Guide
How to choose an online MBSR course
Online MBSR now comes in many forms: live groups, recorded video courses, free self-guided programs. They can all be valuable, but they are not the same experience. Here is a clear way to compare them.
Three ways to learn MBSR online
Live online group
The full MBSR experience
Eight weekly live sessions with a certified teacher and a small group, a day of practice, and personal guidance. Closest to the original in-person program. Requires fixed times and a real commitment.
Recorded video course
Flexible, at your own pace
Video lessons and guided recordings you follow alone, often from experienced teachers. Very flexible, but without live dialogue, feedback or a group, and many people find it hard to finish.
Free self-guided program
Accessible to everyone
Free online programs following the MBSR curriculum make mindfulness available to anyone. Their own authors often note that a live course gives better odds of completing the eight weeks.
Six questions to ask before you register
1. Is the teacher certified? Look for MBSR certification from a recognised institute, and ideally ongoing supervision.
2. Is it the complete program? Eight weekly sessions of around two and a half hours, plus a day of practice, with daily home practice.
3. Is it live? Live sessions allow dialogue, questions and the support of a group, which is central to how MBSR works.
4. How big is the group? Smaller groups give everyone time to speak and to be heard.
5. Is there a conversation before you start? A personal interview or orientation checks that the program is right for you at this time.
6. Does it fit your language and time zone? Practise in a language you are comfortable with, at times you can keep for eight weeks.
How MBSR Online answers these questions
MBSR Online at a glance
Taught by Stéphane Offort, senior MBSR teacher and supervisor (IMA, Bangor University) · the complete eight-week program with a day of practice · live on Zoom · groups of 4 to 12 participants · a personal 30-minute interview before joining · in English, at European times (CET), with a Monday evening and a Friday morning group.
Questions people ask
Is online MBSR as effective as in person?
Live online MBSR keeps the same structure as the in-person program: same sessions, same practices, same day of practice. What matters most is regular practice and the quality of the teaching and the group.
Can I take MBSR if I have never meditated?
Yes. MBSR is designed for complete beginners. What it asks for is commitment: about 45 minutes of practice a day for eight weeks.
Which option should I choose?
If you can commit to fixed times, a live group gives you the full experience and the best chance of building a lasting practice. If not, a recorded or free course is a good way to begin, and you can join a live group later.
Not sure what fits you?
Book a free call and we will look together at what would suit your situation best.