FARMINGTON — Franklin Memorial Hospital is once again offering its intensive nine-session stress reduction program that is designed to teach participants scientifically proven practical skills to reduce stress and improve overall health and happiness. This spring’s program instructor is Dr. Kathleen Hickey.

“The course is designed for adults, and the skills gained will help participants apply mindfulness practice to the many life stressors in everyday life,” said Hickey. “Mindfulness means being completely in touch with the present moment in a non judgmental fashion. Several formal mindfulness practices will be taught, including very basic yoga; however, no prior experience with yoga is necessary to take the class.”

The course consists of eight consecutive 2½- to three-hour Thursday night sessions and includes an all-day retreat on Saturday, April 9. Participants should be committed to performing one hour of daily practice and homework to learn and practice mindfulness meditation, Hatha yoga and body scan.

“This course has been incredibly worthwhile for me and would highly recommend it,” a past participant stated. “I really loved this program and looked forward to participating weekly. I have grown to love and look forward to my daily meditation session as I recognize it as a tool to manage my crazy day.”

The cost of the program is based on a sliding scale fee according to household income.

Anyone interested in the program is asked to preregister and complete the prescreening form that is available from the FMH Education Department. A mandatory orientation session is taking place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, in the hospital’s Bass Room. After attending the orientation, participants can decide if they would like to move forward with the complete course. Payment will be due at that time for those who wish to continue.

FMI, preregister: 207-779-2381.