Becoming an MBSR teacher

Another question I got before leaving for the retreat in Brunnsvik was about the basic qualifications needed to become an MBSR teacher. Again, motivated by his concern to protect the "dharma" Jon Kabat-Zinn and his team set forward some very strict conditions to become a certified MBSR teacher. The details can be found on the website www.umassmed.edu/cfm
It used to be that you needed a qualification in psychology, education or medicine. This is not a strict "go or nt go" condition, although Jon admitts to have a slight preference for these backgrounds. More important however is an intellectual understanding of the scientific, medical and educational roots of MBSR. Every program that emphasizes an understandig of the mind and body, and includes service as a component, may be acceptable.
One of the things that struck me very strongly during the retreat is Jon's continuous concern for the wellbeing of the patient. As an MBSR teacher you often work with vulnerable people, so you have to be able to cope with these strong emotions.