Curriculum Structure
In terms of structure, the MBA curriculum is divided into 10 modules:
1. Basic Goodness
2. Mindfulness
3. Active Listening
4. Impulse Control
5. Emotional Intelligence
6. Empathy (Self & Others)
7. Forgiveness
8. Transforming Negative Core Beliefs
9. Cause & Effect
10. Interpersonal Relationships
In probation or school-based settings, the 10 modules are delivered in either 6 or 12-week cycles depending on the length-of-stay of the detention facility or the schedule of the school.
In certain facilities, MBA has been able to add a daylong intensive to each cycle of the curriculum. While this is not possible in all facilities we operate in, a long-term goal of MBA’s is to add single and multi-day intensives and retreats in as many facilities as possible. Many of the most promising studies on applying mindfulness training to the problems of the incarcerated adult community (e.g., substance abuse, violence proclivity, emotional regulation) employed retreat-style designs where participants were immersed in learning mindfulness and somatic and emotional awareness techniques for up to ten consecutive days. Our organizational experience suggests that retreat-style practice would also be extremely beneficial for at-risk youth assuming the appropriate modifications were made to the program and schedule.
