Denise Dempsey, M.Ed.
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Certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Teacher, Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare, and Society, Division of Mindfulness, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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Licensed Tiny Habits Coach, The Fogg Method for behavior change, developed at Stanford University.
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Master of Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Concordia University, Portland, Oregon
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Bachelor of Science, Human Development, University of California, Davis, California
Additional Training:
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Massage Therapy and Bodywork: Massage Therapy Institute
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International Reiki House, Reiki Master Teacher
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The Hakomi Method of Body-Centered Psychology, 2-Year Professional Training
More About Denise
Denise Dempsey, M.Ed. has extensive training and experience teaching Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs in accordance with the guidelines established by UMASS Medical School Center for Mindfulness. She has been teaching MBSR for the past 16 years and has extensive experience teaching patients at numerous health care facilities including Sutter Health, Hill Physician’s Group, U.C. Davis and the VA, where she successfully taught both MBSR and Brain Health & Wellness programs to stroke patients. She is also a licensed Tiny Habits coach using the Fogg method for behavior change.
"Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction taught by Denise Dempsey has helped me get my life back after years of being sidelined by chronic pain. The level of care brought to these courses is phenomenal."
"Denise Dempsey helps people find their own way rather than trying to make the class one-size fits all."
“This class was exactly what I needed at a very stressful time in my life. I hope to continue practicing what I have learned and expanding my knowledge as time goes by.”
“Through mindfulness I have learned how I give myself so completely to others to the point that there is very little left for me. I can now take myself back.”
“I now have greater control over how I react to difficult and challenging situations. I notice a difference in my energy level, probably because I’m not reacting so much.”
“I learned how focusing on breathing can help organize my mind and even brief moments of meditation throughout the day can have a long-lasting impact. I have less heartburn, much less stomach trouble.”
“I was surprised by the impact of meditation on different aspects of my life and work. I was surprised about that.”
“Great class. Will recommend to friends.”
“By practicing I can reduce my stress level and improve interactions with family members/co-workers. I also developed awareness of what I eat and it motivated me to exercise more.”
“I am drinking less, taking time to meditate/making time, breathing deeper more often.”
“I have caught myself now being judgmental or disengage and breathe and ask myself if that’s what I want.”
“Chronic pain does not always have to control me.”
“I learned that it’s normal for my brain to jump around. I can now “note” thoughts/worries but not get stuck in the story.”
"I learned to deal with stress at work more constructively and was able to sleep.”
“The retreat was the most useful. I really understood mindfulness after a whole day of practicing.”
“The retreat was the best! After 6 hours of being mindful I finally “got it.”
“Communicating the rather abstract concepts and theories behind meditation and MBSR must be challenging and I’m not sure anyone could do it more effectively than Denise.”
“Denise is an excellent example of living mindfully. The recordings she provided help to provide guidance and structure to a daily practice. Her lovely and thoughtful poems add a depth to the overall concept and experience. I could go on and on about how much her knowledge and skill set adds. I’m glad to have been a student of hers and look forward to continuing with the recordings and who knows what else is in store.”
“Denise is a wonderful instructor! She is supportive and motivating without making you feel pressured or guilty. I really enjoy her teaching style which lets us generate our own insights and points us in the right direction but gives us the freedom to have a unique and personal experience.”
“Excellent. Good responsiveness to questions and comments by group members. Easy flow of lecture to activities to discussion. Good voice, pacing and comments on accompanying tapes.”
“She is an awesome instructor! Not only was the material helpful, but her soothing voice and personality helps with the stress reduction.”
“Having read Jon Kabat-Zinn’s books and done his meditations, Denise emulates his style and program closely and is an excellent instructor overall.”
“Denise is wonderful. Her mentorship and understanding made this class successful!”
“Denise rocks!”
“Denise was a masterful teacher!”
“Denise was a great communicator and fostered good discussions within the group.”
“She was great. Very present and calm. She is very successful and mature. She really believes in the program and gives strength to the participants.”
“Very knowledgeable; gentle; patient; kind. Very good at imparting critical concepts.”
“Her calm even presence really set the tone for the course positively.”
“The most intensely calm person I have ever met.”
“Excellent. Very well-informed and equipped for teaching this class. Thank you. I would recommend it to anyone”
“Excellent – adept, knowledgeable and calming.”
“Her compassion and interest enhanced the group experience.”
“For years I have tried to learn meditation on my own. I have learned the power of a group and leader in making progress!”
“I think Denise was a really solid and competent instructor. She knows her stuff and is able to communicate and teach well.”
“Denise was great and had a wonderful demeanor. I appreciated her efforts to get to know each of us and our names, right from the start. Always very knowledgeable. Experience was evident. Great feedback and response to our group comments.”
“I believe she clearly understood each person’s goals. Addressed each issue thoroughly.”
“Really, I couldn’t imagine a better person to have followed on this journey.”
“Denise is sensitive, feeling, positive, understanding, caring.”
“I learned that through some of these techniques I can control the chatter in my mind.”
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Testimonials
Laura Sharp, M.Ed.
Co-teacher, teens class
In addition to her training in mindfulness education through Mindful Schools and UMASS Center for Mindfulness, Laura has seven years of experience teaching Spanish and eleven years of coaching cross country and track. Laura is passionate about working with teens and young adults, and carries a special interest in the role mindfulness in athletic performance, brain development, and emotion regulation.