Description
Body Scan Meditation and Informal Mindfulness Practices
This course covers mindfulness training in practice. Body scan meditation and informal mindfulness practices have been well-documented to improve well-being. As discussed in the online course, Mindfulness Training: Introduction, Attention, and the Present Moment, studies show that mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and sleep problems.
This introductory online course on body scan meditation and informal mindfulness practices is designed for psychologists who are interested in learning more about applying the body scan and mindfulness practices. Discussions are supplemented by practical tools, for application in a clinical setting as well as for personal use.
The course begins with a review of safe mindfulness training practices and includes a sample client intake form that may be used to help ensure that clients are well-prepared and appropriate candidates for treatment. The body scan meditation is then discussed and demonstrated with a 20-minute audio file, which can be used in future sessions. Informal mindfulness practices are introduced as opportunities to encourage clients to used focused attention throughout the day. A practice schedule and record form is provided to aid clients in following through with both meditation and informal daily exercises. Finally, in-depth troubleshooting suggestions are given for dealing with 12 common problems, including boredom, distraction, and restlessness, that often interfere with regular meditation practices.
Instructor for This Mindfulness Training in Practice Course
The instructor is Dr. Marylie W. Gerson. Dr. Gerson received her PhD in Psychology from Princeton University and is both a social psychologist and clinical psychologist. She is psychology professor emeritus at California Lutheran University, where she has combined teaching and research with an active clinical practice. Dr. Gerson became increasingly interested in the research on mindfulness-based interventions through her own academic research on resilience, which as led to peer-reviewed publications (e.g., Gerson, 2018; Gerson & Fernandez, 2013) and numerous conference presentations. This research has led her to study the benefits of mindfulness practices as well.
CE Credits for This Mindfulness Training in Practice Course
This course earns 2 continuing education credits. The Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Conflicts of Interest or Commercial Support
There is no commercial support or other potential conflicts of interest for this program, presentation, or instructor.
Commitment to Diversity and Accessibility
We are committed to respecting diversity in all of its forms, including age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, language, socioeconomic status, religion, and disability. We also strive to make all of our activities accessible to individuals with special needs or disabilities. Please contact the Director at mgersonphd@psychstudies.net if you ever have any questions or concerns regarding any of our programs.
Sources and Relevance
Our programs and teaching methods are supported by current, empirically-based scientific literature, and are designed to provide continuing education that is relevant to psychological practice, education, and/or research, so that psychologists may maintain and expand their ability to serve the public and contribute to the profession.
Target Audience for This Mindfulness Training in Practice Course
Our courses are designed for postdoctoral-level psychologists; this course is an introductory-level course. All mental health professionals, educators, and researchers have a variety of educational backgrounds and needs—if you have any questions about whether this course could benefit you and/or would be appropriate for your level of training, please do not hesitate to contact us. You may contact the Director directly at mgersonphd@psychstudies.net with any questions or concerns.
Course Schedule
This course will be available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you will be able pace yourself in a manner that is comfortable for you.
Cost and Refund/Cancellation Policy
The cost of the course is noted below and there are no additional fees. Your satisfaction is important to us. If you are not satisfied with a course, please let us know immediately—we will cancel your order and gladly offer you a full refund.
Course Format Summary for This Mindfulness Training in Practice Course
This course consists of a PowerPoint video presentation with audio narrative by Dr. Gerson and an optional 20-minute body scan meditation on audio. Dr. Gerson’s presentations and the body scan are accompanied by full text to allow for review in either modality. An online multiple choice test and Certificate of Completion follow the course for 2 CE credits. Introductory level. $29.
