Testimonials
Comments from previous participants in the Stress Reduction Program:
Why did you come to the Mindfulness Program?
I came to the Mindfulness Program because I had seen and heard the word “mindfulness” for a number of years but I didn’t know what it signified. However, the word appeared in contexts which appealed to me. It seemed to be associated with maintaining awareness of things in one’s life. I had participated in similarly oriented programs in the past and always found them valuable. Also, I went to Ellen’s introductory lecture and I was impressed with her personal story and her qualifications for offering a mindfulness program.
How did the program affect you?
The program made me aware of my breathing and how I could use that awareness to assert some control over the direction of my own thoughts and emotions. With Ellen’s clear and patient instructions (in the program and/or on her website) I was able to experience relaxing meditations. I have been meditating for many years but always in connection with a spiritual path. The MBSR made me aware that meditation could be stress reducing without necessarily being focused intentionally on a spiritual goal. The content of meditation could be as simple as one’s breathing or the inventory of one’s body. The program also gave me an appreciation for yoga. In the past I had been exposed to yoga but always found it physically demanding and unpleasant. Ellen’s program made yoga compatible with comfort, mindfulness and physical exercise. In short, the program affected me favorably.
--Dwight Ebaugh, retired lawyer (Fall 2023)
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Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
"I was over-reacting to stressful situations and I didn't know why. I wanted to find out what was going on."
How did the program affect you?
"Meditation helped me realize what my problem was. Once identified, it turned out not to be much of a problem at all and a lot of my stress simply vanished."
- Participant (Fall 2016)
Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
"To effectively manage my stress at work and home, to help me respond productively to challenging situations, and to feel better about myself."
How did the program affect you?
"I now have concrete strategies and tools to re-energize, manage challenging situations, be aware of and appreciate the present moment! I never knew how enjoyable it could be to brush my teeth, feel the soapy bubbles while doing dishes, or smell the scent of my shampoo when showering."
- Paul Frisoli (Fall 2016)
Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
"I was dealing with anxiety and depression on my own for a long time and finally reached out for some help. I was hoping it would give me perspective and strategies for dealing with my emotions."
How did the program affect you?
"It has really changed the way I feel about myself and my surroundings. I am much more in tune with recognizing how I feel at any given moment and accept those feelings. I feel calmer and happier."
- Student (Fall 2016)
Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
"My wife had taken the course and thought it would be good for me too. I had read and listened to some mindfulness before and was interested."
How did the program affect you?
"I can listen so much better! I am a compassionate listener and that feels great."
- Gary Drimmer, Businessman (Fall 2016)
Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
"I wanted to become more productive with my relaxation. The little time in my busy day that I have for myself, I wanted to learn how to make it fruitful and restorative."
How did the program affect you?
"1. It helped me learn a lot about myself, thus allowing me to more effectively make changes toward overall well-being;
2. It helped me process the world around me from a much more centered position."
- Participant (Fall 2016)
Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
"I lost my anchor. About 15 years ago as I was progressing through my divorce, I had to develop a number of tools to cope with the resulting anxiety and despair. (It was a long road.)"
How did the program affect you?
"Currently, with another particularly challenging time in my life, I learned how to re-gain access to those tools and add a few new ones with our class. I am so grateful for the solid start back to a grounded, peace-filled existence!"
- RC (Spring 2014)
Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
"I've been hoping to become more skillful in how I deal with challenging family and work situations."
How did the program affect you?
"I'm not sure that I've become more skillful, but the work is extremely valuable and points me in the right direction. There are many more layers of habitual patterns to peel away. Jeanie Erlbaum is a wonderful, genuine, and inspiring teacher. "
- anonymous (Spring 2014)
Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
"My life sucked! The pain of an unexpected divorce, a serious illness, and the debilitating side effects of the meds felt insurmountable. I needed some immediate serious help and change. "
How did the program affect you?
"I have known about MBSR since its inception. I knew that eventually I would find my way. Having Jeannie Erlbaum guide the 8 week class and fall retreat was THE powerful and healing difference. She is the real deal. Her background teaching yoga and meditating for over 40 years made this an invaluable experience. I am very grateful to her and to CDH."
- anonymous (Spring 2014)
Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
"I came to the program to reduce stress in my life--to take time to help myself be more present in my life."
How did the program affect you?
"I feel that I have learned some techniques to meditate, and Ellen has a very kind and supportive manner that facilitates this process. Her voice is also lovely--which is important in getting the message across!"
- Jane L., local artist (May 2011)
Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
"I participated in the program to learn ways to cope with many life difficulties -- grief and other life transitions."
How did the program affect you?
"This program has been very beneficial. It has enabled me to better cope and plan my life."
- Dawn (2011)
Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
"I saw the ad for the program listing several medical issues, most of which I have (psoriasis, asthma, depression, and others)."
How did the program affect you?
"Headaches and anxiety are less. Biggest change was with depression. This program dovetailed beautifully with therapy. I use what I learned in this program throughout my whole day. This program teaches you to become aware of the stress and tension held in your body-and then gives you the tools to relieve it. Ellen is a very approachable and friendly guide to meditation. Her availability ensured success to all."
- Cathy (2006)
Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
"Anxiety and depression."
How did the program affect you?
"The class gave me a means for dealing with stress, both long term and on a day-to-day basis."
- KC (2006)
Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
" I wanted to motivate myself to begin the mindfulness practices that I had been using when I previously took MBSR."
How did the program affect you?
"I am now motivated again, meditating, and doing yoga more regularly and feeling good and able to better tolerate stress."
- SW, Social Work Professor (2006)
Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
"To deal with anxiety and depression, to slow down in my thinking and reactivity."
How did the program affect you?
"This program has helped me to be both calmer and more aware. I find I'm more optimistic and tolerant."
- Dee D. (2006)
Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
"I had just moved to the area. I have had years of stress and have been working through changes. Noticed the ad in the paper and came."
How did the program affect you?
"To live, love, breathe, and be at Peace with myself!"
- Anonymous (2006)
Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
"To see if I could learn to relax. To stop and "smell the roses" and focus in on all the good in my life. To learn to find peace more often in our busy world."
How did the program affect you?
"It taught me that I am capable of relaxing and this was no small feat. I was very relieved to know that this was possible --I did not think it was prior to learning with Ellen."
- an area dentist
Why did you come to the Stress Reduction Program?
"I've always wanted to do meditation, but could never get started."
How did the program affect you?
"Dr. Kaufman gave me the 'nuts and bolts' in a very warm and supportive atmosphere. My fellow classmates were also people I could learn from as we got a chance to talk about the process during class."
- anonymous