Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Life (MBCT-L)

8 week MBCT-L course

Mindfulness for Life is a course that aims to cultivate mindfulness for the body, emotions, and mind so that life can be lived with a greater sense of well-being, kindness, and resilience. It is an evidence-based course developed by the Oxford Mindfulness Foundation, drawing on research from the University of Oxford and other leading research centres.

Learning content:

  • Recognize autopilot moments and stabilize attention

  • Learn skills with which challenges and difficulties of life can be met

  • Control over reactions over life's ups and downs

  • Improve physical and mental well-being

  • Integrate what has been learned into daily life

What skills are learned during the MBCT-L course?

  • Developing a better understanding of how the mind works

  • Recognising patterns/mental habits – and recognising that there are alternatives

  • Stepping back and looking at difficult thoughts and feelings from a broader perspective

  • Recognize early warning signs of stress, anxiety, and low mood and take helpful action

  • To be kinder and gentler to yourself

  • Putting less effort into "fixing" things and striving for results

  • Cultivating Joy

Before the course, each participant and the course instructor will have a personal interview of about 60 minutes. This takes place either at the Center for Mindfulness or online via Zoom. The conversation is included in the price.

Mindfulness is not a panacea. For some mental illnesses or traumatic stress, mindfulness training is not recommended. The meeting also serves to clarify questions in this regard in advance.

Date: October 17 - December 5, 2025

Time: Fridays, 9:30 - 12:00

Location: Center for Mindfulness Basel

Course language: English

Course director: George Peterburs

Course price: Early bird until 31.7.25 CHF 750 | from 1.8.25: CHF 870

Discounts for students, AHV recipients and low-income earners on request

General terms and conditions

Instructor

George works as a teacher, speaker, author and coach on human well-being, resilience and mindfulness. He also coaches organisations in cultural change or conflict situations.

George Peterburs is a multi-certified coach, teacher of mindfulness, resilience and positive neuroplasticity as well as a consultant and trainer for mental health and well-being in organizations. He is certified by the Oxford Mindfulness Foundation as an MBCT teacher and has developed his own mindfulness-based training program and model - The Being-Doing Balance. George holds an M.A. in Philosophy and Economics from Humboldt University Berlin. George is personally accredited by Rick Hanson as a teacher of Positive Neuroplasticity.

LinkedIn.

FAQ

  • MBCT-L is a skills-based course, not a group therapy. It cultivates the following insights:

    Mindfulness begins when we recognize the tendency to be on autopilot, which can rob us of our potential to live life more fully. We begin to practice getting off autopilot by directing mindfulness to aspects of everyday present experience that we would normally overlook.

    With greater mindfulness, we begin to notice how often we lose ourselves in our thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness of the body and breathing helps us to recognize our thoughts, feelings, sensations and impulses, collect our scattered mind and return to the here and now with appreciation.

    We learn that when our attention is caught in the past or the future, we can become trapped in unhelpful patterns of thinking, feeling and acting. Mindfulness helps us to recognize these automatic reactions, understand them as normal human experiences and respond to them with kindness and compassion.

    When we cultivate an attitude of interest and kindness towards all our experiences, whether they are pleasant or unpleasant, we learn the ability to maintain balance in the ups and downs of life, to respond skillfully when difficulties arise, to engage with what matters most to us, and to open ourselves to moments of joy, contentment and gratitude. We learn to flourish.

  • The weekly sessions follow a consistent pattern. After the welcome and settling in, we begin with a guided meditation practice, followed by a reflection on the experience of the practice. We then discuss the experiences we have had with the homework during the week. Each session has a theme that is woven into the discussions. We often do another short practice or cognitive exercise and reflect on what we can learn from it. At the end of each session we explain the homework for the following week.

  • The instructor will provide you with recordings of the most important exercises and ask you to practise them every day. You may need to reorganize your life in order to do this. It may be helpful to talk about this with family or friends. You may find that your experience changes from day to day or week to week. The course leader is available to help you if you have difficulties with home practice.

  • At first, meditation practice may feel strange or unfamiliar. Be as open as possible.

    It is not clear from the outset which practices will be most helpful, and you may not recognize the benefits immediately. Practice gentle persistence and remember that everyone reacts differently.

    The amount of practice can feel daunting. However, consistent practice can increase the likelihood of benefiting from the course.

    Some people are afraid of being in a group. However, it can be very helpful to learn from others and see that you are not alone.

    You may be confronted with emotional problems that you would rather avoid. Difficulties that arise can be revealing and the course will show you how to deal with them skillfully.

    You may sometimes feel the desire to give up. This is normal. Please talk to the instructor about any problems you are having.

  • The course is designed as face-to-face training. If you are unable to attend in person due to illness or other important reasons, it is possible in exceptional cases to participate via Zoom video.

    Try to attend every session, as the sessions build on each other. Inform the course instructor if you have to miss a session. The course instructor will help you to make up for what you have missed.

  • Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers. Sessions may include sitting meditation, lying on the floor (if you wish), simple stretches and gentle walking. Yoga mats and meditation cushions are provided, but you can also bring your own. Unlimited water and tea are also provided.

We look forward to meet you!

Do you have questions about the course or would you like to organise a private course for your organisation? Write to us!