25 Jul Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Executive Functioning
Brooklyn Letters
1139 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn
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We would highly recommend Ally! Our son always asks about her, so very thankful to Brooklyn Letters for introducing us.
~ Emily, mom of Brooklyn 2 year old -
Nicole has been an amazing therapist!! She played a tremendous role in our daughter’s speech progress and overall development. She has come such a long way and we are so happy with the therapy she received!
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I cannot express how grateful and rewarding my experience with Brooklyn Letters has been. Her tutor Ms. Daria is so knowledgeable, amazing, kind and awesome. My daughter has made so much progress in Literacy and Math and it's all … More thanks to Ms. Daria. I know my daughter is sad that she can no longer work with Ms. Daria, as she looked forward to their sessions every week. Thank you again!
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Excellent services, caring therapists.
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Christina was absolutely wonderful. She went out of her way to win my son over and it worked. He looked forward to her visits and his speech improved so much under her care. She was super flexible and it’s clear she truly cares. We adore … More Christina and we’re going to miss her. Almost sad he improved so much! She’s simply amazing and we can’t say enough how great she is. I would recommend her services to anyone and everyone, without hesitation. Thank you so much for connecting us with her!
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We could not be happier with the services Valerie provided! She is very thoughtful and knowledgeable and provided significant guidance to support our daughter's speech development outside of our scheduled sessions. She established … More a great working relationship with her, and she will definitely be missed! Your business model is amazing and it was an absolute pleasure working with Valerie. I've referred your organization and Valerie to the Executive Director of our daughter's school and friends/colleagues who are in need of speech therapy services.
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We cannot say enough good things about Effie, the ASL teacher, who was so engaged and effective with our 2 year old daughter from the very first session! Effie gladly included our whole family in the sessions! Her expertise and fantastic … More personality gave our daughter a way to communicate that she was so desperately seeking. The coordinators at Brooklyn Letters were so helpful and communicative…I would highly recommend their services!
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The company is great with outstanding customer service. They keep my horses protected. I have recommended them to other horses trainers as well that are going to get service early next year. Very professional an honest too. Respectfully … More submitted Christopher
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Ron and Ken did a fantastic job with our security system today. Installed everything very quick. Both of them were very polite and asked us throughout if the installation met our needs. Simply fantastic!
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I called Cornerstone Protection to get a Security system at a relatives out of state property, within a week it was installed! The installers worked with the client to help understand her new system and she was happy! Our relative said … More they were courteous, professional and patient! I highly recommend Cornerstone Protection for all of your security needs!
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Had blink cameras; Car was broken into multiple times so I called CornerStone & they were able to install multiple cameras very quickly & for a reasonable price. I am so happy with the app & getting alerts that are not superfluous, … More like they were with Blink. Highly recommend CornerStone & the tech Ronnie.
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Ron and Ken are great guys to work with.
Both were very knowledgeable and got our system back up and running.
Thanks to both for a job well done... -
Samantha Dalmas was fantastic! We saw her for a feeding therapy evaluation and while she doesn’t think my daughter needs more feeding therapy sessions at this time, but she gave me lots of tips to try. If my daughter's doctors want … More to see more progress at her next appointment, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Samantha again.
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Amazing assistance provided by Shannon today on my security system. I’m so grateful for your prompt, efficient, professional, and courteous service. Put me down as a customer for life!
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One of the most painless experiences I've had. They came on time and was over the moon professional with still keeping a level of personability to it. The gentleman also went out of his way to say that my husband and Mines business … More was appreciated. Which is actually rare to be appreciated by such a great company. So thank you and we look forward to continuing services with this company.
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I am so happy we decided to go with cornerstone. They were quick and efficient. Shannon and the installer we very friendly. We got a lot of equipment and it was still within our budget. 10/10 would definitely recommend! Thank you
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Love the customer service and Shanon and his team go above and beyond for my restaurant. Couldn't of asked for a better security system and level of service that his team provides.
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I have been using Cornerstone Protection service for over 5 years and I'm really happy with the service and state-of-the-art equipments and it's futures are so much in advance and friendly, I highly recommend Cornerstone Protection … More Service any and all business that need a security protection days and nights specially after business hours(Cornerstone Protection is perfect solution for your business). Owner of Cornerstone Protection is proactive with their customers and their equipments. Good experienced with Cornerstone Protection!!!
