindfulness-based interventions effectively decrease anxiety and enhance overall emotional well-being (Goyal et al., 2014).
  • Enhanced Physical Health: Mindfulness can lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and even boost immune system functioning, all of which are vital during cancer treatment and recovery (Davidson et al., 2003; Creswell, 2017).
  • Pain Management: MBSR has proven effective in managing chronic pain, helping cancer patients navigate discomfort and improve their quality of life (Kabat-Zinn et al., 1985).

These findings underscore the potential of mindfulness to transform our relationship with stress and illness, providing valuable support for individuals and families coping with cancer.

Join Us!
We invite you to embark on this journey towards health and happiness through the MBSR program starting in January 2025.
Together, we will cultivate mindfulness to navigate the difficult experiences of living with cancer or supporting a loved one through their journey.

Online and in-person options available.

For more information or to register, please reach out to us at
mindfulnesshealthhappiness@gmail.com

We look forward to supporting you and your loved ones on this
transformative journey!

References:
• Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness.
• Goyal, M., Singh, S., Sibinga, E. M. S., et al. (2014). “Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.” JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(3), 357-368.
• Davidson, R. J., Sheridan, J. F., & Kennerley, D. (2003). “Affective Neuroscience: The Emergence of a New Science of Emotion” Psychological Science Agenda, American Psychological Association.
• Creswell, J. D. (2017). “Mindfulness Interventions” Annual Review of Psychology, 68, 491-516.
• Kabat-Zinn, J., Lipworth, L., & Burney, R. (1985). “The Clinical Use of Mindfulness Meditation for the Self-Regulation of Chronic Pain” Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 8(2), 163-190.