Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) with Chris Molnar and Alissa Yamasaki

Join renowned meditation teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn and experienced instructors Chris Molnar and Alissa Yamasaki for an immersive Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) workshop at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY on Sunday, October 11, 2026. This transformative mindfulnes event combines evidence-based therapeutic techniques with contemplative practice, offering attendees a powerful pathway to reduce stress, manage difficult emotions, and cultivate lasting psychological resilience. Whether you're seeking relief from anxiety, depression, or simply want to deepen your mindfulness practice, this gathering brings together world-class teachers in an intimate, supportive setting.

MBCT integrates the scientifically validated approaches of cognitive therapy with the ancient wisdom of mindfulness meditation. In this mindfulnes event in Rhinebeck, you'll explore how awareness of your thoughts and emotions—without judgment—can fundamentally shift your relationship to stress and suffering. Kabat-Zinn, the pioneering founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), lends his decades of expertise alongside the skilled facilitation of Molnar and Yamasaki, creating a uniquely rich learning environment.

The atmosphere is one of gentle inquiry and authentic transformation. Expect a warm, non-dogmatic space where both seasoned practitioners and newcomers are welcomed equally. The Omega Institute's serene Rhinebeck campus provides the perfect backdrop for this intensive mindfulnes practice.

What to Expect

Arrive early to settle into the peaceful energy of the Omega Institute and claim your spot in the meditation hall. The day unfolds with guided meditations, experiential exercises, and interactive group discussions that illuminate how mindfulness rewires your nervous system. You'll learn practical tools for working with difficult thoughts and emotions as they arise in daily life, not just in the sanctuary of a meditation cushion.

Throughout the workshop, Chris Molnar and Alissa Yamasaki guide you through structured mindfulnes practices—sitting meditation, body scans, mindful movement—while Jon Kabat-Zinn shares insights from his lifetime of research and practice. You'll experience moments of profound calm, perhaps some emotional release, and certainly new clarity about how your mind works. Breaks allow for reflection, informal conversation with fellow practitioners, and nourishment.

By day's end, you'll leave with a personalized understanding of MBCT principles, a toolkit of mindfulness techniques, and a renewed sense of possibility. The journey from arrival to departure is one of gradual opening—from the busy mind to a spacious, present awareness.

About the Artists

Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. is the pioneering founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and a world-renowned meditation teacher whose scientific research has transformed how hospitals, schools, and workplaces integrate mindfulness. His decades of clinical experience and accessible teaching style have made him a trusted voice for millions seeking evidence-based paths to healing and well-being. Kabat-Zinn brings both rigorous science and deep contemplative insight to this mindfulnes event.

Chris Molnar is an experienced MBCT facilitator known for his compassionate, grounded approach to teaching mindfulness in clinical and community settings. His expertise in cognitive therapy integration helps participants understand the "why" behind their stress responses and how mindfulness interrupts unhelpful patterns. Molnar's warmth and clarity make complex concepts accessible to all experience levels.

Alissa Yamasaki brings a holistic perspective to mindfulness teaching, blending somatic awareness, therapeutic insight, and genuine presence. Her background in both psychology and contemplative practice allows her to meet participants exactly where they are, offering gentle guidance that honors each person's unique journey. Yamasaki's facilitation creates a safe container for deep exploration and transformation.

Venue & Location

The Omega Institute, nestled in the Hudson Valley village of Rhinebeck, NY, is one of North America's premier centers for holistic learning and spiritual development. The campus sits on serene grounds where contemplative practice flourishes naturally—surrounded by trees, with meditation halls designed for acoustic clarity and peaceful focus. Rhinebeck itself is a charming arts community, home to excellent restaurants, galleries, and bookstores, making it easy to extend your mindfulnes retreat into a weekend getaway.

Parking is available on-site, and the venue is approximately 90 minutes north of New York City. Whether you're traveling from the city or the surrounding region, the Omega Institute's welcoming atmosphere and supportive community make arrival a joy. Facilities include comfortable seating, climate control, and outdoor spaces for walking meditation and reflection.