Kanu Patel -
We had a very positive experience with Alissa as a tutor for our pod of 5th grade boys from January - June 2020. She cared a lot about the boys and worked hard to create meaningful activities for them. The pod experience was invaluable … More for all of our families during a difficult year and we were so grateful to have found this partnership! We also want to appreciate Craig for helping to match us with a tutor on very short notice after we had cycled through a few folks who were not able to see the commitment through. Thanks for sticking with us!
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Dusty was the exact person we needed to help our child finish out the school year. So grateful to him for the way he steadily encouraged her and helped her stay on track and organized. He is flexible, responsive to our needs/schedule as … More a family, and a delight to be with. We are also thankful that Craig at Themba Tutors really "gets it" and partnered us with such a wonderful tutor who was a great fit for our girl.
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My child worked with Gillian D virtually for math enrichment. She is an excellent teacher. She took time to understand my child's specific learning style and provided tools that would be engaging. She was kind and empathetic- really … More made it her goal to connect with my child and build trust and rapport. My child started the school year with confidence and without the typically "brain-drain" that occurs over the summer, thanks to Gillian.
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I am going into my second year as a Themba tutor. I have met so many great individuals while working for this company. Craig and the rest of the Themba team do such an excellent job picking and choosing Themba tutors that suit each client's … More individual needs! I look forward to meeting new tutors and clients in the 2021-2022 school year!
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Our son started in a new high school, 100% remote, and was really struggling with Latin and Physics. I found Themba Tudors online and had an initial call with Craig, who was very knowledgeable, responsive, and found 2 amazing tutors for … More us. Both the Latin and the physics tutors were fantastic, connected with my son really well and helped him go from 'failing' grade to 'honors'! I will for sure continue using (and recommending!) Themba Tutors. Thank you, C, K, and W!
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Brian is a fantastic executive functioning coach. Super helpful, flexible with hours, and tailored the experience to our needs.
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Giulia Mercuri is a great Italian tutor! She was very responsive and accessible. Giulia put a ton of effort into preparing for each session and really helped our son with test preparation and projects. We are grateful that she was able … More to help, especially since our son did not receive any live teaching during COVID. We are happy that she was referred to us!
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As an adult student diagnosed with a learning disability during grad school, I knew I needed help dealing with my Master's program's demanding workload. I was seriously considering dropping out when I was referred to Themba Tutors. … More I was paired up with a wonderful tutor, Julie, who was a total lifesaver. I learned many techniques that I can utilize in the future as I embark on the next phase of my career.
I can wholeheartedly say after working with Themba for two years that I would not have finished my program without this organization. And I am so thankful I selected them. -
We were introduced to a wonderful tutor: Mcedwyn. He and our son, a freshman in college, worked well together. As a result, our son’s grades significantly improved. The tutor taught our son subject content and various methods to effectively … More study for quizzes and exams. Our son was also taught time management and organization. My son’s experience with the tutor made the first year of college a less intimidating experience.
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We have been with our tutor, Cailin Schiller, for two years, from 5th - 7th grade. She started as an executive functioning tutor with my daughter. From the start, she demonstrated a depth of expertise and a selective use of techniques skillfully … More adapted to my daughter’s ADHD and Math disability. Cailin made Math accessible and understandable to her in a way that even her teachers had not been able to do. She differentiated reading, writing and math tasks and assignments to tailor them to my daughter’s unique learning differences. Not only did it have an effect on her grades and her work efficiency, but she finally could do her work with less anxiety. Even my daughter’s teachers used Cailin’s guidance to modify their work with her. But most importantly, she became my daughter’s favorite resource. I can’t say how invaluable Cailin has been to my daughter’s progress and well-being. I’d recommend her a million times over. She is a gem.
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Victoria is a superb tutor. She helped my high school age daughter with her writing. Victoria's skills as a tutor, as well as her sense of humor and her engaging personality went a long way with my daughter.
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Themba Tutors provided a leaning specialist that was a perfect fit for my daughter. I told them what we were looking for and they delivered. Our tutor is responsive and flexible and makes it easy for my daughter to reach out to her own … More her own, which gives her an added sense of responsibility over her learning. As a therapist myself, I now regularly recommend Themba to my patients. A much needed and well provided service to the community!!
