We are delighted to offer the opportunity to participate in the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course, which will take place over eight weeks commencing on Tuesday, 12^th October 2021. The standard eight-week MBSR curriculum demonstrates effective stress reduction results among health care providers (Fortney, Luchterhand, Zakletskaia, Zgierska, & Rakel, 2013; Krasner et al., 2009; Praissman, 2008; Shapiro, Astin, Bishop, & Cordova, 2005).

To apply for a place on the course, please complete the application form downloadable from this page and email it to cpdofficer@iasw.ie The deadline for applications has been extended until Friday, 24th September to fill the few  places remaining on the course. 

The course has been funded by the HSCP Office, HSE. As such, places are available to social workers in the publicly funded healthcare service. Tusla staff and those working in Tusla funded services are not eligible to apply.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this course, practitioners will have built on their skills and knowledge to:

• Reduce stress and increase capacity to manage workplace challenges;
• Relate to self, colleagues and clients with increased awareness and empathy. The unique role played by social workers supporting colleagues during pandemics has been highlighted in recent literature reviews [Guidance for Medical Social Workers: Responding to Covid-19 Pandemic (2020)];
• Increase self-regulation and self-soothing skills;
• Understand the health benefits of practicing mindfulness and self-compassion;
• Respond compassionately to physical pain, stress, difficult emotions and thought patterns;
• Regulate attention and focus the mind;
• Communicate clearly, make decisions and respond constructively to stressful situations and conflict;
• Respond with increased creativity, openness and calm.

Feedback from Social Workers on MBSR

Participants in previous mindfulness CPD events were asked ‘What skills/knowledge would you introduce to your workplace as a result of attending this event?’  They said…

“I’m hopeful that use of these techniques will prevent burnout in the future.”

“This has given me the idea of how to deal with stress and would be very useful to introduce at the workplace.”

“The breathing exercises and self-compassion exercises for those in chronic pain.”

Facilitator Information: Niamh Bruce is a former Executive Director and Director of Programmes for the Sanctuary (A non-profit meditation centre www.sanctuary.ie) from 2005-2015. She continues to work for the Sanctuary and others on a freelance and consultancy basis. Trained to teach MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) and MBCT (Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy) Niamh has taught a wide variety of groups and has substantial experience working with Health and Social Care Professions across a range of health care settings including dementia, hospital and disability services. Niamh has presented at national conferences, written articles, published a book and CDs on mindfulness. Niamh is currently undergoing a M.Sc. in Cyber Psychology and applying best practice and research to her work in wellbeing and online learning.

Course Dates

Tuesday 12^th October from 9 – 11.30am

Tuesday 19^th October from 9 – 11.30am

Tuesday 26^th October from 9 – 11.30am

Tuesday 2^nd November from 9 – 11.30am

Tuesday 9^th November from 9 – 11.30am

Tuesday 16^th November from 9 – 11.30am

Sunday 21^st November from 10 - 4pm

Tuesday 23^rd November from 9 – 11.30am

Tuesday 30^th November from 9 – 11.30am 

Also, a key part of the programme is a full day held between weeks 6 & 7 on Sunday 21^st November from 10 - 4pm. We hope to be able to meet together in person on that day but will decide closer to the time.

The course is limited to 16 participants. Participants will receive three downloadable audio files and a PDF workbook in digital format to support their learning.

The MBSR course acts a pre-requisite for all teacher training courses in Mindfulness while also developing one’s own mindfulness practice. A certificate of participation will be presented to all participants on completion of the MBSR course.

The course has been funded by the HSCP Office, HSE. As such, places are available to social workers in the publicly funded healthcare service. Tusla staff and those working in Tusla funded services are not eligible to apply. The course is free and requires a deposit of €100. The deposit is refundable on completion of 75% of the course. Applicants will need to secure the support of their employer to release them from work duties on the course times above so that they can participate fully in the course.

To apply for a place on the course, please complete the application form downloadable from this page and email it to cpdofficer@iasw.ie by noon on 1^st September. The applications will be reviewed by Clíona Murphy, Professional Development Co-ordinator, IASW, and Niamh Bruce, course facilitator who will contact selected applicants by phone prior to the course to answer any questions applicants may have and go through what to expect. Places will offered to successful applicants on a first come, first served basis and will only be secured on receipt of a deposit of €100 refundable on completion of 80% of the course.