What is the SMART Program?
Through Michelle’s company, Mindful H.E.A.R.T., LLC, she implements the Benson Henry Institute SMART (Stress Management And Resiliency Training) program.
This evidenced based program has evolved from the clinical practice of the Mind, Body, Medicine pioneer, Dr. Herbert Benson. This program combines his landmark work on the relaxation response with the growing scientific research of meditative practices, studies of the influence of thought on behavior, and studies of positive emotions.
This program offers a uniquely effective model to help participants regain control and build resiliency through a variety of mind body principles and self-care interventions, leading to reduced medical symptoms and enhanced quality of life.
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The SMART program includes 8 consecutive weeks of two-hour group sessions. Each participant will receive a copy of the Benson-Henry Institute SMART program manual and other necessary program materials.
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This program helps participants:
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Understand the connection between stress and physical or emotional problems
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Learn a variety of techniques to elicit the relaxation response, the body’s innate stress buffer
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Recognize negative automatic thoughts and create more adaptive perspectives
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Appreciate the role of positive thoughts and beliefs
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Understand how a sense of connectedness through social support, empathy, and prosocial behaviors (acts of helping others, such as volunteering and sharing) can improve resiliency
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Learn the importance of healthy eating, restorative sleep and physical activity
Michelle’s smart, yet gentle approach to instruction provided me with the foundation to manage a very hectic life utilizing meditation, guided imagery, yoga and other techniques. Her ability to utilize science to help us understand how and why we react to stress situations and how it affects our body/mind makes her a credible teacher and advocate for the fundamentals of mind body medicine. I have learned not only to recognize when I am reacting to stress in a harmful way but to forgive myself and reframe difficult situations in a less judgmental or self-deprecating way. I have been introduced to a number of methods to stop my mind from racing so that I am able not only to make better decisions but feel better physically and mentally. I have never slept better! I cannot say enough about Michelle as an educator, a medical professional and a healer. Highly recommend this program under Michelle’s guidance, for anyone who wishes to nurture a healthier mind and body naturally. Five Stars!
- Donna David
If you would like to schedule a 15 minute video consultation in regards to course content and to help determine if this course is a good fit for you,
The next offering of the SMART program will begin Saturday,
May 18th, beginning at
6 PM in Westborough, MA. For more information on specific dates and times please
*The cost of the course is $699 which includes the SMART manual and other course materials.
Michelle: Your SMART-Certified Healthcare Practitioner
With over two decades of healthcare experience, Michelle has earned a reputation as a dedicated, highly skilled advanced practice nursing professional. Michelle obtained her Master of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she became a nurse practitioner. Michelle has practiced in a variety of healthcare settings where she has deepened her understanding of the relationship between stress and her patients’ chronic conditions. Throughout her career, she recognized that typical treatment protocols for recovery, healing and maintenance were medication/surgery focused, ignoring the powerful healing ability of one’s mind. She decided to search for additional treatment options for her patients, which led her to the evidence-based Benson Henry Institute SMART (Stress Management and Resiliency Training) program. To educate her patients on these powerful healing opportunities, she obtained the certifications needed to teach the program.
Michelle’s company, Mindful HEART, allows her to implement her training as a SMART certified healthcare practitioner to various clients looking for a new way of being. HEART stands for Health, Empowerment, Awareness, Responsibility, and Transcendence. Michelle’s mission statement is that Health Empowerment through mind-body Awareness allows the opportunity to take on new Responsibilities and commitments to one’s own generalized well- being that allows Transcendence into health.