Mindfulness, which involves “bringing deliberate and non-judgmental awareness and attention to one’s present moment experience,” is a practice with roots in ancient Buddhist traditions. This presentation will include a discussion of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) curriculum and a structured Mindfulness- Based Intervention (MBI) developed in 1979 by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn to decrease stress, substance use and improve overall well-being. The presenter will share a modified version of this curriculum developed for immigrant Latina populations.

OVERALL GOAL:
Recognize mindfulness as an empowerment tool for Latinas with mental health and substance use disorders.
 
OBJECTIVES:

1. Describe basic concepts related to mindfulness.
2. Address intersection of violence-trauma, substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders among Latinas.
3. Discuss benefits of mindfulness for Latinas.
4. Identify specific, trauma informed mindfulness practices that can be incorporated as part of mental health treatment for Latinas.

Presenter: Diana C. Parra, MPH, PHD, Research Assistant Professor at the Prevention Research Center at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She specializes in research on health and wellness through community based programs for physical activity, nutrition, yoga, and mindfulness, geared towards marginalized, underrepresented, and oppressed minorities, particularly the Latinx immigrant population in the United States.

If you reside outside of HHS Region 6, you will be put on a waitlist and added to the event as seats become available. 
For more information please contact Mary Cook at [email protected].