Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can help you reclaim balance in your mental health and body. At Modern Therapy Group, our new insurance-covered MBSR program offers a proven path to reduce stress and strengthen your emotional awareness. Through mindfulness training and meditation, you’ll learn to respond to life with greater clarity and control. Take the first step toward lasting stress relief and whole-person healing today.
Combat Your Stress with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress or stuck in cycles of anxiety? You’re not alone. According to the American Psychological Association, 24% of U.S. adults now rate their average stress level between 8 and 10 on a 10-point scale—up from 19% in recent years.
That’s nearly one in four Americans living with high daily stress.
At Modern Therapy Group, we’re proud to introduce an accessible path to healing and inner calm—our new Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, now fully covered by most major insurance plans.
This isn’t just another wellness trend.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction is a clinically proven, evidence-based approach originally developed in the realm of medical sciences at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center to help people reduce stress, manage chronic pain, and navigate life with greater balance. It incorporates a structured process of mindfulness meditation, body awareness, and gentle movement to promote healing across both the body and mind.
What Is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction?
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a nationally recognized, 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy designed to help you slow down and become more aware of your internal experiences. This evidence-based practice to practice mindfulness has transformed thousands of lives by teaching how to engage with the present moment and reduce harmful stress responses.
The MBSR course includes:
- Eight weekly classes, each lasting 2.5 hours
- A one-day, seven-hour mindfulness practice retreat
- Daily homework assignments (approximately 45 minutes per day)
- Guided instructions in mindfulness meditation and gentle hatha yoga
- Exploration of patterns of thinking, feeling, and reacting
- Group discussions are designed to enhance mindful awareness and shared learning
As a participant, you will learn a variety of mindfulness techniques, including body scans, sitting meditation, mindful eating, walking meditation, and loving kindness meditation. The goal in the stress reduction clinic is to make mindfulness an integral part of your daily life.
Meet Your Instructor: Mary Rothfusz, MA, MHC
Mary Rothfusz, MA, MHC, is a mental health counselor and MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction) instructor trained through the Brown University Mindfulness Center. She has led multiple 8-week MBSR cycles in clinical settings, supporting individuals in managing stress, anxiety, chronic pain, psychological distress and emotional overwhelm.
Mary brings a warm, grounded presence to her teaching and integrates evidence-based mindfulness practices to support emotional regulation, resilience, and self-awareness. She specializes in helping individuals reconnect with their inner resources during stress and transition.
Over the years, she’s guided individuals through MBSR programs in both clinical and community settings—helping people navigate chronic pain, sleep challenges, autoimmune issues, emotional ups and downs, and everyday stress. Her style is gentle yet effective, weaving together evidence-based mindfulness techniques with relaxation training strategies to support emotional balance and lasting healing from within.
Looking at the Science: Health Benefits of an MBSR Program
If you’ve ever wondered whether mindfulness really makes a difference, the science is clear—and incredibly hopeful. A 2020 systematic review published in Frontiers in Psychology examined 30 studies on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and what it found was powerful: mindfulness can help transform how we cope and grow.
Here’s what researchers discovered:
It Helps Ease Stress, Chronic Illness and Anxiety
Nearly every study in the review showed a significant drop in stress, anxiety, and depression among participants. If you’re carrying the weight of chronic stress or chronic illness—or working in a demanding environment where burnout feels constant—this kind of relief can be life-changing.
It Builds Self-Compassion and Emotional Awareness
Participants became more mindful, yes—but also gentler with themselves. MBSR nurtures self-compassion, a skill that helps you face life’s challenges without judgment or harsh inner criticism. It’s about learning to be your own ally, especially when things get tough.
It Offers Hope for Burnout and Resilience
While the data on burnout and resilience was mixed, the potential was undeniable. With continued practice and support, MBSR may be a key piece of the puzzle in helping people bounce back from emotional exhaustion and build inner strength.
