Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between the 6-week and 8-week courses?
The key difference is who each course is for. The 6-week courses are designed for professionals, combining personal development with training to deliver mindfulness to an existing client base. The 8-week course is personal development only, with no teaching component.
What is the difference between the 6-week and the 12-month courses?
The difference is depth and outcome. The 6-week courses are shorter programmes for professional and self-development. The 12-month Diploma is a comprehensive teacher-training qualification for those who want to teach mindfulness professionally.
What is the difference between the 8-week and 12-month courses?
The 8-week course is a shorter personal-development programme; the 12-month Diploma is a full teacher-training certification for those who want to teach professionally. In short: the 8-week is for your own growth, the Diploma is both personal development for you and also for teaching others.
Is there a Certificate of Completion for all the courses?
Yes, every Irish Mindfulness Academy course includes a Certificate of Completion.
If I have to miss one of the live sessions can I not enrol on the course?
Yes. We know life events, planned and unexpected, happen. Our course director works with each student individually, case by case, to keep you on track.
Why do your courses include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Positive Psychology?
Because combining them makes mindfulness work better. Mindfulness sounds simple, but we all carry thought patterns from childhood conditioning or past events. Neuroscience shows that when CBT and Positive Psychology support mindfulness practice, more favourable patterns settle into the unconscious mind, giving a greater ability to stay present, with deeper, longer-lasting results.
Are your courses suitable for beginners?
Yes, our courses are designed for people new to mindfulness and thanks to our blend of Mindfulness, CBT, and Positive Psychology, they also suit those who have knowledge of mindfulness. One exception: the Beyond Mindfulness course suits those who have a basic knowledge of mindfulness.
I work as a health care provider which course is best for me?
For healthcare providers, we recommend the 6-Week Online Mindfulness for Professionals Course, designed for therapists, coaches, counsellors, and holistic professionals. If you want to teach mindfulness beyond your current role, choose the 12-Month Online Diploma in Teaching Mindfulness and Positive Psychology instead.
Can I complete the course in my own time?
Yes, the courses are self-paced, so you can study in your own time. We recommend allowing one week to complete each week of course material.
Do I need to be a professional or have a background in teaching psychology or therapy?
No background is needed. Our courses welcome learners from all walks of life, professionals, teachers, parents, coaches, or anyone simply curious about mindfulness.
I've already taken an 8-week mindfulness course elsewhere. What course should I do next?
If you've already completed an 8-week course elsewhere, two good next steps are the Diploma in Teaching Mindfulness and Positive Psychology (to teach) or the Beyond Mindfulness Course (to deepen your practice). Our blend of Mindfulness, CBT, and Positive Psychology means there is still plenty new to gain. Contact us for a personal recommendation.
I work with children/adolescents which course is best for me?
If you work with children or adolescents, we recommend the 6-Week Online Mindfulness for Children and Adolescents Course, built for teachers, therapists, coaches, and other professionals already working with these age groups. To teach beyond your current role, choose the 12-Month Online Diploma instead.
Are your courses accredited?
Yes, Irish Mindfulness Academy courses are internationally recognised, with graduates teaching across Ireland, the UK, Europe, the USA, the Middle East, and Australia. There is no statutory accreditation body for mindfulness anywhere in the world, but our courses are widely used for CPD points, and Ireland's Department of Education has granted EPV approval to our Mindfulness for Teachers Summer Course. Every programme includes a Certificate of Completion.
Will I be qualified to teach mindfulness after completing a course?
Only the 12-Month Diploma in Teaching Mindfulness and Positive Psychology qualifies you to teach, it is our formal teacher-training qualification. All other courses are for personal development and professional integration, not standalone teaching certifications.
How do I book a course?
To book, visit the course page and click Book Now, then complete the secure checkout. Prefer to ask first? Get in touch and we will help.
What's your refund policy?
You can request a refund or deferral up to 14 days before the course begins. See our full terms and conditions for details.
Can I pay by instalment?
Yes, instalment plans are available for the 12-Month Diploma, the 6-Week Mindfulness for Professionals Course, and the 6-Week Mindfulness for Children and Adolescents Course. You will see the options in the drop-down menu at checkout on each course page. Get in touch with any questions.
I'm being sponsored for the course do you accept invoiced payments?
Yes, if you are being sponsored, contact us and we will supply an invoice for the course payment.
How are the courses delivered?
All courses are delivered fully online, so you can take part from anywhere in the world. The 12-Month Diploma, Mindfulness at Work Programme, and Beyond Mindfulness Course include live Zoom sessions. All other courses use recorded modules, downloadable guided meditations, and reflection tasks.
Do I need any special equipment or software?
You only need an internet connection and a device - PC, laptop, tablet, or phone. Live sessions use Zoom, and we will send you the links.
Will I have access to a tutor or mentor?
Yes, every course includes support from experienced facilitators, and you will be invited to join an optional online learning community.
Is 1:1 support available?
Yes, optional one-to-one mentoring or supervision sessions are available for those completing the Diploma or integrating mindfulness into their profession.