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PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE

Neuroscience & Mindfulness

Professional certificate

This program is an in-depth opportunity for those who perceive mindfulness as a transformative tool at a personal and social level, and who wish to delve into the subject scientifically

​THE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE program in neuroscience and mindfulness is offered in an academic setting in collaboration with recognized national and international professionals dedicated to the study and practice of mindfulness as a third generation psychotherapy.

   The theoretical components, based on recent research by renowned neuroscientists, ensure that the professional obtains training based on a solid foundation of scientific theories that inform mindfulness concepts. In addition, the program has a practical component that is presented with the aim that mindfulness meditation becomes a way of life that generates permanent changes in behavior and improves interpersonal relationships. Individual daily practice and commitment to the philosophy of mindfulness are emphasized and encouraged.

   This certificate program meets both a professional and personal need for those who want a quality academic education that accredits knowledge and competencies in this field and that is taught by renowned experts on the subject.

   Professionals interested in deepening the theory and practice of mindfulness often opt for an alternative that offers a solid academic structure within an institutional environment. For this reason, the certificate is offered as an option that meets these standards. For convenience, it can be taken online or in person.

   Prior to admission to the program, the aspiring participant must meet the requirements established by the academic committee and go through an interview. To complete the training, readings and assignments are specified and may require additional time to complete.

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A professional certificate program taught by experts on the subject which confers university accreditation for competencies in the field of mindfulness

MAURICIO CONEJO, Ph.D.
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Modality and schedules

There are two options to take this certificate: online and in person. Both offer the same level of training and are presented as alternatives to meet the different needs of professionals. 

2024:

March 2024 (online with an optional in-person module)

June 2024 (online with an optional in-person module)

September 2024 (online with an optional in-person module)

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Accreditations:

The Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience

University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus

Puerto Rico Health Boards (submitted for accreditation) 

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THE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE in Neuroscience and Mindfulness has been submitted for approval of credits by the Health Examining Boards of Puerto Rico (CR09, TO62, TO62 TO/A63, TF60 TFA61, THL58, PHL59, CP18, PSIC49). All certifications previously submitted have been approved.

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Duration and credits:

3 months and 60 credits:45 EC credits + 15 individual final project credits

1 weekend retreat (3 days): 22 hours

6 weeks of classes and 6 weeks for the final monographic scientific review work in APA format

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Methodology:

Classes scheduled on Saturdays for the in-person module

Synchronous and asynchronous classes for online modules
The participant will be able to choose a tutor among the teachers to guide him or her and clarify doubts.
Access to digital teaching resources, the University library and extracurricular activities

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Modality:

Hybrid mode: 80% online (synchronous videoconferences) and 20% in person (with the option to do this 20% online if necessary)

 

Face-to-face module schedule

Saturday from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

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Online module schedule

6 weeks on the virtual campus platform of the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience (https://bit.ly/icon_campusvirtual) with two weekly videoconferences from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm (AST, Puerto Rico time) plus the time necessary to complete the final monographic work of scientific review in APA format (6 weeks minimum)

Documentaries, videos, essential readings, and support material on the virtual campus

Synchronous and asynchronous activities

1 weekend retreat: 22 hours*


The certificate has a practical component that begins when the course begins and aims to train the professional in mindfulness exercises.


*In the in-person modality, the retreat will be held at the Puerto Rico Zen Center. However, in the online modality, the retreat will be offered virtually or the professional can submit the meditation center where they wish to carry out the retreat subject to the approval of the academic committee.

