Mindfulness

hand holding dandelion
What Is Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a meditation technique that increases one’s focus on the present by cultivating moment-to-moment awareness. This can lead to a sense of improved health and wellbeing.

In the 1970s, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., founder of the Center for Mindfulness in Healthcare, Medicine, and Society at University of Massachusetts Medical School, brought a scientific focus to these practices. He developed Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a secular mindfulness program which, over four decades of research, has been shown to help participants cope with stress, anxiety, pain and illness. Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as, “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”

When you bring this quality of attention to yourself and the world around you, you engage in evidence-based mindfulness practices that foster a sense of wellbeing.
Our Offerings
Throughout the year, we offer a variety of mindfulness classes, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) and Mindful Parenting workshops.

Besides courses and workshops, we also offer mindfulness program for your organization, as well as mindfulness in one-on-one sessions as integrative treatment.

Available classes are listed below, and sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.
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Current Classes

There are no upcoming classes at the moment. Please keep an eye out for any new classes that may be scheduled in the near future.

Mindfulness Instructors

Jessica Drew de Paz
Jessica Drew de Paz, PsyD
Dr. Jessica Drew de Paz serves as a clinical psychologist and director of mindfulness programs at UCI Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. She received her BA from UCSB and PsyD from California School of Professional Psychology, with a specialty in multicultural and community issues. Jessica is also trained in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, the Mind/Body Fertility Program, and Mindful Schools. For 10 years, she taught mindfulness at Anneliese Schools, which was recognized by the American Psychological Association for applying psychological science to promote student academic and social-emotional success. She has also conducted research on mindfulness and safety in the workplace.
Cayce Howe
Cayce Howe
Cayce Howe is a mindfulness instructor and teaches meditation at mental health facilities in Southern California. His meditation practice has spanned nearly 30 years, including six years living and working at meditation retreat facilities. Cayce is a founding teacher for the InsightLA Long Beach branch, where he regularly teaches Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindful Self-Compassion, and other mindfulness and meditation offerings.
Deidre Hughes
Deidre Hughes, MA, MS
Deidre Hughes specializes in leading adults, young adults, and adolescents to integrate mindfulness and self-compassion practices into their daily lives. She is a Trained Teacher for Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) as well as Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens and Young Adults (MSC-T). She is also a Trained Teacher of Project Wayfinder, a program launched at Stanford University’s d.school, which guides participants through contemplative practices that foster a mindset founded upon meaning and purpose. Deidre has certifications from the International Mindfulness Teachers Association and Mindful Schools. She holds a tenured position at Fullerton College where she coordinates the college’s mindfulness program and teaches…
Mirjam Luthe
Mirjam Luthe, MA
Mirjam Luthe is certified in yoga, Mindful-Self-Compassion, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Awake in the Wild, complemented by Mindful Schools training, Council Practice and similar dialog techniques. She serves as International Affairs Manager at the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, and a core team member of the European Network for Grateful Living and the annual Swiss ETH Cortona Week. Mirjam is also a teacher at Monviso-Institute in Italy, a real-world laboratory for research, education, entrepreneurship and new living on sustainability transitions and regenerative design.
Amy Noelle
Amy Noelle, MPT
Amy Noelle is a certified Mindfulness Teacher and Life Coach. She has degrees in psychology and physical therapy and three certifications in Mindfulness Based Interventions from UCSD. She is passionate about connecting the mind, body and spirit, to achieve balanced wellness and, in turn, happiness. Amy believes deeply that mindful and compassionate awareness can mobilize inner resources leading to balanced wellness and peak performance in all areas of life.
Nicole Reilly
Nicole Marie Reilly, MD, MA, LMFT
Dr. Nicole Marie Reilly completed her undergraduate training at the University of San Diego, medical school at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine outside of Chicago, Illinois, and anesthesiology residency at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. Reilly completed the Integrative Medicine Fellowship through the University of Arizona with Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. She is an avid yogi and a certified 500-hour yoga instructor through YogaWorks. Dr. Reilly has undergone mindfulness-based stress reduction training with Jon Kabat-Zinn and other senior faculty of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

FAQs on Our Mindfulness Classes

MBSR is for anyone at any age, and the reasons people participate vary. Some have demanding jobs or responsibilities and want to learn how to cope. Others are referred by their physician to help treat high blood pressure, anxiety or insomnia; while others attend to learn coping techniques after a traumatic event.

The form of meditation used in MBSR classes taught at the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute is a simple method using the breath as the focus. We find this to be very effective because breath is always with us. When the mind wanders off, breathing can bring attention back to the present moment.

No. Although most religions do include meditation in some form, the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute teaches it as a skill to be learned and perfected. However, the meditation techniques learned in MBSR can be applied to your religious practice if you choose.

MBSR classes meet once a week for two hours. After six sessions, there is an all-day retreat. Additionally, participants are given 45 minutes of “homework” each day that involves practicing the meditation technique and some written assignments. We know our students lead busy lives. Most people find that by setting aside the time to practice, they find more time for other things in their lives. They have more clarity, are less forgetful and function more efficiently.

Please contact Talor Enos, program assistant, at tenos@hs.uci.edu.

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