Recent discoveries about the role of adapted mindfulness training for improving cardiovascular health and mental well-being will be reviewed. The focus will center on the Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction (MB-BP) program, an NIH-funded intervention developed and evaluated by Dr. Loucks and team. We will not only explore the effect of mindfulness practice on blood pressure levels, but also delve into the program’s influence on dietary choices, sedentary behaviors, interoceptive awareness, depression symptoms, and overall cardiovascular health. These findings, which have been disseminated through journals such as the Journal of the American Heart Association, JAMA Network Open, and Health Psychology mark a step forward in our understanding of mindfulness approaches to cardiovascular and mental health, and the intersection of the two. See suggested readings and featured article.
CE Learning Objective(s)
Following this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Describe 2 specific impacts of the Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction (MB-BP) program on blood pressure.
2. Describe 2 ways that the Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction (MB-BP) program targets the behavioral determinants of hypertension, such as diet and sedentary behavior.
3. State two impacts of the Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction (MB-BP) program on measures of self-regulation, such as interoceptive awareness and depression symptoms.
Target Audience
This workshop is designed for licensed professionals & advanced graduate students with clinical experience who anticipate seeking licensure as mental health professionals. The instructional level of this presentation is BEGINNER.
About Presenter
Eric B. Loucks, PhD serves as Professor of Epidemiology, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Medicine and Director, Mindfulness Center at Brown University School of Public Health and Warren Alpert Medical School. An innovator in the study of mindfulness and health, he leads efforts to advance the science and application of mindfulness-based practices to improve well-being and address public health challenges. Dr. Loucks developed the Mindfulness-Based College for Young Adults (MB-College) program and the Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction (MB-BP) program, both of which have been evaluated through NIH-funded randomized controlled trials. His research encompasses mindfulness epidemiology, evidence synthesis, and implementation science, with a focus on translating mindfulness research into practical tools that support health and well-being. During his career, Dr. Loucks has held teaching positions at Harvard, McGill, and Brown Universities. His work has been featured in prominent media outlets, such as The New York Times, TIME Magazine, and the BBC. Dr. Loucks is author of the book The Mindful College Student: How to Success, Boost Well-Being and Build the Life you Want at University and Beyond. He has provided presentations to national and state governmental bodies. Committed to bridging rigorous science with real-world impact, Dr. Loucks empowers individuals and communities by advancing evidence-based mindfulness practices that support health and resilience.
Continuing Education Information
- Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists*. Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
- This program provides one (1) hour of CE credits.
- * PBTA offers CE to licensed psychologists licensed in the state of New York. Attestation of full attendance and provision of license number post-event required to obtain certificate that meets NY criteria for CE.
- PBTA is also an authorized provider of CE credits for Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Clinical Social Workers licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. Non-psychologist licensees in other states should confirm with their respective boards if this meets criteria for CE in their specific non-PA states.
- Full attendance with video display is required to obtain CE credit for this program. APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits. No refunds are provided for CE programs. No exceptions allowed. Registrants can log in and cancel up to 48 hours before event when registration closes.
Zoom video link will be sent to participants 48 & 24 hours before the event contingent upon membership being paid in full if membership rate was selected. NOTE: New membership period begins 2/1 of each year & is not pro-rated. Membership includes many no-cost or reduced cost training opportunnities.
Suggested Readings
Loucks, E. B., Neves, V. V., Cafferky, V., Scarpaci, M. M., & Kronish, I. M. (2024). Sustainability of Blood Pressure Reduction Through Adapted Mindfulness Training: The MB-BP Study. The American journal of cardiology, 217, 31-34.
