Inward Bound Mindfulness Education's (iBme): Teen Retreat Program
Speaker: Willoughby Britton, PhD; Jessica Morey, MA
Format: Audio & Slides

For adults, intensive meditation retreat practice is associated with a variety of mental health benefits. However, few opportunities exist for teens to participate in retreats. iBme is the only US organization dedicated to providing intensive retreat programming for teens that integrates relational mindfulness activities. This session includes didactic presentation and interactive learning. First, we provide an introduction to the iBme retreat model (5 minutes). Second, we summarize results from a longitudinal study (N = 132, Mage = 16.8 years) conducted in summer 2014 examining the psychological benefits of iBme retreats (10 minutes). Results indicate that immediately following the retreat, participants reported significant improvements in mindfulness, self-compassion, and life satisfaction, and reductions in stress, rumination, and depression. More important, these positive psychological benefits were maintained three months after the retreat. Discussion of empirical results is supplemented with qualitative reports (e.g., video interviews of teens). Third, we lead attendees through a series of experiential activities (e.g., "lightning rounds", "hot seats") designed to engage teens and develop mindful communication and relational skills (15 minutes). Working in small groups, attendees will also implement relational activities. This session will end with group dialogue and questions/answers (30 minutes).