Are you sometimes overwhelmed with worry, distracted by recurring thoughts, or experiencing problems with restlessness, tension, or insomnia?
You may have an anxious habit or even be addicted to anxiety or stress. If so, you’re not alone. An estimated 40 million Americans are affected by anxiety on a regular basis.
For many anxiety is a developed habit that can be untangled with mindfulness practices.
Starting Thursday, July 6, join Robert Lurye and Elliott Law for a 6-week online series on Unwinding Anxiety with Mindfulness-Based Habit Change.
*This class series offers CE’s. For more information, see below.
Mindfulness-Based Habit Change
Mindfulness-Based Habit Change (MBHC) is an evidence-based program based the work of researcher and addiction psychiatrist Dr. Judson Brewer. The program integrates the ancient wisdom of Buddhist psychology with the latest scientific understanding of habit change.
This program has been proven effective for those seeking to break free from anxiety and the negative habits that follow when we seek relief in unskillful ways.
Learn more by listening to Dr. Jud Brewer’s TED talk, or by reading this article from the NYTimes.
Unwinding Anxiety
Stress and anxiety follow a habit loop that consists of triggers, behaviors, and rewards. These ‘rewards,’ however, tend to break down under the microscope of mindfulness. We might think unhealthy behaviors like stress-eating, smartphone overuse, substance abuse, avoidance or procrastination ease our anxiety, but it actually makes it worse, introducing obstacles to happiness, health, sleep, connections with family, friends, and even ourselves.
This 6-week program demonstrates the science behind this anxious habit loop and how to break free from it with mindfulness. When we understand how our mind and body work and combine this knowledge with mindfulness skills, we can respond to our anxiety with healthy behaviors that will actually lead to more resilience, calm and happiness.
Who is this 6-week course for?
This course is for anyone who feels stuck within a habit cycle caused by the uncertainties of everyday life. It’s suitable for those who are brand new to mindfulness meditation, as well as those who currently have a personal practice.
Continuing Education Units are available. For more information, see below.
What’s included in this course?
In six 90-minute sessions, we will learn how to do the following…
- Identify anxiety-driven habitual behaviors
- Understand how mindfulness affects brain processes
- See how mindfulness can help break the cycle of worry and panic
- Relate to difficult emotions with more presence and acceptance
- Let go of cognitive distortions and choose healthy, rewarding actions
- Integrate experiential learning techniques to increase freedom of choice
- Recognize and cultivate skillful, wholesome mind-states and habits
- Integrate core mindfulness exercises into daily life
Expect a mix of mindfulness practices, observation, and discussion in this online group setting.
Participants will receive electronic lesson materials including access to the Unwinding Anxiety App. The app includes daily lessons for up to 60 days, guided meditations, articles, and links to educational videos. Access a global online community through journaling and a live midweek video meeting with other expert facilitators.
Initial data from this program show a 48% reduction in anxiety after following the program for 28 days.
*This class series offers CE’s. For more information, see below.
Recommended reading by Judson Brewer (not included):
- The Craving Mind: From Cigarettes to Smartphones to Love – Why We Get Hooked and How We Can Break Bad Habits
- Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind
Location & Schedule
This is an online course. Join us LIVE on Zoom from the comfort of your own home.
Classes meet Thursdays 6-7:30pm Pacific Time
- July 6
- July 13
- July 20
- July 27
- Aug 3
- Aug 10
Testimonials:
“This course helped me change my relationship to anxiety and helped me see numerous habit loops I wasn’t aware of and to be kind to myself while changing my before. It was a great follow-up to MBSR.”
“Robert and Elliott both had an ease about them that allowed participants to be vulnerable and feel safe.”
“This is a great way to learn how anxiety works – to recognize the components of anxiety, and how to handle it to alleviate anxious thoughts.”
“Robert was professional, courteous and very respectful and empathetic to the needs of all participants. Would definitely be interested in future classes he offers. I would recommend this program to anyone. The tools I have learned can be applied to someone who is looking to improve their quality of life. I learned so much and I am very grateful that I was able to sign up.”
“This was a wonderful class, full of great information that I can share with my clients and colleagues.”
Continuing Education Units:
This course offers 9 CE credits. California licensed MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, LCSWs: Continuing Education Credit for this program is provided by UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. 9 CE credit may be applied to your license renewal through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. For those licensed outside California, please check with your local licensing board to determine if CE credit is accepted.
Psychologists: Continuing Education Credit for this program is provided by UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Nurses: UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP16351, for 10.75 contact hours.
