How and where to learn mindfulness

There are many ways you can learn mindfulness, either as part of a group or on your own. 

I have a skeptical mind and was suspicious of mindfulness when I was first introduced to it. I wasn't just going to accept what I was told. I had to find out for myself and for four years I've been practising almost daily. 

Introductory courses, taster sessions and groups

If you choose to learn mindfulness with an introductory course, this type of option:

• Can range from a 1-day course to an 8-week course
• Is typically structured and will go through basic concepts and exercises
• May be tailored to particular groups, such as students, people serving in the military or people experiencing menopause

Brief taster sessions and mindfulness groups are also common.

How to find introductory courses, taster sessions and groups

You might find that these are organised through your place of work or education, or a local library or community centre.

Some local Minds may run mindfulness courses and groups. For a fee, some private teachers may also offer introductory courses.

Formal mindfulness courses (MBCT and MBSR)

Some structured mindfulness therapy programmes have been developed to treat specific problems. The most well-established courses are:

• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for depression and anxiety.
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for general stress. It can also help you manage long-term health conditions.

In some cases the NHS recommends these treatments, as studies show that they can work well. But availability on the NHS varies across the country and waiting lists can be long.

Different courses may have slightly different structures, but in general they:

• Are delivered by qualified practitioners
• Last for a fixed number of sessions, across a specific time frame – typically a 2-hour session, every week for 8 weeks
• Involve group work and group discussion, but you can usually contribute as much as you feel comfortable with
• Include a mixture of meditation and daily mindfulness exercises, which you're asked to practise between sessions

Some other types of talking therapies use mindfulness techniques, such as dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).

How to find formal mindfulness courses

To find a formal mindfulness course near you, you can:

• Arrange to talk to your GP
• Search for local NHS services in England on the online NHS service finder or in Wales on NHS 111 Wales local services finder
• Look in the private sector, but this will cost money

You can find out more on the Oxford Mindfulness website or see our pages on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and talking therapy and counselling.

Private 1-to-1 mindfulness sessions

For a fee, some mindfulness teachers offer 1-to-1 sessions through the private sector. Some therapists and counsellors also have mindfulness training and can integrate these techniques into their approach.

1-to-1 sessions may be expensive. But they're more likely to be tailored to your particular situation. And they won't include group work.

How to find private mindfulness sessions

You can look for a qualified mindfulness teacher or therapist in your local area through:

• The British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches (BAMBA) online directory which only lists qualified teachers
• One of the professional bodies listed in our information on how to find therapy or counselling

For more information on things to consider when starting any kind of therapy, see our page getting the most from therapy.

Buddhist mindfulness courses

These courses include traditional Buddhist practices of mindful meditation and other mindful techniques, in the context of Buddhist teaching. These are likely to promote general mental wellbeing rather than tailored treatment for specific health problems.

How to find Buddhist mindfulness courses

These courses are usually taught at Buddhist centres. See Buddhanet's World Buddhist Directory to find a Buddhist centre near you. Contact them directly to see what they offer.

The practice of breathing in and out mindfully has helped me so much to dispel my worries, anxieties, anger, and fears.

Self-guided mindfulness resources

There are many self-guided resources to help you through different mindfulness exercises. Apps, books and recordings might be less structured than online courses.

Self-help resources rarely have any formal regulation. And they vary in quality and cost. This can make it hard to judge what might work for you.

It's a good idea to look for a course or resource that:

• Is designed by qualified mindfulness teachers
• Gives you clear information about its potential benefits and risks
• Provides information about research studies that have explored how effective it is
• Is supported by the NHS or a mental health organisation
• Has been recommended to you by someone you trust

How to find self-guided mindfulness resources

• Take a look at mindfulness books on Reading Well and Overcoming.
• Try visiting your local library or bookshop to find appropriate titles.
• Search for mindfulness podcasts on streaming platforms or online.​
• Search for mobile apps offering mindfulness courses and exercises. Some apps may charge you to download them or use their service.
• Breathworks offers mindfulness courses to manage pain, stress and illness. These courses tend to cost money.
• Try our mindfulness exercises.

Many people practise mindfulness online or use a smartphone app to help. Online resources might be useful when you're feeling less able to engage in face-to-face support.

Published: June 2025

Next review planned: June 2028

References and bibliography available on request.

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