Research shows that MBSR is about rewiring how you respond to the world around you. Whether you’re overwhelmed by work, recovering from a setback, or just craving more peace in your day-to-day life, MBSR offers a path forward that’s grounded in both compassion and science, where you can practice meditation effectively .
What Makes This Program Different?
What makes this MBSR program at Modern Therapy Group truly special is the heart we put into every step of your journey. Healing should feel possible, not out of reach. That’s why we’ve designed this course to meet you where you are—whether you’re new to mindfulness or simply seeking deeper calm in your life.
Covered by Insurance, Not Out of Reach
Most MBSR programs can cost $500 or more. Ours is different. Because most major insurance plans fully cover it, it opens the door to healing for people who may have thought this kind of support was out of budget.
Start with Curiosity, Not Commitment
We begin with a free orientation—no pressure, no expectations. It’s your chance to explore what MBSR is all about and see if it feels right for you.
Led with Care, Not Just Credentials
Our program is taught by a licensed therapist and certified instructor who brings both clinical skill and heartfelt empathy. You’re supported by someone who truly understands what you’re going through.
Mindfulness That Meets You in Real Life
From managing stress to regulating emotions and emotional symptoms, building resilience, you’ll discover practical tools you can use every day.
At the core of it all is to help you come home to yourself. Through mindfulness, we guide you toward lasting change—grounded in awareness and rooted in the belief that healing is always possible.
Modern Therapy Group
Experience the benefits of mindfulness-based stress reduction in NYC.
Our team is here to help you or your loved one begin your mental health journey.
What You’ll Learn
Over eight weeks, you’ll engage in:
- Mindfulness Meditation: Foundational sitting meditation practices that build focus and emotional balance.
- Gentle Yoga and Movement Practices: Learn to listen to your body and release tension.
- Body Awareness and Body Scans: Deepen your connection to physical sensations and present moment awareness.
- Mindful Eating and Daily Life Integration: Understand your habits and learn how to respond, not react.
- Group Discussions and Shared Practice: Weekly group meetings foster connection, insight, and support.
- Daily Homework and Informal Practices: Strengthen your mindfulness skills beyond class through consistent daily effort.
You’ll also explore how mindfulness can support healing in specific conditions like sleep disturbance, immune disorders, and chronic pain. The combination of meditation programs, movement practices, and mindful awareness builds a robust toolkit for sustainable well-being.
Developing Mindful Eating, Body Awareness, and MBSR Skills Through Training
The structure of our MBSR training is designed to equip you with lifelong tools for health, clarity, and connection. We emphasize practices like mindful eating to help you slow down and notice the cues your body is giving you.
Instead of rushing meals or eating out of habit, you’ll begin to experience food as a source of nourishment and mindfulness.
Awareness exercises are built into each session to help you reconnect with your senses and body sensations. These build the foundation for deeper body awareness, which research links to lower anxiety, improved self-esteem, and reduced emotional reactivity.
Throughout the course, you’ll gain access to a variety of MBSR techniques, including:
- Practicing mindfulness in high-stress scenarios
- Using meditation to bring clarity to overwhelming thoughts
- Applying breathwork during difficult conversations or pain episodes
- Transitioning mindfulness into real-life routines like driving, working, or parenting
These MBSR classes are both educational and experiential. You’ll be actively engaged in learning and applying these concepts week by week. The result is not only stress reduction, but increased mastery of emotional states, improved focus, and a sense of peace rooted in everyday life and present-moment awareness.
If you’re ready to feel more in control of your emotional health and how you care for your body, this mindfulness course offers a welcoming, science-backed space to begin that journey.
Who Should Join?
MBSR is ideal for people seeking a structured and supportive way to improve their mental and physical health. If you’re experiencing chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, or mood imbalances, this course offers practical tools for managing those challenges.
It’s also highly effective for those living with chronic illnesses or chronic pain who want a complementary therapy to support their existing medical treatment.
Even if you’re simply looking to develop a greater sense of emotional awareness or improve your stress management techniques, MBSR can help. You’ll build mindfulness skills that enhance resilience, deepen body awareness, and help you stay grounded in the present moment.
Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking to refresh your practice, this course is designed to meet you where you are. No prior experience is needed—just an open mind and a willingness to explore new ways of being.
Choose Modern Therapy Group for Your Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
When it comes to mental health care, finding the right support can make all the difference. At Modern Therapy Group, we’re a community of experienced, compassionate professionals offering a wide spectrum of therapy services tailored to your needs.
Our team includes licensed therapists with diverse specialties, from anxiety and trauma recovery to relationship counseling and neurodiverse support.
Whether you’re interested in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or mindfulness-based approaches, we’ll match you with someone who understands your goals and works with you toward lasting change.
We believe therapy should be both accessible and transformative. That’s why we accept most major insurance providers and offer flexible scheduling, including virtual and in-person sessions. We also proudly support a diverse client base with multilingual therapists and inclusive, identity-affirming care.
From the moment you connect with us, our focus is on building a supportive space where you can feel safe, seen, and empowered. If you’re exploring MBSR or any other therapeutic path, Modern Therapy Group is here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Join Our MBSR Course Today
The next cycle of MBSR classes begins this May, guided by Mary Rothfusz at Modern Therapy Group. Whether you’re hoping to reduce stress, explore mindful meditation, or build emotional awareness, this mindfulness-based stress reduction program is a powerful foundation for lifelong growth.
Reserve your spot today or email mary@moderntherapygroup.com to learn more about the free orientation session. And while you’re here, don’t forget to explore other evidence-based therapy options available at Modern Therapy Group, such as mindfulness based cognitive therapy . We’re here to support your full mental and physical well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the health benefits of mindfulness-based stress reduction?
MBSR helps reduce stress levels, manage chronic illnesses like chronic pain or immune disorders, and improve mental health by producing significant reductions in psychological symptoms. It also supports better sleep, emotional awareness, and immune function.
What are the health benefits of mindfulness-based stress reduction?
MBSR helps reduce stress levels, manage chronic illnesses like chronic pain or immune disorders, and improve mental health by producing significant reductions in psychological symptoms. It also supports better sleep, emotional awareness, and immune function.
What is the MBSR course structure?
The MBSR course includes eight weekly classes, a seven-hour mindfulness session, daily homework, meditation practice, and group discussions. It’s a mindfulness-based stress reduction program rooted in evidence and structure.
Do MBSR classes include movement practices?
Yes. The course integrates gentle yoga and other movement practices to promote body awareness and tension release. These include body scans, walking meditation, and mindful stretching.
What makes this an effective stress management tool?
The MBSR program teaches mindfulness strategies and techniques to relieve stress and manage reactivity. Through consistent mindfulness techniques, you develop tools to manage negative emotions and stay grounded in the present moment.
Is this mindfulness meditation program covered by insurance?
Yes! Unlike many other mindfulness meditation programs, ours is fully insurance-based, making it affordable and accessible.
What kind of mindfulness training will I receive?
The MBSR training provides education in sitting meditation, mindful eating, awareness exercises, and informal practices that you can apply in your daily life.
How does MBSR training help with stress reduction?
MBSR training offers a structured pathway to stress reduction through learning how to practice mindfulness. By regularly engaging in sitting meditation, mindful movement, and breath-focused awareness, participants learn how to manage stress responses more effectively. These practices reduce the intensity of negative emotions, improve resilience, and promote calmness during everyday life challenges.
What is mindfulness training, and how is it different from general meditation?
Mindfulness training involves the consistent, guided development of mindfulness skills—such as focused attention, non-judgmental observation, and presence—in both formal practices and informal moments throughout everyday life. Unlike casual meditation, mindfulness training is structured, progressive, and often involves direct instruction and reflection in a group or therapeutic setting. It’s central to the MBSR program.
How do I start practicing MBSR?
Simply email mary@moderntherapygroup.com to join our next eight-week course or attend a free orientation session. Practicing MBSR with a group helps you stay committed and supported.
Medically Reviewed by Jack Hazan
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