An eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course will be held March 12 through April 30 in Tucson. Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, MBSR is a research-based program designed to help participants manage stress, anxiety, chronic pain and the challenges of daily life. The course is outlined in the bestselling book Full Catastrophe Living and is widely considered the gold standard of mindfulness training. The 2025 curriculum updates are included in this offering.

The class will be taught by Peter Vernezze, Ph.D., LCSW, an Arizona-licensed psychotherapist credentialed to teach MBSR through the University of California San Diego Center for Mindfulness. Sessions include sitting meditation, body scans, gentle yoga, walking meditation, group discussion and home practice, along with a full-day online retreat on April 18. No previous meditation experience is required. Cost is $450.

Classes meet Thursdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at The Healing Portal, 3820 S. Palo Verde Rd., Ste. 110, Tucson.