FARMINGTON — Franklin Memorial Hospital again will offer its intensive, nine-session stress-reduction program starting in January.

The program is designed to teach participants scientifically proven practical skills to reduce stress and improve overall health and happiness. Program instructors are Dr. Kathleen Hickey and physician assistant Tim Davis.

“The course is designed for adults, and the skills gained will help participants apply mindfulness practice to the many life stressors in everyday life,” Hickey said. “Mindfulness means being completely in touch with the present moment in a nonjudgmental fashion. Several formal mindfulness practices will be taught, including very basic yoga.”

The course is modeled after the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society founded by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.

It consists of eight consecutive 2.5- to 3-hour sessions and includes an all-day silent retreat on Saturday, March 1. 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 class has been a great experience,” a previous participant said. “I have gained a renewed sense of balance and community, a deeper level of relaxation and an understanding of the forces that contribute to both stress and true relaxation.”

Anyone interested in the program is asked to complete the prescreening form available from the FMH Education Department by calling 779-2233 and attend the orientation session taking place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, in the hospital’s Bass Room. After attending the orientation, participants can decide if they would like to move forward with the complete course.

“Our classes here have a track record that is unparalleled in the practice of medicine. Fifty-seven percent of our first group noted a 50 percent reduction or greater in a long list of physical symptoms they had experienced prior to the class,” Hickey said. “And once the class is over, support for attendees continues with group follow-up practice sessions once or twice a month.”

The cost of the program is based on a sliding scale fee according to household income. The cost is $150 for incomes less than $25,000; $250 for incomes $25,000 to $50,000; and $350 for incomes greater than $50,000 per year. Anyone who is unable to afford the cost of the course, should ask about available scholarships.

Accommodations will be made for participants with physical disabilities.

For additional information contact Lorri Brown in the FMH Education Department by calling 779-2233 or email ljbrown@fchn.org.