MBSR for First Responder Trauma is an 8-week evidence based, experiential program tailored specifically to meet the needs of frontline workers- including (but not limited to) police, fire and ambulance personnel.

MBSR-FR provides intensive and systematic training in trauma sensitive mindfulness meditation and movement practices, integrating into daily life what is discovered and learned through the process of participating in the program.

First created in 1979, by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., MBSR has over 40 years of research that consistently demonstrates increased self-awareness and emotional and attentional regulation.

There is a growing body of research indicating MBSR has a positive effect on reducing the impact of psychological trauma, as well as statistically significant reductions in symptoms for various physical and behavioral health conditions including anxiety, depression and chronic pain, along with positive changes in risk factors that may lead to more serious chronic ailments.

MBSR participants can expect to experience:

Guided instruction in trauma aware mindfulness meditation practices.
Gentle streching and trauma aware mindful yoga.
Group dialogue and mindful communication exercises.
Individually tailored instruction to meet the needs of first responders.
Daily home assignments.
Guided meditations and workbooks.

With focus on developing…

Recognition of the present moment
The breath as a place to come back to in moments of stress
Mindfulness practice
Understanding of stress physiology
The ability to recognize automatic mind and body reactivity to stress
Awareness of the link between stress and thoughts
Interpersonal mindfulness and mindful communication
Applying mindfulness to our daily lives
Mindfulness a part of your life

Who will benefit?

The MBSR Programme has benefited thousands of people around the world who report a variety of conditions and concerns including:

Stress Related Life Issues – Work, school, family, financial, illness, ageing, grief, uncertainty about the future and feeling ’out of control’.
Medical conditions – Chronic illness, chronic pain, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, coronary heart disease, asthma, skin disorders and many other conditions
Psychological distress – Anxiety, trauma, depression, fatigue and sleep disturbances
Prevention and Wellbeing – Enhancement of health and wellbeing that encourages a deeper sense of equanimity in ourselves and our relationships.

This programme is challenging and life-affirming. Participating in MBSR requires an ongoing commitment to yourself.

Lisa Brown is a Registered Psychologist, Certified Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Teacher (Brown University, USA) and Yoga Teacher in private practice in Coffs Harbour. Facilitating MBSR groups for 12 years, Lisa has a passion for mind body medicine and the integration of science and wisdom traditions in supporting healing and wholeness. She has worked with people experiencing trauma for more than 20 years and brings a depth of experience and practices to support safety and wellbeing.

Kate Duncan is a retired Firefighter Paramedic, an Insight (mindfulness) Dharma teacher, Retreat Facilitator, E-RYT 500hr Yoga Instructor and teaches with a focus on trauma informed mindfulness and yoga. For many years, Kate worked in high gang-violence areas in central California and has firsthand experience at the effects of cumulative trauma. She understands, from her own personal experience, what it means to reclaim one's sense of safety, lightness and joy in the wake of witnessing ongoing horrific events.

*Work Cover or Rebates may be available for people referred by their GP or Insurance Company.
Some private health funds will also provide rebates.

Contact Kate on 0475 771 918 or kate@kateduncanyoga.com for more information