Mindfulness and Compassion-based Interventions

About

This three-week summer programme explores emotion regulation and contemplative practices such as mindfulness and compassion-based interventions from both first-person and third-person perspectives. In this combined approach, participants will explore the science behind contemplative practices while experiencing contemplative practices and applying them in their daily lives to come to an integrated understanding of comtemplative practices as evidence-based health and wellbeing practices.

Mindfulness and compassion–based interventions are used as prevention and/or treatment tools in various areas such as education, (mental) health, and organizations. In particular, this summer programme provides an introduction to interdisciplinary perspectives on mindfulness and compassion interventions that go beyond the science and evidence-based appraoch to investigate current (secular) practices, as well as tracing their (often spritual) origins.

The course will address the following topics, how they interact, and what these different approaches make possible.  

Theoretical introduction to emotion regulation processes, and contemplative practice, allowing students to become familiar with definitions and theoretical models related to emotion regulation, mindfulness, and compassion.
Exploring the (spiritual) roots of the secular interventions and the intersection between psychological science and contemplative practice.
The neuropsychology of contemplative practice, allowing students to understand how the contemplative practice influences the brain and its functions.
Practical introduction to a variety of contemplative practice through exercises and reflections throughout the duration of the programme.  
Course materials: The students will be provided with many opportunities to explore the topic from various sources (e.g., scientific and press articles, podcasts, documentaries) as well as visit relevant organisations and institutions throughout Amsterdam. Participants are encouraged to actively reflect, discuss, and transfer the knowledge to their own personal context and their field of expertise.

Course leader

Dr. Maja Wrzesien is currently a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Valencia (Spain) and a former postdoctoral researcher (Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellow) within the Psychopathology and Development group at the University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands). Her research is largely interdisciplinary, focusing on emotion regulation in youth with special emphasis on mindfulness, self-compassion, and new technologies. She is also a certified mindfulness and compassion trainer. She has performed different training in both the public and private sectors for youth, parents, clinicians and educators. Want to know more about Maja? Visit her personal website.

Target group

Level: Advanced Bachelor and Masters students and working professionals

Background: Experience in psychology and the social sciences is essential. Applicants should have a strong interest and experience in mindfulness, psychology and/or pedagogy. Working professionals with relevant experience in the above topics who wish to expand their knowledge in this field are also welcome to apply.

Course aim

By the end of the summer programme students will become familiar with the state of the art of the interdisciplinary research related to contemplative practice, develop personal experience of mindfulness and compassion practice, and consider practical tools to help incorporating these practices into their everyday personal and professional life.

Fee info