Mindfulness Abu Dhabi | Harley Street Medical Centre

HSMC’s Department of Psychology offers a variety of experiential mindfulness programs and courses to boost mind-body health and wellbeing, ranging from introductory courses to in-depth, evidence-based training in mindfulness practices and meditation skills.

It is a natural capacity we all have to pay attention without judgment to the present moment. Regular meditation practices help us learn skills to consistently bring attention to our moment-by-moment experience, while holding attitudes of interest and curiosity, openness, acceptance and kindness. In doing so, we strengthen our ability to recognize mind wandering and automatic patterns of reactivity, and increase our capacity to choose more skillful responses to the stresses of daily life.

Mindfulness for Life is an 8-week experiential course, adapted by the Oxford Mindfulness Foundation from the Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program which has 30 years of research evidence showing its effectiveness in preventing recurrence of depression, as well as lowering active depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain, and improving both emotional and physical wellbeing.

Designed from the ground up to cultivate lasting and sustainable personal change, this in-depth course will help us learn to recognize when we are on automatic pilot and practice stepping out of it by bringing mindfulness to our everyday, present-moment experience. With greater awareness, mindfulness helps us learn to recognize our thoughts, emotions, sensations, and impulses, to gather the scattered mind and return with appreciation to the here and now. Through specific mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioural techniques taught in each session, this program guides participants in applying skills of mindful awareness and acceptance in everyday life. It offers a different approach to life and life’s challenges, including recurring patterns of thought and behaviour that create suffering, so as to respond mindfully rather than simply reacting, wisely rather than impulsively.

How to recognize mind-wandering and going into “autopilot”, and how to bring attention back to where we want it to be – with interest, patience, and care.
How to recognize our patterns of reactivity and what keeps us stuck.
How to bring a sense of care and kindness to ourselves in those moments of reactivity.
Using mindfulness to respond skillfully to distress, in contrast to reacting, in ways that support our wellbeing.

Sessions are group-based, and involve a combination of teaching, experiential mindfulness practices, discussion, and trying out what is learned in everyday life. Each session builds on learning and experience from the previous session and the home practice.

New Course is coming soon!

My 8-week mindfulness journey with Dr. Arlene Cooke at Harley Street Medical Center has been truly transformative. I am deeply grateful for learning how to stay calm, manage my emotions, make peace with my past, and become more aware of my thoughts. The full mindfulness day, including silent lunch and mindful walking, was especially powerful. It felt as if everything in my mind—my plans, goals, likes, dislikes—finally organized itself, each with its own clear place.

I joined the course with a mix of fears, worries, and disappointments, and I finished with clarity, balance, and control. Dr. Arlene Cooke’s soothing voice, calm presence, and patience have been remarkable. She helped quiet the loud, restless thoughts in my mind and guided me to a healthier, more centered version of myself.

I once believed I might be on the ADHD spectrum, but through consistent daily mindfulness—just 20–30 minutes—I discovered I can regulate my actions and focus far better than I expected. This experience has changed my life, and I couldn’t be more thankful.

God bless you!
-GN

This 8-week Mindfulness for Life course exceeded my expectations in every way. The practices were simple yet incredibly powerful, helping me reduce stress, quiet my busy mind, and reconnect with what truly matters. I learned how to recognize unhelpful patterns and return to the present moment with more ease and compassion.

Dr. Cook was an exceptional teacher—patient, warm, and deeply knowledgeable. Her guidance made the practices feel accessible and meaningful, and her presence created a safe, welcoming environment for learning and self-reflection.

In just 8 weeks, I feel calmer, more focused, and more appreciative of the little moments in life. The tools I gained are ones I’ll continue to use long after the course. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking meaningful, lasting change.

-RM

I loved this course! Dr. Arlene is an excellent teacher. She taught mindfulness through engaging class discussions and practical exercises. In addition, we were given numerous activities to do outside of class. The mindfulness training improved my focus, enhanced my ability to stay in the moment, and helped me to proactive rather than reactive. I would definitely recommend this mindfulness training to anyone who is looking for tools to enhance their daily life.

-JB