The Centre for Mindfulness Studies - Toronto, Ontario

George Hanus

I showed up for a free mindfulness session today at 12 noon, as advertised on the company website. On my arrival I discovered that the place was completely empty of people. There was no staff, just an empty room with some chairs and tables. I called but no-one picked up so I left a voicemail. Very disappointing.

Jules

The Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) course that I recently completed was incredibly helpful and informative. The instructors were both compassionate and knowledgeable, creating a supportive and enriching learning environment.

Nishara Rodrigo

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!

SeeYourStar

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!, YES! ha! like celebrating it, takes the power away from it, though not force it.
-Another idea though perhaps isn't mindfulness? Is get out there and help someone else, like pick up 5 pieces of garbage ,gets you out of your mind and less selfish.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
p.s. the silent retreat was amazing and i have done it now my own version at home.

K A

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.

WJB Motown

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.

Jackie Rosen

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.

Kate Sutherland

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.