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The tutors at Themba are fantastic! Caitlyn McNeill helped our son academically, but also with getting organized in every subject, which he so desperately needed. She offered great advice and useful strategies that helped our son become … More a more successful student. We are using Themba tutors again this year for our daughter. We're so happy to have been referred to them!
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I'm so glad we were referred to Themba Tutors. After a great initial conversation to learn our needs, we were connected with an excellent tutor, Felicia, who is helping our high school daughter learn better organizational and executive … More skills. Highly recommended.
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We had a wonderful experience with our tutor Micaela. She helped our son not only academically but at every level. We will be forever grateful to have her in our lives.
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The tutors at Themba are fantastic! Caitlyn McNeill helped our son academically, but also with getting organized in every subject, which he so desperately needed. She offered great advice and useful strategies that helped our son become … More a more successful student. We are using Themba tutors again this year for our daughter. We're so happy to have been referred to them!
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Paul Smith at Themba has been an exceptional tutor for my son, both in terms of teaching the subject matter and teaching how best to approach the process of learning math and executing assignments. We feel very fortunate to be working with … More Paul.
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We were very lucky to have found Edwouine Swift, my son's therapist through Themba Tutors. Thomas is 12 years old, and it is extremely difficult to get him to write. Edwouine just works her magic with him, he adores her and is so … More eager to follow her guidance. I have no doubt she will be a positive driving force in his academic future.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Executive Functioning:
Enhancing Mental Clarity and Focus
Do you often struggle to maintain focus and manage multiple tasks effectively due to stress and emotional regulation issues? Have you heard about Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and how it might enhance your cognitive skills?
Stress and distractions hinder productivity and mental well-being in today’s fast-paced world. Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has become a powerful tool to combat these issues. In a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 70% of MBSR participants reported significant improvements in their ability to manage stress and enhance focus.
What is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)?
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based program developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in the late 1970s. It combines mindfulness meditation and yoga to help individuals manage stress, improve mental health, and enhance overall well-being. The practice involves non-judgmentally paying attention to the present moment, which can significantly change one’s perception of and stress reaction.
Executive Functioning: An Overview
Executive functioning refers to cognitive processes that enable individuals to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks effectively. These skills are critical for goal-directed behavior and essential in personal and professional settings. Key components of executive functioning include working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control.
The Link Between MBSR and Executive Functioning
Research has shown that MBSR can positively impact executive functioning. By enhancing mindfulness, individuals can improve their attention regulation, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. A Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience study found that MBSR uniquely improved executive functioning abilities and increased mindfulness traits.
Here are some key points that link MBSR to improved executive functioning:
- Improved Attention Control: MBSR practices enhance one’s ability to sustain and shift attention. Regular mindfulness meditation trains individuals to focus on a particular object or sensation, improving overall attention control, a core component of executive functioning.
- Enhanced Working Memory: MBSR has been associated with improved working memory capacity. Mindfulness practices help individuals become more aware of and manage their thoughts more effectively, enhancing the ability to hold and manipulate information in working memory.
- Better Cognitive Flexibility: Cognitive flexibility, the ability to switch between tasks or mental states, is another aspect of executive functioning that can be enhanced through MBSR. Mindfulness practices encourage a non-reactive awareness of the present moment, which helps individuals to adapt more readily to changing situations.
- Reduced Emotional Reactivity: MBSR helps reduce emotional reactivity by promoting a greater awareness of emotions and fostering a non-judgmental attitude towards them. This can lead to better emotional regulation, which is crucial for effective executive functioning.
- Stress Reduction: High levels of stress can impair executive functioning. By reducing stress through mindfulness practices, MBSR indirectly supports executive functioning by creating a mental environment more conducive to cognitive processes.
- Increased Self-Awareness: MBSR fosters greater self-awareness and metacognition, allowing individuals to better understand their cognitive processes and behaviors. This increased self-awareness can enhance executive functions such as planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
- Neuroplasticity: Research has shown that MBSR can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain, particularly in areas associated with executive functioning, such as the prefrontal cortex. These changes support the improvement of executive functions.
Overall, MBSR provides a range of benefits that can enhance executive functioning through improved attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, stress reduction, and self-awareness, supported by changes in brain structure and function.
