I feel I must premise this MindfulnessX review with the fact that as a mindfulness-based therapist & teacher I am definitely classed in the “converted” category regarding the value of mindfulness for and in therapy as well as in life. I must also caveat that I am a big PositivePsychology.com fan – I love their products and their content, which is why I am a very proud collaborator.
As a researcher, however, I do know how [and am ethically obliged] to manage my biases and present my findings as objectively as possible. This means that my review has not ignored any negatives that I may have noted, and these are covered mostly under the challenges section.
After I developed my own 8-week coaching course for healthcare professionals for my PhD research, I am always eager to see how other creators develop and present their material. My initial sense is that the MindfulnessX package from PositivePsychology.com offers a robust, structured curriculum for teaching mindfulness in a clear, science-based way. I also like the fact that it is designed by Dr. Hugo Alberts, an experienced psychologist and researcher in the field of mindfulness, which gives it strong credibility and appeal, especially for those who [like me] value a research-backed approach.
This review takes a 6-pronged approach looking at the curriculum, the scientific evidence, user-friendliness & adaptability, how easily it can be integrated, and any challenges or perceived weaknesses it may have. It ends with a brief comparison of other similar programmes.
Comprehensive Curriculum
MindfulnessX is thoughtfully designed to introduce mindfulness in a gradual, approachable way. The curriculum covers essential mindfulness principles like presence, acceptance, self-compassion, and non-judgmental awareness, which are integral for developing a well-rounded practice.
Whether you’re an educator or a therapist, I am sure that you’re probably pretty busy and so you’ll appreciate the structured lessons and detailed instruction manual and workbook. They make it really easy to teach mindfulness in a professional, engaging way that doesn’t feel overwhelming, even if you’re a beginner.
Evidence-Based Content
One of the strongest aspects of MindfulnessX is its foundation in scientific research. The lessons incorporate insights from clinical studies, making the course an excellent fit for therapists and mental health professionals who want a programme they can trust to deliver real, evidence-backed benefits. It addresses mindfulness in the context of mental health improvement, stress reduction, and overall wellbeing, all of which have been substantiated by research.
User-Friendly and Adaptable
The programme includes a variety of materials, such as worksheets, exercises, guided meditations, and even slides for you to use with groups. These materials are flexible enough to be adapted to different settings, from one-on-one coaching to larger group workshops. This adaptability makes it an excellent resource for you if you need to adjust your approach for different contexts and setting based on your audience’s needs. The fact that it has been designed to look good with neutral tones and great graphics is an added bonus.
Practical Tools for Integration
MindfulnessX doesn’t just offer theory; it’s packed with practical exercises and tools that you can help your clients or participants to easily integrate into everyday life. The exercises are suitable for all experience levels, which makes the programme accessible whether your clients are new to mindfulness or already have a regular practice. The course also covers essential tools for handling emotions, dealing with stress, and cultivating a mindful approach to everyday challenges.
Challenges
Okay, so I promised I wouldn’t gloss over the negatives, so here goes…
One potential challenge you may have is that MindfulnessX assumes that you already have a foundational understanding of mindfulness. This is may seem a bit like a non-problem though, as just by working through the material, you’ll learn just about as much as you need to know. I would however suggest that you use this as an opportunity to create your own mindfulness practice. That way, you’ll be walking the talk, and you’ll come across a lot more authentically – and I am willing to wager that that will give you better outcomes.
While it’s great if you’re a professional, it might require some additional preparation if you’re new to mindfulness or unfamiliar with a therapeutic setting. But here again, that’s exactly what it says it is. It is a course designed for professionals to share with their clients. So, if this isn’t you, you’ll either need to do some more work [preferably with a therapist or a mindfulness teacher] before you start to present the work or find a course that is better suited to where you’re at – have a look at the 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction [MBSR] course, for example.
Lastly, it is quite structured, which works well in clinical settings but may feel a bit rigid for less formal contexts or facilitators looking for a more open-ended format. Once you’ve got the hang of it however, you could start to personalise it and create a looser format that works for your context.
Comparing MindfulnessX to other programmes
There are so many mindfulness courses available today, so how do you know what’s what? I’ll try to help and compare this one to some of the others.
Unlike many general mindfulness curriculums, MindfulnessX is tailored for mental health professionals, offering scientifically grounded tools and exercises. I will therefore compare it to two of the main programmes that are in a similar category – comparing apples with apples so to speak.
Traditional programmes like MBSR focus heavily on experiential learning, which is great both from a learning and a therapeutic perspective, but the MBSR doesn’t have nearly as many worksheets and teaching aids as MindfulnessX.
Similarly, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy [MBCT] emphasises therapeutic outcomes for specific conditions, whereas MindfulnessX is more adaptable across settings. Its emphasis on practical applications and flexible delivery makes it particularly appealing if you’re working with diverse client groups.
Final Verdict
Overall, I find the MindfulnessX package to be an impressive, professional-grade mindfulness curriculum that stands out for its scientific rigour and thoughtfully crafted structure.
It’s a great choice if you’re a psychologist, coach, or educator who wants to introduce mindfulness in a way that is both impactful and backed by solid evidence. With its comprehensive tools and focus on practical application, MindfulnessX provides everything you need to create meaningful, transformative mindfulness experience for your clients.
Learn More
If you’d like to learn more about how to integrate mindfulness into your practice please feel free to browse my blog as well as the PositivePsychology.com blog for more information. You are also welcome to contact me directly for more hands on support.
If you’re a therapist supporting others and you like the sound of the MindfulnessX package from PositivePsychology.com, you can browse the store and load up your trolley with all sorts of goodies.
Before you go…
I would love to hear your thoughts about how you integrate mindfulness into your practice and what you thought about MindfulnessX. As always, thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. I hope you found them helpful. If you would like more information, or would like to work with me or book a mindfulness-based support session, please contact me.
Photo by Darius Bashar on Unsplash