Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

 
 

 Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction — 8-Week Course

Mondays, October 5 – November 23

In-Person at Our Studio in Piermont, NY

Do you feel like you're constantly reacting instead of choosing? Like stress runs the day instead of you? MBSR won't add one more thing to your to-do list — it will change your relationship to the list itself.

Early Bird pricing of $575 (regularly $650) ends September 1 — applied automatically at checkout.

What You'll Gain

This isn't about eliminating stress from your life. It's about changing how it lands. Since 1979, more than 25,000 people have completed this evidence-based training. Participants consistently report:

  • Waking up with more energy and less dread before the day even starts

  • Noticing the space between a stressful moment and their reaction to it — and getting to choose what happens in that space

  • Chronic pain or health symptoms that feel less overwhelming, even when the pain itself hasn't changed

  • Fewer racing thoughts at 2am, and an easier time actually resting when they lie down

  • A quieter, steadier sense of "I can handle this" that carries into work, relationships, and daily life

A Program with Real Roots

Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, MBSR is one of the most researched mindfulness programs in the world. At Peace in Piermont, it's led by Katie Stoeckeler, M.Ed, E-RYT, a Level-2 certified MBSR instructor who brings both clinical grounding and genuine warmth to each session.

Offered as a complement to traditional medical and psychological treatments, not as a replacement, MBSR has proven to be effective in helping to treat a wide variety of medical conditions.

Who This Is For

This course is for you if you're managing anxiety, chronic pain, burnout, a health diagnosis, or simply the accumulated weight of daily life. You don't need any meditation experience — just a willingness to show up and try something new.

What a Session Feels Like

Each weekly class blends guided meditation, gentle stretching and mindful yoga, and honest group conversation — not lecture, but real dialogue in a small, connected room. You'll leave each week with a home practice recording and, when you need it, one-on-one time with Katie.

Before You Begin: Free Orientation

Curious whether MBSR could actually help — but not ready to commit to eight weeks without knowing what you're signing up for? Join us for a free orientation, where you can meet Katie, ask questions, and experience a guided meditation firsthand.

Choose one Sunday evening to attend:

  • Sunday, September 20 • 6:00 — 8:00 PM

  • Sunday, September 27 • 6:00 — 8:00 PM

Orientation registration is required before joining the 8-week course.

In Their Words

"The introduction to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), arranged by my dear friend, was truly transformative. Katie Stoeckeler's leadership was remarkable—she was graceful, steady, understanding, and incredibly inspiring... As the weeks went by, I grew stronger and more knowledgeable, learning techniques to shed the burdens I had been carrying... I have transformed into someone different—stronger and more resilient."

"Loved the MBSR course led by Katie! I am always thinking ahead of all the things I 'need' to do or ruminating about the past and have trouble just staying in the moment. MBSR taught me to 'just be'... The total body scan is one of my favorites and is a wonderful way to relax. MBSR is a wonderful journey and Katie is a terrific teacher."

This Program Asks Something of You — That's the Point

MBSR works because of the commitment, not despite it. Here's what's involved:

  • Orientation: Free, choose one — Sunday, September 20 or Sunday, September 27 from 6:00 — 8:00 PM

  • 8 Weekly Classes: Mondays, October 5 – November 23 from 7:00 — 9:30 PM

  • All-Day Session: Saturday, November 7 from 9:00 AM — 4:30 PM

  • Daily Home Practice: 45–60 minutes a day for 8 weeks

Pricing

  • Full Price: $650

  • Early Bird: $575 — register by September 1 (discount applies automatically at checkout)

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I've never meditated before?
No experience is needed. Most participants start with zero background — MBSR is designed to teach you from the ground up.

What if I have to miss a class?
Life happens. While full attendance gives you the most benefit, missing one or two classes won't remove you from the course — just talk to Katie about catching up on what you missed.

Do I need to attend the All-Day Session?
Yes — it's a core part of the curriculum and one of the most valued parts of the course by past participants.

Are there any risks to MBSR?
Like any practice that asks you to turn toward difficult thoughts and emotions, MBSR isn't entirely without risk for some participants. This clinical overview from Brown University outlines the documented risks and benefits in more depth.

Ready to Begin?

