The current modern practice of mindfulness has deep roots and origins in ancient meditation practices and spiritual and religious philosophies. This course will explore the evolution of mindfulness from its early eastern beginnings (as seen in Hinduism and Buddhism teachings) and trace it through to the western and non-secular approaches known today. We will discuss key philosophies and tenets, such as compassion and pain and suffering and the important foundation they provide for contemporary practice. We will explore the teachings of significant leaders in the field (such as the Buddha, the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hahn) and examine how key westerners (such as Jon Kabat-Zinn, Eckhart Tolle, Jack Kornfield and Sharon Salzberg) have adapted and popularized the practice of mindfulness in the West. Videos, in-depth group conversations, webinar experiences and experiential practice will round out this course.
No Scheduled Class Meetings, September 16 - October 27 (Online)
Location:
ONLINE
Instructor:
Stephanie Kersta
Notes:
Instructors
Stephanie Kersta
Stephanie Kersta holds an Honors Bachelor of Science with a specialist in Psychology, and a Masters of Science in Psychology. Additionally, she holds a number of certifications, namely, a post-graduate certificate in Addictions and Mental Health Counselling and including advanced training in Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia and Psychometric Assessments.
As a complement to her strong clinical education, Stephanie has incorporated additional evidence-based holistic certificates to further round out her training, including certifications in four mindfulness and meditation clinical modalities.
Stephanie holds teaching positions at multiple post-secondary institutions including, McMaster University, Durham College, and Ontario Learn. As a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario she has a clinical psychotherapy practice where she primarily treats anxiety, depression, self-esteem and insomnia. Stephanie is a certified trainer with LivingWorks for both safeTALK and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainings (ASIST) as well as with the Mental Health Commission of Canada for Mental Health First Aid and certifies hundreds of individuals per year.
Stephanie has a strong clinical interest in the interplay between chronic stress and the development of physical and mental health conditions and has been published in the field of motivation and addiction, and has presented at international and national conferences.
She is also the co-founder of Hoame, North America’s largest modern meditation studio and frequently works with Fortune 500 companies providing mental health and mental wellness consulting and training.
