Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR):
8-Week Course
Shift Your Relationship to Stress. Grounded in Science, Taught with Heart.
Mondays, October 5 – November 23
In-Person at Peace in Piermont
Early Bird Pricing: $575 (Regularly $650) — Ends September 1
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.
Whether you're navigating chronic pain, anxiety, professional burnout, or simply the accumulated weight of daily life, this 8-week evidence-based training gives you tangible tools to quiet your nervous system and regain clarity.
What You'll Gain: Backed by 40+ Years of Science
MBSR isn't about eliminating life’s challenges—it's about changing how your mind and body respond to them. Backed by over four decades of clinical research and hundreds of thousands of graduates worldwide, standard 8-week MBSR programs yield measurable, lasting shifts:
30%–33% Reduction in Perceived Stress: Clinical studies confirm significant, sustained drops in daily stress markers and self-reported overwhelm following course completion.
35%–38% Decrease in Anxiety & Depressive Symptoms: Meta-analyses published in top medical journals demonstrate MBSR's effectiveness in reducing anxiety and emotional reactivity.
60%+ Report Functional Chronic Pain Relief: Participants experience meaningful reductions in pain-related distress and improved daily functioning, even when physiological pain persists.
Measurable Shifts in Brain Structure (Neuroplasticity): Harvard MRI studies show that 8 weeks of MBSR practice increases gray-matter density in the hippocampus (learning, memory, and emotional regulation) while decreasing density in the amygdala (the brain’s fight-or-flight stress center).
Burnout Resilience for High-Stress Roles: Studies consistently show a 40%+ drop in workplace burnout among teachers, healthcare workers, executives, and caregivers.
A Program Grounded in Decades of Clinical Research
Developed in 1979 by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, MBSR is the gold standard of secular mindfulness training. With over 16,000 peer-reviewed scientific publications examining mindfulness interventions to date—including hundreds of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)—it remains one of the most clinically validated mind-body programs in modern healthcare.
At Peace in Piermont, the course is facilitated by Katie Stoeckeler, M.Ed, E-RYT, a Level-2 certified MBSR instructor trained through Brown University's MBSR teacher pathway, bringing both clinical depth and genuine warmth to every class.
Who This Is For
This course is open to everyone—no prior meditation experience required. It is especially impactful if you are managing:
Chronic stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm
Chronic pain, fatigue, or medical diagnoses
Professional burnout or caregiver fatigue
Sleep disruptions, 2:00 AM racing thoughts, or difficulty resting
Course Structure & What to Expect
Each weekly session blends guided meditation, gentle mindful movement/yoga, and supportive group dialogue in a warm, connected setting.
Orientation (Free): Required prior to start. Choose Sunday, September 20 or September 27 (6:00 – 8:00 PM).
8 Weekly Classes: Mondays, October 5 – November 23 (7:00 – 9:30 PM).
All-Day Retreat: Saturday, November 7 (9:00 AM – 4:30 PM).
Home Practice: Guided audio recordings provided for 45-60 minutes of daily practice.
Investment & HSA / FSA Eligibility
Early Bird Price: $575 (Register by September 1 — applied automatically at checkout)
Regular Price: $650
💳 HSA / FSA Eligible
Because MBSR may qualify as an eligible health-related expense under certain HSA and FSA plans, participants may be able to use HSA or FSA funds toward the tuition fee.
We are happy to provide an itemized receipt or superbill upon request for submission to your plan administrator. Eligibility and reimbursement are subject to the terms of your individual plan.
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
For prospective participants, healthcare providers, and research-minded individuals wishing to explore the clinical evidence supporting MBSR:
Stress, Anxiety & Depression Meta-Analyses
Goyal, M., et al. (2014). Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(3), 357–368.
Goldberg, S. B., et al. (2018). Mindfulness-based interventions for psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 59, 52–60.
Neuroplasticity & Brain Structure
Hölzel, B. K., et al. (2011). Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 191(1), 36–43. (Harvard MRI Study)
Chronic Pain & Symptom Management
Veehof, M. M., et al. (2011). Acceptance-based interventions for the treatment of chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain, 152(3), 533–542.
Anheyer, D., et al. (2017). Mindfulness-based stress reduction for treating low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Internal Medicine, 166(11), 790–799.
Physiological Stress Markers & Biomarkers
Pascoe, M. C., et al. (2017). Mindfulness meditation reduces physiological markers of stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 95, 156–178.
Academic Literature Volume
AMRA (American Mindfulness Research Association). (2024). Mindfulness Research Monthly & Cumulative Database.
“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.”
“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!”
“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!”
“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.”