Why Online Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy?

A Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) group helps people better manage anxiety, depression and stress. So why not participate from the comfort of home, online?

“Learning mindfulness online is surprisingly lively, fun and there are lots of opportunities for rich interactions,” shares Elaine Smookler, a Registered Psychotherapist.

Having practiced mindfulness for over 20 years, Elaine teaches mindfulness online to corporate clients across North America. As a trained MBCT facilitator, she will lead the delivery of the MBCT online pilot in Fall 2017 via live video conferencing with Patricia Rockman, a Physician and Director of Education and Clinical Services at The Centre for Mindfulness Studies based in downtown Toronto.

With The Centre’s success in delivering group therapy programs to over 2,000 participants since 2011, helping audiences online was a natural next step towards the mission of making mindfulness-based therapies more accessible.

“Group learning provides a tremendous opportunity to understand that many of the difficulties we experience are part of the human experience. We are not alone. Hearing the perspectives of others on the same journey is extremely helpful and can bring a lot of insight,” Elaine explains. “For some, it can be less stressful and more accessible to be at home, or in a quiet place in the office, rather than having to travel to be with a group.”

Offering MBCT online means that anyone across the country, in any setting, can learn the benefits of mindfulness meditation and cognitive behavioural therapy from a qualified and experienced mindfulness facilitator. It is also an option for participants who are feeling too anxious or stressed about participating in person. The Online MBCT is a convenient and manageable way to take care of one’s self.

Elaine Smookler is a Registered Psychotherapist, teacher, public speaker, writer and performer (BMus, ACTRA). For the past 20 years, she has helped individuals, schools, organizations and businesses develop mindfulness and resilience in everyday life. Elaine has received the MBCT Facilitation Certificate from the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and professional training as an MBSR facilitator. At the Centre for Mindfulness Studies Elaine offers MBCT, MBSR and Introductory Mindfulness programs. Elaine is a facilitator of The Mindfulness Project at Sickkids Hospital, a columnist for Mindful magazine (mindful.org) and she teaches mindfulness as part of the curriculum at University of Toronto Medical School. www.elainesmookler.com