MBCL Introduction and Teacher Training

There are two steps in learning to teach Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL): first, experience the programme yourself; then deepen your practice and develop your teaching skills in an MBCL Teacher Training.

The training is open to qualified mindfulness teachers and to professionals who wish to bring elements of MBCL into their work. The requirements for teaching an eight-week MBCL course under that name are described below.

Your path into MBCL

MBCL builds on an existing mindfulness practice, preferably developed through an eight-week MBSR, MBCT or equivalent mindfulness-based course.

An experiential MBCL introduction gives you the opportunity to practise compassion for yourself and others and to explore the themes of the programme firsthand. It also introduces relevant theoretical and scientific background. After the course, audio recordings can support your continued practice.

If you wish to take the next step, you can apply for an MBCL Teacher Training. Everyone applying for the training must first complete one of the introductory formats described below.

Step 1: Experience MBCL

Choose one of these formats, offered in person or online by a certified MBCL teacher or tutor:

• An eight-week MBCL course
• An MBCL Foundation Course of three days and 20 teaching hours
• An MBCL retreat of six to seven days

Before you join

You need a sound personal foundation in mindfulness practice. These introductory formats are not intended for people without experience in mindfulness meditation. They are also not recommended during acute medical or mental health difficulties. If you are unsure whether a course is suitable for you, contact the teacher or organiser before registering.

You may also find it helpful to read one of our books on MBCL.

To find an eight-week course, browse the international directory of MBCL teachers. Foundation Courses and retreats are offered by our MBCL tutors; you can find upcoming dates in the agenda.

Step 2: MBCL Teacher Training

The MBCL Teacher Training is for professionals who already have a foundation in mindfulness practice and have experienced MBCL in one of the introductory formats above. It combines personal practice, theoretical understanding and the development of teaching skills.

During the training, you will:

• Deepen your own practice. You will experience key MBCL practices again, with time for mindful exchange and inquiry. In small groups, you will also take turns guiding and receiving practices.
• Explore the programme from a teacher’s perspective. You will study the structure and content of all eight sessions, including how the themes and practices fit together and the teaching choices behind them.
• Practise guiding and facilitating inquiry. In small groups, you will guide compassion practices and facilitate the discussion of participants’ experiences afterwards. You will receive mindful feedback from fellow trainees.
• Understand the theory and research. You will explore relevant ideas from psychology and neuroscience, as well as research related to MBCL. This background helps you understand why the programme is structured as it is and explain its practices clearly.
• Reflect on your role as a teacher. You will consider how your own practice and way of relating to participants shape your teaching.

The MBCL Teacher Training deepens your understanding of mindfulness, compassion and teaching. It supports you in guiding the full MBCL programme, or using elements of it in your professional work, with care and skill.

Training formats

The MBCL Teacher Training is offered in person or online. Its schedule depends on the country and whether translation is provided:

• Residential: six days without translation or eight days with translation.
• Non-residential: two modules of three days without translation or two modules of four days with translation.
• Online: six days without translation, arranged as six single days or two three-day blocks; eight days with translation, arranged according to the particular training.

Prerequisite

All applicants must first complete one of the experiential MBCL introductions listed under Step 1.

Certification and registration

Completing the MBCL Teacher Training does not by itself certify you to teach the full eight-week programme.

Certified MBCL Teacher

To teach eight-week courses under the name MBCL and be listed as a Certified MBCL Teacher, you must:

• Be a certified teacher of MBSR, MBCT or an equivalent recognised mindfulness-based programme, and meet the good practice requirements for mindfulness teachers in your country.
• Complete the full MBCL Teacher Training.
• Teach an MBCL certification course with at least four participants under the supervision of a registered MBCL supervisor. This requires at least three supervision sessions of one hour each, in person or by video. The certification course may be taught in person or online.

Once you have met these requirements, you can be listed in the international MBCL directory as a Certified MBCL Teacher.

Professional working with MBCL

Professionals in healthcare, therapy, counselling, coaching or education can also take the Teacher Training to bring MBCL practices and teaching elements into their work.

For this route, you need to have completed an eight-week MBSR, MBCT or equivalent course, maintained a regular mindfulness practice for at least one year, and gained experience in mindfulness-based work. You must also complete an experiential MBCL introduction before joining the Teacher Training.

After completing the training, you can be listed in the international MBCL directory as a Professional working with MBCL. This designation is distinct from certification to teach the full eight-week MBCL course.