Mindfulness-based Behavior Change Facilitator Training Course
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Learn how to accelerate behavior change
Behavior change facilitation is an evidence based approach that combines a digital therapeutic (app-based training) with in-person facilitated sessions to address unwanted behaviors and bad habits at their source: in the brain.
Using a "flipped classroom" model, patients/client receive targeted mindfulness training in 5-10 minutes per day delivered via an app for conditions like smoking, binge eating, or anxiety. They can practice and develop their skills at home with digital training, and then come to see you in an individual or group setting for specific guidance around their experiences from the prior week.
This approach maximizes both effectiveness and efficiency for the client and for the clinician or coach.
Course Details
Describe how habits are formed and perpetuated with regard to emotional eating, smoking, anxiety and beyond.
Describe how mindfulness affects brain processes.
Discuss how mindfulness approaches can help change addictive habit patterns
Describe the “flipped classroom” learning model
Demonstrate facility with mindful inquiry skills noticing, dialoguing and linking and facilitation in group and/or individual settings.
Observe how mindfulness skills and knowledge of operant conditioning are implemented with group participants by experienced facilitator trainers in weekly online web group check-ins.
Evaluate trainer adherence to principles of the Mindfulness-Based Intervention Teacher Assessment Criteria (MBI-TAC) in weekly online web group.
Discuss observations/insights of weekly online web group in a training group setting.
Communicate with online community members, utilizing mindfulness skills and knowledge of operant conditioning.
Rolling application window:
Through February 9, 2022
Registration fee due (accepted applicants):
February 15, 2022
Program begins
March 2, 2022
(NOTE: you must have completed the app-based program on which you're training by this date.)
Step 2 Training:
Begins upon completion of Step 1
Step 1: $500
Step 2: $500 (includes certification)
Completion of a mindfulness training program (MBSR or equivalent)
Daily personal meditation practice (minimum 1 year)
Completion of Eat Right Now, Unwinding Anxiety, or Craving to Quit programs (at least ONE app MUST be completed prior to the start of training — roughly one month of daily use.)
Be sure to have used one of the apps before you apply to the training program. Using Craving to Quit, Eat Right Now or Unwinding Anxiety will help you to determine if the training is a good match for you. You would only need to get the app for one month. Everyone accepted into the training will receive one year (of 2 of the apps) for free. Please be sure to use the same email address when you sign up for the app(s) and apply for the training.
Fill out an application form (click button below) and the course instructors will contact you.
Accelerate behavior change in your patients and clients using a combination of digital guidance and in-person facilitation. (Application deadline February 9.)
What: The Behavior Change Facilitator Training Course is an 8 to 16 week online program that teaches participants how to facilitate "flipped classroom" behavior change sessions in combination with a digital therapeutic app.
Why: many healthcare professionals have experienced the benefits of mindfulness through personal practice but are unsure how to introduce evidence-based mindfulness practices to their patients or clients, or they don't have time during their existing weekly sessions to provide adequate training or guidance.
The "flipped classroom" model uses an app to deliver training, and frees the clinician to deliver customized support in weekly sessions.
Who: healthcare professionals & coaches who have a background in mindfulness and wish to develop and pair their skills with digital therapeutics to bring mindfulness-based behavior change into their work with individuals and/or groups.
This includes physicians, psychotherapists, psychologists, nurses, dieticians, health coaches, and other healthcare professionals, as well as existing mindfulness/MBSR instructors who wish to broaden their ability to address habits and unwanted behaviors.
Where: All training is delivered live and on-line via a Zoom platform.
The Facilitator in Training (FIT) program consists of a multi-step process to ensure facilitators are teaching from their own experience. Facilitation centers around helping individuals identify their “habit loops” that perpetuate stress and unhealthy mental and physical behaviors.
In this course, you will learn how to use a "flipped classroom" model with your patients or clients. Your patients will use a "digital therapeutic" app which combines 5-10 minutes of daily training via the Eat Right Now app (binge, emotional and overeating), the Unwinding Anxiety app, or the Craving to Quit app (smoking cessation).
Step 1: (8 sessions)
Facilitators-in-training (FITs) begin by learning the core scientific concepts of habit formation and behavior change as applied to their own lives and those of others through attending a weekly (Wednesdays 12:00 -1:00 pm) on-line flipped classroom facilitated by Drs. Brewer and Boudette. FITs then immediately move into training session in which this live group material becomes the basis for discussion and learning (Wednesdays 1:00-2:00 pm EST). Focus is placed on developing process and inquiry skills through direct group discussion as well as short small group break-out practice teaching sessions. Cohorts for Step 1 begin at the same time, yet individuals can pace themselves to account for time away (e.g. the 8 sessions are not required to be completed sequentially).
Step 2: (8 sessions)
After completing Step 1, FITs will be begin facilitating the habit change programs within a group context or individual sessions in their own clinical setting. They will continue to attend weekly group training and begin peer training. Once they have started teaching, they record an initial session. This is reviewed by a peer and trainer who provide feedback to the FIT. After receiving feedback, they then record a second session. This is reviewed a second time by a peer and a trainer. The training includes both getting and giving feedback. When the appropriate abilities and skills in teaching and facilitation are demonstrated, typically after the second recording, they then can submit their materials to become a qualified Behavior Change Facilitator.
Up to 28 continuing education credits are available through our collaboration with International Seminars Group (ISG). ISG is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to provide continuing education credits to psychologists. ISG is also an approved Continuing Professional Education (CPE) provider with the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR). ISG maintains responsibility for its programs and content.
The facilitator training program is an amazing growth opportunity! In addition to the ways that the model and programs have helped me to integrate mindful awareness into my everyday life and have made it easier for me to share the benefits of mindfulness with others, the facilitators' learning community is a real treasure. The in-the-moment modeling of generosity, curiosity, creativity and wisdom as we explore the theory and practice of teaching mindfulness provides inspiration and confidence for my own work. I am happy to learn the science behind the apps and proud to be offering evidence-based resources.
— Nancy Logue, Ph.D.
Montréal
"As a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, my primary mission is to lead my clients towards a path of healthy living. The FIT program has provided me with the ideal framework to do just that. I have learned that there is a real process to behavior change that incorporates mindfulness in a practical and accessible way. I highly recommend this program for ALL health care practitioners."
— Cindy McDonough, MBA, NBC-HWC
Massachusetts