In 2005, our team launched a research study to evaluate whether compassion training could be employed as a method to address growing rates of depression in college undergraduates. The results of that study demonstrated that the practice of compassion meditation reduced neuroendocrine, inflammatory and behavioral responses to psychosocial stress that have been previously linked to the development of mental and physical disease. These promising results attracted the attention of leaders in education, medicine, and the Atlanta foster care system. Over the last several years, members of our team have initiated a series of research projects evaluating the efficacy of our CBCT intervention for healthy adults, elementary school children, adolescents in foster care and survivors of trauma. Please click here for more information on our ongoing research projects.

To meet the needs of our growing research programs, we launched our first CBCT Teacher Training Program, Level One, in 2011. This program offers a comprehensive introduction to CBCT theory and pedagogy. Details and prerequisites are described below.

Please contact Brooke Dodson-Lavelle (bdodson@emory.edu) for more information.

CBCT Teacher Training Level One Overview

Level One has three required components: a retreat, practicum and teaching-assistantship. In order to apply, interested participants must have:

(1) attended the two CBCT Teacher Training weekend intensives at Drepung Loseling Monastery in January and February, 2011 or be enrolled in the upcoming eight-week CBCT course at Emory University (see below);

(2) been practicing meditation regularly for at least one year; and

(3) attended at least one 7-day, teacher-led residential retreat.

Our next eight-week CBCT course will begin on March 19, 2012. Classes meet on Monday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm. For more information and to register, click here.

Level One Training Components

I. Retreat

August 11th-18th, 2012.

Cost: $800 plus room and board (varies depending on accommodations)

Location TBD.

This 8-day retreat, led by Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi, affords participants an opportunity to deepen their compassion meditation practice. The first five days of the program will be devoted to intensive practice and reflection. The final three days will consist of workshops on the science of compassion and contemplative pedagogy.

II. Practicum

Eight-week session beginning in Fall, 2012. (Mondays, 5:30-9:30pm; Dates/times subject to change).

Cost: $1750

The Practicum provides an opportunity for trainees to experience a CBCT program taught by CBCT instructors. As a participant/observer, trainees attend an eight-week long course at one of our sites and attend a three-hour seminar each week following the CBCT class to discuss pedagogy and practice. Trainees will be expected to develop a course syllabus as part of the practicum and lead their fellow participants in meditation practice. Trainees are also expected to complete assignments and reflections as well as a meditation practice journal in order to help strengthen their practice and teaching skills.

III. Teaching Assistantship

Eight-week assistantship beginning in Spring, 2013. Dates/times vary.

Cost: Supervision fee

Trainees will co-teach an eight-week course with one of our senior CBCT teachers. TAs will be required to keep a teaching journal and submit weekly class notes and reflections. TAs will receive feedback and guidance on teaching strategies and approaches.

Please note: Successful completion of the Retreat and Practicum, however, does not guarantee a Teaching Assistantship. Given that trainees may interact with study participants, students, and adolescents, Teaching Assistantship placements are assigned at the discretion of the Director. Due to the nature of our research programs, and courses, there are a limited number of Teaching Assistantships, and we will not be able to accommodate all qualified applicants.

Application process

Interested applicants must meet all of the requirements listed above. We do understand that some educators and clinicians with years of experience in related fields such as psychology, neuroscience, social work and education may not have the required meditation training. Therefore, in certain cases in which comparable pedagogical or clinical experience is demonstrated, one may be admitted to the program without having attended a 7-day meditation retreat, though a personal meditation practice is important. The trainee, however, must fulfill this requirement before being admitted to the Practicum or considered for the Teaching Assistantship.

To apply, please email the following three-part application as a Word or .pdf attachment to bdodson@emory.edu by May 1, 2012 (Applicants will be considered after this date on a rolling basis, as space permits). Please also be sure to attach your CV. Applicants may be contacted for an individual interview.

I. Personal Practice (approximately 750 words or less)

1. Please describe your personal meditation practice for the last two years, including the style of meditation you practice and the typical duration and frequency of each session.

1.a. If you have been practicing regularly for more than two years, please briefly describe your past experience.

2. Who are your teachers? What teachings or books have most informed or influenced your practice?

3. Please list all teacher-led residential retreats that you have attended. Be sure to include the name of the retreat, location/center, dates and teacher(s).

4. What is the significance of your personal practice in your life and work?

II. Professional Training (approximately 500 words or less)

1. Please describe any educational or clinical training or work experience that may have prepared you to lead a CBCT program. Please be sure to send your CV.

Personal Statement (please address the following in 1000 words or less)

1. Please describe your interest in teaching CBCT specifically. What draws you to this particular program? Why are you interested in studying and teaching compassion meditation in particular?

2. How to you hope to incorporate this training into your own work?