It is the process of bringing one’s attention to both the internal and external experience occurring in the present moment. Its purpose is to create awareness of one’s body, thoughts, and emotions with a nonjudgmental state of mind, which can be developed through meditation and other training.
Our basic eight-week mindfulness classes are offered throughout the year. Discounts for MBSR alumni and more class options continue to be added to enhance the program.
06/02/2019
1 session
Sapna Chopra, PhD & Susan Halim, MA, MS, LMFT
Samueli Institute Clinic
06/24/2019
8 weeks
Beth Mulligan, PA-C
UC Irvine Health
06/24/2019
8 weeks
Beth Mulligan, PA-C
UC Irvine Health
07/13/2019
1 session
Beth Mulligan, PA-C & Nicole Wakim, MD
Natural Sciences I, Room 1114, UC Irvine Campus
09/08/2019
1 session
Sapna Chopra, PhD
Samueli Institute Clinic
01/12/2020
1 session
Sapna Chopra, PhD
Samueli Institute Clinic
Jessica Drew de Paz, PsyD obtained her master’s degree and doctorate in clinical psychology at California School of Professional Psychology, an APA internship at UC Santa Cruz Counseling & Psychological Services, and a post-doctoral fellowship at University of San Francisco Counseling Center. With over 20 years of experience, she has served as a clinical psychologist, led diversity efforts, and overseen health and safety training. In collaboration with UC Irvine’s Environmental Health & Safety department, Jessica is researching how mindfulness impacts workplace health and safety. In addition, she teaches mindfulness to youth in school settings.
Sapna Chopra, PhD, is a psychologist and lecturer in the counseling department at California State University Fullerton where she teaches and trains Masters level therapists. Her Human Development class emphasizes the development of empathy, compassion, and gratitude throughout the lifespan. Sapna integrates her training in psychology, human development, and mindfulness, as she offers mindfulness workshops and classes throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties. She enjoys working with parents on their journey to find more connection, presence, and joy in their relationships with their children.
Susan Halim, MA, MS, LMFT, is a mother of two and a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in parenting, maternal wellness, and child & adolescent mental health. Her clinical experience includes having worked as a school counselor, therapist to families in community mental health agencies, and lead facilitator for the Los Angeles-based Well Baby Center's mindful pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting groups. Susan's training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), attachment and positive parenting principles, and social-emotional/mindfulness skills for children has inspired to teach mindfulness workshops throughout southern California.
Don Maurer, MD, teaches Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and other mindfulness programs throughout Orange County. In addition, he is involved with teaching and conducting research on mindfulness in healthcare and in the workplace at the University of California, Irvine. Maurer, has attended teacher training with senior faculty, including Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School Center for Mindfulness. His career has included practice as an Emergency Medicine physician for thirty years, and is certified as a wellness coach.
Dr. Shin Lin's classes undergo continuous enhancements that are based on the latest Tai Chi research. Beginner and intermediate classes are offered throughout the year.
Tai Chi is one of the most well-balanced exercises for people of all ages to train their mind and body. Aside from the traditional, more familiar slow and relaxing movements, Chen Style Tai Chi (the original style from which all other styles were derived) incorporates explosively fast movements that provide excellent training for fast muscle fibers, cardiovascular health and self-defense.
Beth Mulligan is a certified MBSR teacher, teacher trainer, and adjunct faculty through the UMASS Center for Mindfulness. She has been teaching MBSR for over a decade to diverse populations- from the critically ill to non-profit organizations, the underserved, educators, and corporate leaders. Beth is a certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher and teacher trainer and does international training for the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Beth has a background in primary care medicine as a Board Certified Physician Assistant having graduated Magna cum Laude from Duke University and has practiced medicine for over thirty years.
Hugh O’Neill is co-owner of Mindful-Way and has studied meditation and yoga for more than 20 years. He has trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction with Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn Ph.D. and Dr. Saki Santorelli, and has completed teacher training at the highest level. His many years of creative and management experience in the media industry combined with his intensive training in Mindfulness Meditation programs enable him to skillfully relate the concepts and practices to a wide range of populations. Hugh has taught more than 50 MBSR classes and other mindfulness programs at universities, medical centers, non-profits, and in local government and corporate settings.
Nicole Marie Wakim, M.D. completed her undergraduate training at the University of San Diego, medical school at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine outside of Chicago, Illinois, and Anesthesiology residency at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. Wakim completed the Integrative Medicine Fellowship through the University of Arizona with Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. She is an avid yogi and a certified 500-hour yoga instructor through YogaWorks. Nicole has undergone mindfulness-based stress reduction training with Jon Kabat-Zinn and other senior faculty of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Dr. Wakim teaches Mi
MBSR is for anyone at any age, and the reasons people participate vary. Some have demanding jobs or responsibilities and want to learn how to cope. Others are referred by their physician to help treat high blood pressure, anxiety, or insomnia; while others still attend to learn coping techniques after a traumatic event.
The form of meditation used in MBSR classes taught at the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute is a simple method using the breath as the focus. We find this to be very effective because breath is always with us. When the mind wanders off, breathing can bring attention back to the present moment.
No. Although most religions do include meditation in some form, the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute teaches it as a skill to be learned and perfected. However, the meditation techniques learned in MBSR can be applied to your religious practice if you choose.
MBSR classes meet once a week for two hours. After six sessions, there is an all-day retreat. Additionally, participants are given 45 minutes of “homework” each day that involves practicing the meditation technique and some written assignments. We know our students lead busy lives. Most people find that by setting aside the time to practice, they find more time for other things in their lives. They have more clarity, are less forgetful, and function more efficiently.
For any questions regarding our courses, please email ssihi@hs.uci.edu.