Admission requirements

Send the following documents to neurocognicion.info@gmail.com

  • Copy of driver's license or identity document

  • Degree certification or transcript of credits

  • Resume / Curriculum vitae

  • Motivation letter addressed to academic directors

  • Two letters of recommendation with contact information (optional)

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Contact

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The required documents must be sent in digital format to: neurocognicion.info@gmail.com
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Modules
Neuroscience Fundamentals
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  • Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology

  • Behavioral neuroscience

  • Research methods in cognitive neuroscience

  • Neurodegenerative diseases

  • Cognitive reserve

  • Stress and the central nervous system

  • Neuroplasticity

  • Epigenetics

  • Mindfulness and the brain

History and philosophy of mindfulness
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  • Philosophical principles of contemplative practice

  • Historical context of the development of mindfulness

  • Pioneers, dreamers and forgers of a new paradigm in science

  • Outstanding dialogues and exchanges

  • The future

Integration of therapeutic strategies
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  • Dispositional mindfulness and the states associated with mindfulness

  • Formal and informal practices

  • Characteristic features of mindfulness

  • Scientific evidence and therapeutic application

  • Mindfulness based therapeutic models

  • Professional intervention plan integrating mindfulness strategies

Applications
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  • Mindfulness in education

  • The work environment and stress

  • Medical schools and the practice of mindfulness

  • Mindfulness as a third generation therapy

  • From the meditation cushion to social work: Activism with Compassion

  • The health system and mindfulness

  • Creativity and mindfulness

Mindfulness and compassion
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  • Compassion and happiness

  • Compassion studies

  • Evolutionary bases of compassion

  • The human being and his relationship with the environment and with others

  • Characteristic traits of compassion

  • Neuroscience and emotions

  • The neuroscience of compassion

  • The modern challenge: between me and us, individual vs. common benefits

Mindfulness retreat ​
(additional registration fee)

  • Experiential weekend retreat guided by an expert

  • Theoretical and practical experience in a secluded environment

  • Mindfulness and the creative pause

  • Share experiences and direct the practice towards self-knowledge

  • Renew commitment to practice

  • Establish guidelines for sustaining practice

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Academic Directors

He obtained the Doctorate from Harvard University and a Master's degree from the University of Chicago. He continued his clinical training at Cambridge Hospital, Harvard Medical School, where he continues to be a part-time Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry. He is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, lecturer and institutional consultant. He is the author of Mindfulness and Psychotherapy, which he co-edited with Dr. Ronald Siegel and Dr. Christopher Germer. He currently has his private practice in Newton, Massachusetts.

He studied a Master's of Arts degree (MA) in Design at Northumbria University in England. His interest in neuroscience led him to complete a Master of Science (MSc) in Neuroscience at Pablo de Olavide University in Seville, Spain. He worked at the laboratory of Dr. Thomas Schikorski at Caribbean Central University (UCC) and completed his doctorate (Ph.D.) in Cognitive Neuroscience from Maimonides University in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is a professor at the Puerto Rico School of Fine Arts and Design where he is also the program's director.

He studied Medicine in Valencia, Spain and obtained a Doctorate in Medicine and Surgery. He worked as a Research Assistant (Wissenschaftlicher Assistent) in the Department of Physiology at Ruhr University (Germany) where he became interested in the study of behavior. Back in Valencia, he specialized in Psychiatry and began teaching as Chair of Physiological Psychology at the Faculty of Psychology of the University of Valencia. He is an Outstanding Member of the Royal Academy of Medicine of the Valencian Community in Spain.

Professors

Paul Fulton, Ph.D.

Boston, USA

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Sonia Cepeda, Ph.D. 

San Juan Puerto Rico

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Claudio Araya, Ph.D.

Santiago de Chile, Chile

Mauricio Conejo, Ph.D.

San Juan Puerto Rico

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Jorge Reyes, MD

Los Angeles California

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Jose Aponte, MD

Boston, USA

Vicente Simon, MD

Valencia Spain

 

Fabiola Giraldo, MA

Asheville, North Carolina

 

Gerica Alvarado, MD

Rhode Island, USA

Collaborating professors

Gerica Alvarado, M.D.

Rhode Island, USA

Myriam Pérez, MSc.

San Juan Puerto Rico

José Aponte, M.D.

Boston, USA

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