Mindfulness Scotland delivers a one-year Mindfulness Teacher Training course, based in Glasgow, which has been accredited by the British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches ( B.A.M.B.A.). This course intends to train Health & Social Care professionals, as well as those with relevant experience, to deliver Mindfulness Based Approaches to those experiencing a variety of physical and psychological health issues, as well as to those wishing to explore a more mindful approach to life.

​The programme includes seven full day training sessions, including a one day specialist workshop, and an online weekend retreat.  In addition, we host on-line peer support groups in order to help our trainees develop the skills required to deliver effective and safe eight week programmes in either MBCT or MBSR.   We hold a range of online practice sessions  to support the development of our community of practice to which our trainees are warmly invited .​

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) (Segal, Williams and Teasdale) has been developed based on the principles and practices of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn. MBCT also includes elements of a Cognitive Behavioral approach.

Both MBCT and MBSR adopt an eight week course structure. This training course will explore the key principles of both approaches, enabling our trainees to adapt their teaching in order to meet the needs of their course participants.

This course is delivered as a one year part-time course offering those from a Health & Social Care background a robust training in the skills needed to deliver mindfulness approaches within their professional setting.

The next course commences in January 2024 with the face to face teaching days held in the Maggie's Centre, Gartnavel Hospital site Glasgow G12 0YN.


.

Feedback from Participants

"I was delighted to be accepted onto the Teacher Training course for Mindfulness Based Approaches in 2016/17. Coming from a non-NHS background, I was apprehensive about stepping into a new learning environment; however, being on the course with Mindfulness Scotland has been one of the most fulfilling learning experiences of my career.

The tutors Alistair, Stephanie, Karen and Brenda are passionate in their aims to produce competent teachers; this shines through in their deep knowledge and understanding of Mindfulness, through its theories, best practice approaches and the communities they are involved in. They teach a stretching curriculum, one which you will get out of, what you put in and with a level of support that allows you to reach your potential.

Not only am I delighted to have achieved my certificate of competence with Mindfulness Scotland, but even more so, I’ve opened up my networks and met the most wonderful group of like-minded people., including the Mindfulness Scotland team who I feel privileged to have the continued opportunities to network with and count as friends."

- K.S., Senior H.R. Officer, Glasgow City Council

"I found the course interesting, practical, and very well structured. By the end of the course I felt well prepared to co-facilitate an 8 week course. I particularly liked the teaching style which was friendly and humane. I also really enjoyed the break out groups and the group home practices, where we learned to deliver the meditation practices, enquiry and psycho-education to our peers. The fact that there are ongoing drop in sessions and learning events after completing the course is an added bonus."

- Dr R. S., University of Glasgow, Department of General Practice

Course Structure

The course will be delivered over seven days during the course of an academic year – in addition to regular peer learning and support groups. This includes an Inquiry Workshop between teaching days 2 and 3.  You will also be allocated to a peer practice group which will meet online at least once between teaching days for support and informal teaching practice. This is a core requirement of the training programme. The course commitment equates to an average of 4 hours of weekly personal study and practice.

Assessment of competence to teach will be informed by the MBI-TAC (2012) guidance and includes:

• Personal Practice Reflective Essay (based on a personal practice diary)
• Written assignment (2,000 words)
• Mindful Movement teaching assessment
• Assessment of one other core practice

Teaching days for the next intake will be:

• January 13th 2024: IN PERSON
• February 24th 2024: online
• March 23rd 2024 :online 
• April 27th 2024 :online: Inquiry Workshop ( morning only) Guest Teacher
• June 15th 2024 :IN PERSON
• August 24th 2024:  online
• September 20th ( evening) -22nd( noon) 2024 : ONLINE RETREAT
• October 26th 2024 : IN PERSON
• October 5th 2024 : final submission of all written work and assessment completion

(Written assessment submission dates: Assignment:August 3rd 2024   Reflective essay: October 5th 2024)
​The retreat is a requirement for course completion and will run from Friday evening until Sunday lunchtime ( 20th -22nd Seotember) 

Cost

The cost for the course is £1,750 ​There are several payment options.

• Initial deposit ( £1,000) by 14th October 2023
• Payment in full by 1st December 2023
• Letter of support from funder indicating intention to fund and date of full payment
• If a letter of support is not possible the deposit will be required from the course participant by 1st October 2023. This will be refunded when full payment is received
• Your place can only be secured by following this process. Other wise we will need to offer your place to someone from the waiting list 

Mindfulness Scotland Training Team

• The course is delivered by Dr Alistair Wilson (Consultant Psychiatrist), Stephanie Wilson (Specialist Physiotherapist) and Karen Glass (Practice Development Physiotherapist), with support from other teachers from the Mindfulness Scotland team.
• Mindfulness Scotland will deliver the course in accordance with the UK Network for Mindfulness-Based Teachers ‘Good Practice Guideline for teaching Mindfulness-Based Course'.
• The course content has been submitted to the UK Network of Mindfulness Teacher training organisations and has been validated by inclusion in their list of recognised training courses.
• Course Tutors receive mentorship for their role as trainers from BAMBA and Sussex Mindfulness Centre , as well as support from the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice; Bangor University.

Entry Requirements

Relevant training in mental or physical health or social care, as outlined in national recommendations for mindfulness teachers:

• Completion of an 8 week mindfulness programme.
• Evidence of commitment to an ongoing personal mindfulness practice.
• A professional qualification in mental or physical health care, social care, or equivalent life experience, recognised by the organisation or context within which the teaching will take place.
• Knowledge and experience of the client group that the mindfulness-based course will be delivered to, including experience of therapeutic or other care provision interventions.

Application Guidelines

Before opening the link please be prepared to answer questions about your mindfulness experience, current work,educational & professional background, and how you hope to use your mindfulness teacher training.
Applications for the course commencing 13th January 2024 are now welcome. 
​
Please apply using the link below. 
​
https://link.webropol.com/s/teachertraining

The online application will ask for details about your educational background and qualifications and your current and previous work experience. We are also interested in your mindfulness experience or previous training as well as your reasons for applying to this course. For those working in Health and Social Care, we are keen to hear how you may apply your learning in your workplace. Where possible a letter of support from your manager will enhance your application. You may like to have these details prepared before opening the link.

​Following the application deadline of 31st August 2023 Mindfulness Scotland will undertake a selection process. Suitable applicants will receive an email to arrange a short Zoom session or telephone call. This will help us, and you, to clarify that the training course will be appropriate for you at this time in your life. Should you chose to continue with the training we will send you a copy of our Terms and Conditions and the enrollment details.
​
Everyone who has applied will be notified of the outcome of their application by end of September 2023

Decision Process & Waiting List

The Training and Education committee of Mindfulness Scotland will screen all applications and select trainees whose visions and aims are in accord with those of Mindfulness Scotland. Priority will also be offered to those with clear support from their service manager, indicating a readiness to use the skills developed on the training course.

Some applicants will be placed on the waiting list with an allocated number.  Should a place become available as a result of cancellation, this will be offered to the next applicant on the list.   Unfortunately Mindfulness Scotland is unable to reserve a place for any individual prior to the application process.

If you have any further enquiries, please email us at [email protected]