Mindfulness Training

Mindfulness Training is based on the practice of conscious, non-judgemental awareness of the present moment. It has its origins in Buddhist meditation, but is now also used in prevention and therapy on a scientifically sound basis. The focus is on training attention to thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations.

Regular mindfulness Training can reduce stress, promote concentration and inner peace and deepen self-awareness. It supports emotional balance, strengthens resilience and has a positive effect on mental and physical health. It can also help with pain and psychosomatic complaints.

Mindfulness Training is aimed at people of all ages who want to integrate more serenity and awareness into their lives. Forms of application include meditation, breathing exercises, mindful walking or structured programmes such as MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), in groups or in individual training.

to the application form

Criteria

Minimum requirements

You must provide evidence of 400 hours of training in the subject areas listed under Training content . In addition, at least 200 hours of practical work experience must be demonstrated.

Training content

The following training content must be covered for certification:

  • at least 60 h basics of medicine & psychology: stress physiology and autonomic nervous system, psychosomatic correlations, mindfulness in the context of mental disorders
  • at least 40 h Theory and science of mindfulness: definitions and concepts, neurobiological foundations, empirical evidence and proof of effectiveness
  • at least 40 h Practical forms of mindfulness: formal and informal mindfulness practices such as breathing exercises, body awareness, walking meditation
  • at least 80 hours of instructional skills and ethics: methodology and didactics of mindfulness teaching, mindfulness-based relationship and group processes, ethical principles
  • at least 60 h Fields of application and in-depth study: use of mindfulness in prevention, counselling, therapy and educational or workplace contexts

Re-certification

There are clear requirements for the successful re-certification of staff in the area of further training, which are checked by QualiCert. The number of training days to be verified is based on the following table:

Number of area qualificationsNumber of training days
1 area2
2 areas3
3 areas3
4 and more areas4

Specialised MBSR training

The following applies to trainers who wish to offer MBSR:
QualiCert only recognises MBSR training courses if they fully comply with the Mindfulness Swiss guidelines. These are regarded as a binding basis for the quality assurance of MBSR programmes in Switzerland.

The training must fulfil the following requirements in particular:

  • Structure and content of the classic 8-week MBSR course according to international standards
  • Didactics, methodology and ethics of MBSR teaching
  • Mindfulness-based group leadership and participant management
  • Proof of own participation in an 8-week MBSR course
  • Participation in a multi-day mindfulness retreat in silence (at least 3 days recommended)
  • Ongoing own practice and self-reflection of the teacher

Proof of practical experience

You must enclose proof of practical management experience with the certification application. This can be job references, payslips, AHV statements or comparable evidence. Practical experience proven only by self-declaration cannot be recognised.

Health insurance recognition

The certification of your qualification as a course instructor is part of the course provider certification.
This alone is not sufficient for participants in your courses to be able to claim contributions towards the course costs from their health insurance providers. Certification as a course provider is also required for this.

Questions and answers

A course is deemed to be recognised if both the qualification of the course leader and the certification of the provider are available.

In concrete terms, this means

  • The course leader has a valid certification as a course instructor.
  • The course provider is recognised as a provider by the relevant certification body.

Only if both requirements are met can participants claim contributions towards the course costs from their health insurance provider.

The initial certification fee primarily covers the work involved in checking your documents and qualifications. These services also apply if certification cannot be granted.

If you are unsure whether you fulfil the requirements, please contact QualiCert in advance. We will be happy to provide you with guidance so that you are optimally prepared for the certification process.

The further training does not necessarily have to be subject-specific - topics relating to prevention such as exercise, nutrition, relaxation or prevention concepts are also valid.

However, BLS CPR training or further training courses and courses aimed at end consumers are not recognised. It is important that the further training is offered by an institution whose core business is professional training and further training.

The detailed requirements for further training courses are set out in the further training regulations. You will automatically receive these with every initial or re-certification.

No. You do not have to send in your training certificates on an ongoing basis. QualiCert will check them collectively as part of your re-certification.

Persons who have reached the age of 60 before 1 January of the period of validity for which re-certification is requested are exempt from the continuing education requirement.

However, QualiCert recommends that you continue to attend further training courses voluntarily even after reaching this age limit. In this way, you can stay up to date professionally and ensure the quality of your services in the long term.

Yes, QualiCert reserves the right to reject an initial or re-certification even if the formal requirements and criteria are met. This applies in particular if there are indications that applicants do not offer a guarantee of irreproachable professional practice.

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