Mindfulness 2021 – From Neurobiology to Psychtotherapy

About

Have you ever been in nature, observing the environment around you? Noticing the smell of fresh wood in the forest, how the ground feels under your feet and the warm feeling of the sun light on your skin? Then, you might have been in touch with mindfulness already! Mindfulness, defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn, is a state in which someone purposely pays attention in the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness has its roots in the Buddhist religion but has certainly been established in the “Western World”. But what’s behind the hype around the mindfulness lifestyle?

Current research highlights specific activation of brain areas and potential long-term effects of mindfulness and meditation practice, for example, improved ability to concentrate. The application of mindfulness ranges from stress-reduction in daily life to improving mental well-being in older populations, up to the treatment of different mental disorders like anxiety and depression. We will shed a critical light on the plethora of mindfulness studies and dwell on what research and methodology is needed to bring the field forward to more differential evidence and specificity.

Course leader

Prof. Dr. Andrea Kübler, Faculty of Psychology

Target group

This summer school is designed for advanced bachelor students, (research) master students with basic as well as advanced knowledge of Critical Theory, and for PhD students who work in related areas. Advanced bachelor students are especially encouraged to attend and actively participate in the summer school. Participants will be admitted according to motivation, English writing skills, and study results.

Course aim

In this Summer Module Course “Mindfulness – from neurobiology to psychotherapy”, international experts will introduce you to the field of mindfulness, including current research on the neurobiological bases of mindfulness and practical therapeutic applications. The course offers keynote lectures, hands-on workshops and hot topic discussions. The aim is to give insights into the wide range of mindfulness and highlight not only scientific aspects but also evidence-based practical implications. You will also have the possibility to practice different aspects such as meditation and clinical interviews, and there will be the opportunity for peer discussions, and interaction with the experts.

Fee info