Space is limited — reserve your spot today!

 
 
The introduction to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), arranged by my dear friend, was truly transformative. Katie Stoeckeler’s leadership was remarkable—she was graceful, steady, understanding, and incredibly inspiring. I had been feeling overwhelmed and facing numerous challenges ahead. It was difficult to determine whether I had the energy to commit to myself and the program. Yet, I felt the need to try something new. The structured sessions and home practices proved to be quite beneficial. I quickly realized that my responsibility extended beyond just showing up. As the weeks went by, I grew stronger and more knowledgeable, learning techniques to shed the burdens I had been carrying. Along the way, I began to rediscover parts of myself, while also accepting that I could never revert to who I once was. I have transformed into someone different—stronger and more resilient. Each challenge I faced shaped me in new ways, adding depth and understanding that I previously lacked. This program has greatly helped me approach life with renewed confidence and clarity. I am deeply grateful for the positive changes that have come from this experience.
— Julia, December 2024
 
My review is for the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course! I started this for my need to connect my mind with my heart and ease my anxiety. I wanted to feel more aligned emotionally. I was diagnosed with lupus and fibromyalgia last year and with all of the physical pain and severe anxiety my doctor recomnended trying this and I’m so happy that he did. Katie, the instructor, is a beautiful human being. She has this light that shines out of her that makes you feel so comfortable and welcomed. She genuinely cares and you can feel that. Her vibe just truly makes you feel safe and willing (which is typically my biggest hurdle when starting something new) I’ve always been terrrrrible at meditation. It makes me uncomfortable and anxious and frankly overwhelmed with thoughts but Katie really guides you in a way that helps you succeed and by the end of just the second class I truly felt calm and more at peace from the meditation body scan! This was huge for me! I was able to take this practice into my daily life when my insomnia acts up and the anxious thoughts arise. I remember key things that she has said that guide me through the meditation that make it less intimidating and more helpful. There are many lessons in the course that help me choose joy and positivity over sadness and negative thoughts. I have much more to learn but I’m excited to learn it at Peace in Piermont! I will definitely be joining the second cycle in March to continue my journey of self development. You can’t feel better unless you put in the work and it can be uncomfortable to change how your brain operates but this course is for sure leading me on the right direction! Thank you so much Katie!
— Chelsea, February 2022

I have been taking the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course at Peace in Piermont and am SO grateful I decided to do this for myself! I am a stay at home mom with a young baby and a kindergartner who has not slept much in months and has been losing my patience constantly. I really started feeling like I needed something for myself…some self care so that I can fill up my own cup and have more to pour into my kids’. Into the second week of the course I realized I hadn’t raised my voice in days. I felt calmer and much more capable of handling life. I also found myself being way more present and enjoying the moment often throughout the day. Since the course has continued, I’ve been feeling so much joy and contentment in my life. I have been way more mindful of when I do get stressed and am beginning to notice it and see my reaction as it is happening. All of this is really amazing to feel, as I’ve never been able to do this very well before. I’ve also truly enjoyed the practices and connection with others through this course and Katie is just amazing at leading it! Another huge help is that the body scans we do in the course quiet my mind in minutes and have me falling asleep SO easily instead of lying awake thinking for hours. I truly look forward to seeing how the remainder of the course changes my life. I now consider myself a meditator…something I always dabbled in and knew I “should” do but could never really see the effects of until now. I strongly recommend this to anyone who feels stressed and wants to give themselves something wonderful. Thank you, Katie!
— Rebecca, February 2022
 
Loved the MBSR course led by Katie! I am always thinking ahead of all the things I “need” to do or ruminating about the past and have trouble just staying in the moment. MBSR taught me to “just be” which has been a blessing. After MBSR, I find myself taking “mini” meditations during the day. Instead of talking on the phone or listening to the radio while driving to work, I just drive. The bumps in the road, the noise of the tires, the reflection of the sun all keep me focused on staying in the moment. The total body scan is one of my favorites and is a wonderful way to relax. Many of the women in my class took MBSR more than once with Katie and I can see why. MBSR is a wonderful journey and Katie is a terrific teacher. I highly recommend you invest in yourself and take this course.
— Lisa, April 2023