Disclaimer: Participation in the OMC Professional Training Programs does not constitute or substitute for any healthcare training or identification as a province-regulated healthcare provider.
The Professional Training Program is designed for professionals in healthcare, education, or human resources interested in cultivating their mindfulness practice for use with their clientele (See Prerequisites below). This experiential training program focuses on cultivating personal mindfulness practices that support the professional application of mindfulness practices. It provides professionals with a base for developing clinical mindfulness skills and a foundational understanding of mindfulness interventions. This program provides training for individual and group applications of MBSM.
Training in the foundations of mindfulness and the MBSM program can require up to one year of study and practice.
Please also note that all participants in the professional training are assessed at each stage for their suitability to continue to the completion of this training or continue to other levels. Participation does not guarantee the qualification level will be attained. The participant may be requested to seek further development of skills.
Prerequisites for all levels of training
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- Applicants’ professional training should reflect the capacity to work with individuals experiencing mental health issues (may include individuals with physical disabilities for whom good mental health is important). Professions include healthcare professional (psychologists, psychotherapists, nurses, physicians, educators, coaches, spiritual counsellors, and clerics).
- Applicants who are not formally trained mental health professionals (peer support facilitators, etc.) should have mental health first aid and suicide prevention training.
- Applicants are expected to have a contemplative, meditation practice¹.
The OMC Professional Training Program uses The Bangor, Exeter & Oxford Mindfulness-Based Interventions Teaching Assessment Criteria for training and feedback in Levels 2 and 3.
Certificates of Completion are provided upon successful completion of each training level described below and may qualify for CEUs from some professional associations.
Level 1A: Foundations of MBSM – Concepts
Training is provided by ASADIS
The Ottawa Mindfulness Clinic retains responsibility for the content of MBSM and the complete certification process.
Successful completion of all the training modules provided by ASADIS.
Cost: Please visit ASADIS for details
A reduced fee is available for full-time graduate students in a healthcare program.
Additional Training:
- Completion of the Online Mindfulness and Ethics module via the Canadian Psychological Association (Cost is established by CPA)
Upon successful completion, the skills may be used within the scope of one’s professional training. For example, as a mental health professional, this may involve using the practices and concepts with individual clients.
NOTE: Completion of this training does not certify mindfulness teaching skills, constitute approval to teach the MBSM 8-week program, or to train others using the MBSM materials from the OMC.
Level 1B: Foundations of MBSM – Practice
Training for Level 1B: Attending the 8-week online MBSM program. Please see the facilitator page for programs in the Ottawa area or arrange an individual 8-week program with a Certified MBSM Facilitator.
Cost: The 8-week MBSM program costs are set by the independent program facilitators.
Please contact us indicating you have successfully completed the ASADIS training modules and for further information about Levels 1B to Level 3.
Level 2: Qualification to deliver the complete 8-week MBSM as an individual and/or group intervention
The Qualified Facilitator Level is designed for professionals who wish to deliver the complete MBSM program in group formats or with individual clients using the MBSM curriculum. This level of training requires teaching the MBSM curriculum with the guidance of a mentor.
In addition to prerequisites for Levels 1 A & B, applicants must have
- successfully completed Levels 1 A & B (see above)
- completed a silent, teacher-lead retreat within the previous 2 years of application or before continuing to the Qualified Mindfulness designation.
Training for Level 2: Conducting the MBSM program(s) with an active individual therapy case(s) or group under the mentorship of an OMC Certified Facilitator.
Note: Delivering more than one program may be required to attain competencies at Level 2.
Cost: Costs are arranged with the mentor.
Upon successful completion, professionals are considered MBSM-Qualified Facilitators and may deliver the complete 8-week MBSM Core program. Adapting the curriculum for specialized clinical populations may only be done within the scope of the Qualified Facilitator’s clinical credentials.
Level 3 – Certification as an MBSM Facilitator
Certification permits individuals to offer MBSM as an 8-week program or adjunct to individual therapy.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Qualified Facilitator Level 2.
Training for Level 3: Completion of a minimum of three 8-week programs (or equivalent) with a certified MBSM facilitator/mentor.
Cost: Costs are arranged with the mentor.
Upon successful completion, professionals are considered Certified Facilitators of MBSM. They are required to maintain their meditation practice by attending silent teacher-led retreats annually and attending retreats/workshops on mindfulness, Buddhist foundations of mindfulness, and ethics of mindfulness.
¹Meditation training is defined as 30-45 mins of silent sitting meditation; if longer the practice may include alternating with walking meditation. Guided practice refers to meditations lead by recognized Insight Meditation teachers.
Ottawa Mindfulness Clinic 