Affordable and Free Online MBSR Classes
For those interested in incorporating MBSR into their daily lives, several affordable and free online resources are available:
▶ Palouse Mindfulness
The Palouse Mindfulness offers a free, online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course created by a certified MBSR instructor, Dave Potter. The course is based on the program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. It provides all the materials from live MBSR courses, including guided meditations, articles, and videos, without any fees or registration required.
Key Features:
- The course is self-paced and can be completed at the individual’s convenience.
- Materials are available in multiple languages (Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian), with recommendations for using Google Translate for other languages.
- Optional weekly and monthly Zoom meetings and a Facebook group provide additional support and interaction.
- Completing the course involves eight weeks of practice and study, and successful participants can request a certificate of completion.
The course includes teachings from various renowned mindfulness teachers and aims to make mindfulness practices accessible to people worldwide, regardless of financial or geographical constraints.
▶ Yale School of Medicine – Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction
Yale School of Medicine lists several recommended organizations that offer virtual MBSR courses online. These organizations provide 8-week MBSR programs that can be accessed from anywhere.
Key Features:
- Recommendations from a reputable institution
- Virtual 8-week MBSR programs
- Access to multiple organizations
▶ New York Insight Meditation Center
The New York Insight Meditation Center offers ongoing classes in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979. These classes are suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators.
Key Points:
- Teachers: Classes are taught by experienced, often certified teachers from the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness.
- Program Benefits: Participants often report improved coping with stress, increased relaxation, decreased symptoms of physical and psychological issues, reduced pain, and greater enthusiasm for life.
- Skills Learned: Practical coping skills, relaxation techniques, gentle exercises, awareness of mind-body interplay, and improved ability to face life changes and societal stressors.
- Structure: The course consists of eight 2.5-hour sessions weekly, with a full day of practice between classes 5 and 7. Classes include meditation practices, mindful movement, and discussion.
- Class Size: Typically ranges from 15 to 30 participants.
- Expectations: Participants are supported by guided meditations and are expected to practice 30-45 minutes of formal meditation daily.
▶ Mindful Astoria
Mindful Astoria is a meditation community founded in 2013 by Emily Herzlin as a MeetUp group. It is open to anyone interested in practicing meditation and integrating mindfulness into daily life. The group meets regularly on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30 PM—sessions alternate weekly between online (via Zoom) and hybrid formats (online and in-person). In-person gatherings are held at Astoria First Presbyterian Church, 23-35 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106.
Key Activities:
- Wednesday Gatherings: Weekly meditation and discussion sessions.
- Monthly Half-Day Silent Retreats: Extended practice sessions.
- Weekly Silent Sits on Zoom: Regular online meditation practice.
- Book Club Gatherings: Discussions centered around mindfulness-related books.
- Outdoor Activities and Potlucks: Community-building events.
- Social Justice Events: Activities focused on bringing mindfulness and compassion into social justice.
Conclusion
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a powerful practice that can significantly enhance executive functioning by improving attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. A growing body of research supports MBSR’s benefits, making it a valuable tool for managing stress and improving mental clarity. With numerous affordable and free online resources, anyone can start their journey towards better mental well-being and enhanced executive functioning through MBSR.
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Craig Selinger
Owner at Themba Tutors
Meet Craig Selinger, the passionate owner behind Themba Tutors, a renowned practice specializing in executive function coaching and tutoring. Together with his team of multidisciplinary professionals, they bring their extensive knowledge to numerous locations: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx, Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as well as offering remote services. As a licensed speech-language pathologist in the state of NY, executive functioning coach, and educational specialist with an impressive track record spanning over two decades, Craig has professionally assisted thousands of families. Craig's proficiency encompasses a wide spectrum of areas, including language-related learning challenges such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening. He is also well-versed in executive functioning, ADHD/ADD, and various learning disabilities. Beyond his clinical and coaching work, Craig is also a published author on Amazon, where he shares practical strategies that extend his expertise to a broader audience. What truly distinguishes Craig and his team is their unwavering commitment to delivering comprehensive support. By actively collaborating with the most esteemed professionals within the NYC metropolitan region – from neuropsychologists to mental health therapists and allied health experts – they create a network of expertise.
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