Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens (MBSR-T)

Mindfulness is about noticing. Are you paying attention in the moment? Are you present in the here and now? Do you notice your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations? Can you respond to yourself without judgement? Do these skills help increase your awareness of and your ability to manage your stress? Is your teen able to use these skills?

Mindfulness can help teens and adults improve emotional regulation, decrease stress, reduce impulsivity, improve mental and physical well-being, decrease negative coping behaviors and increase positive coping skills (Biegel, 2009). Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Teens (MBSR-T), developed by Gina M. Biegel, LMFT, is a research-based adaptation of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program originally developed for adults by Jon Kabat-Zinn (Kabat-Zinn, 1994). MBSR-T is an 8-week small group intervention specifically designed to meet the unique needs of teenagers.

Research demonstrating the effectiveness of MBSR-T has been published in peer review journals including The Journal of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, The Journal of Mindfulness, and Psycho-Oncology. Results from one such study showed that adolescents who participated in MBSR-T, self-reported significantly reduced anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, and reported improved self-esteem and sleep quality (Beigel, Brown, Shapiro, & Schubert, 2009).

MBSR-T helps adolescents develop mindfulness practices and integrate these practices into their daily lives. These practices help teens approach themselves and others with a sense of openness and curiosity. Further, MBSR-T increases self awareness and self-compassion in the face of challenging or painful life circumstances.

The clinical team at Kids First Collaborative is thrilled to bring this 8-week small group program to our Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and surrounding communities. Kids First Therapists will be co-facilitating the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program for Teens throughout the 2021-2022 school year. For more information about start dates and to reserve a spot for your teen in one of our MBSR-T groups, complete an inquiry at https://kidsfirstcollaborative.com/contact. We hope to see you soon!

For tips on how to develop a mindful relationship with your teen, check out the Resources for Parents page on the Stressed Teens website at https://www.stressedteens.com/resources-for-parents

Beigel, G. (2009). The stress reduction workbook for teens: Mindfulness skills to help you deal with stress. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Beigel, G., Brown, K., Shapiro, S., & Schubert, C. (2009). Mindfulnes-Based Stress Reduction for the Treatment of Adolescent Psychiatric Outpatients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77, 855-866.

Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever you go there you are: Mindfulness meditation in everyday life. New York, NY: Hyperion.