The Centre for Mindfulness Studies

Really enjoy their one day retreats

Okay program but not the best, had to teach myself 100% from the handouts at home. Stopped going to class after a few times because I didn't find it helped me that much.

This place kind of ruined mindfulness for me. About half way through the course, I got a new job, and could no longer make it during the time I was supposed to attend. There were other courses at different times, and I asked if I could complete the remaining sessions there. No I could not. Could I get a partial refund? No I could not. Apparently it was impossible for me to switch to a new group because people had a certain comfort level within their own groups and I would disrupt that. I find that laughable since the courses are so crammed full of people you hardly recognize anyone from one week to the next, let alone have a special comfort level with them.The teachers did try to help me (they are the only reason I'm giving this 2 stars instead of 1) but it was the administration that kept me from taking the rest of the course. ALSO, about a month or so after I could no longer attend, thereby wasting hundreds of dollars, they contacted me because my OHIP had expired. Of course, it had expired AFTER I stopped being able to attend, but that didn't seem to bother them. I also find it interesting that we pay a very big fee to attend these courses and then they also bill OHIP. Somebody is making good money off all us anxious suckers. In any case, the way this place is run does not feel very mindful. They are just trying to make money off as many people as possible.

I have completed 2 programs 2 years apart, (MBCT & MI CBT) and both have been an integral part of my healing journey. Everybody is different but when I came across Mindfulness Studies it was not my first time trying out meditation or CBT. So I found both programs a great addition to my existing repertoire of coping strategies in maintaining my wellness. I personally found that meditation and CBT are not the type of programs to take necessarily only once or when you are not in the right head space. You get the most benefit in doing them multiple times over several years, as you will see your approach and perspectives can change for the better. This will also translate into a longer lasting and fulfilling experience. I was able to compare my experiences from previous programs from other organizations and found Mindfulness Studies does put a lot of effort in organizing a useful combination of practical material and hands on practices that others places do not.

I took the MBCT mindfulness program and it really helped change my life. I am so grateful I completed it in person, weeks before the pandemic hit in late February 2020, and it helped keep me alive.I personally find in person cannot match doing it online. The only thing I would add is maybe we can all question anxiety" and isn't it just fear? Is that real. I love especially how Elaine mentioned "this is not a peace pill" and with uncomfortable sensations "doesn't mean I have to like it".I also love how we called out in one of the sessions example RACING THOUGHTS!

I had previously taken an MBSR course at an entirely different location, unaffiliated with the Centre for Mindfulness Studies, and I had a pretty awful experience but family and friends were encouraging me to try it once again. I'm so glad I did. I can honestly say I have never felt more welcome than in the class I took at the Centre. Angie and Laura Lee were our teachers and they were absolutely outstanding - just so warm, welcoming and accepting. I felt a solid sense of community among my classmates. I love the way mindfulness was taught from an intellectual rather than a spiritual or religious perspective. Despite not doing much in the way of formal practice at home, I went from absolutely hating mindfulness to developing a very healthy respect for the techniques involved and I continue to draw on what I've learned every single day.

I did the Mindful Self-Compassion program with Christine and Elaine at the Centre and it was such a life changing experience. The facilitators created a really compassionate environment. It felt like going to therapy for 3 hours! I was skeptical about the course before but it really helped me change my perspective about myself. I find that (and many who took the course with me) adding self compassion to mindfulness can create such a positive shift. Overall, highly recommend.Note: The Centre for Mindfulness Studies offer this course for MUCH cheaper than other Centres in Toronto offering the exact same course!

The Center for Mindfulness Studies combines modern medical knowledge with centuries old teachings to create a state of the art program like no other. Instructors come from hospital, clinical and family service backgrounds with a caring persona.The course I took gave me all the basics to eliminate depression from my life. I now have a job, secure living arrangements and a positive future outlook. I recommend any course that is offered at the Center. Follow the course path with an open mind, work hard and results will come. I can speak honestly from experience.Mindfulness is now an integral part of my life. One can never stop learning and receiving benefits from living mindfully.Give it a chance...you will not be sorry.

The program I enrolled in at the Centre really helped me to manage my negativity and helped me to cope. We experienced many practises and exercises that we then discussed afterwards. I would highly recommend their programs.

I took an MBCT course with the Centre for Mindfulness Studies this fall and found it to be incredibly helpful and informative. The course was well organized and the facilitators were knowledgeable and passionate about the material. Staff were always helpful and pleasant to deal with.