Nonduality-Based Stress Reduction (NDSR) is an emerging structured contemplative program designed to support stress reduction, psychological wellbeing, and adaptive self-regulation through nondual awareness practices. As a developing intervention, it is essential to clearly describe the current state of evidence, relevant research foundations, and limitations.
This page outlines what is known, what remains unestablished, and how NDSR is being evaluated responsibly.
At present, NDSR should be classified as:
Exploratory and developmental
Research-informed but not yet evidence-based
Under active program evaluation
NDSR has not been established as a clinical treatment and should not be presented as a substitute for psychotherapy, psychiatric care, or medical treatment.
Although NDSR itself is novel, it is informed by several established research domains:
Mindfulness-based interventions (e.g., MBSR, MBCT)
Decentering and metacognitive awareness
Self-transcendent and non-self-referential states
Contemplative phenomenology
Psychological flexibility and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Stress physiology and autonomic regulation
Trauma-informed contemplative practice
Attention, self-representation, and identity processes
NDSR differs from attentional mindfulness approaches by emphasizing nondual awareness rather than sustained attentional monitoring as the primary pedagogical focus.
Current forms of evidence related to NDSR include:
Structured curriculum and instructor manuals
Defined ethical guidelines and contraindications
Feasibility and tolerability data from exploratory pilot programs
Pre-/post-intervention self-report measures (e.g., perceived stress, wellbeing)
Qualitative participant feedback
De-identified practitioner case observations
These data are appropriate for program refinement, feasibility assessment, and hypothesis generation, but they do not establish efficacy or comparative effectiveness.
The following have not yet been completed:
Registered clinical trials
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
Longitudinal outcome studies
Comparative effectiveness research
Meta-analytic evaluations
Accordingly, no claims are made regarding clinical efficacy, superiority, or long-term outcomes.
Many contemplative and psychosocial interventions develop through a staged process:
Conceptual and curriculum development
Feasibility and acceptability testing
Program refinement
Practitioner training and standardization
Formal trials when feasible and appropriate
NDSR is currently in the feasibility and refinement phase. Emphasis is placed on safety, clarity of instruction, and appropriate participant selection prior to pursuing formal trials.
NDSR is best understood as:
A structured psychoeducational program
A contemplative adjunct to clinical care
A framework for cultivating awareness and decentering
Clinicians considering NDSR are encouraged to:
Use it adjunctively, not as a stand-alone treatment
Operate strictly within professional scope of practice
Provide clear informed consent regarding evidence status
Screen for contraindications and vulnerability factors
Monitor for adverse or destabilizing responses
The Institute for Nonduality-Based Therapies (INT) is committed to:
Transparent communication regarding evidence and limitations
Ethical safeguards and clear boundaries of use
Ongoing program evaluation and refinement
Collaboration with clinicians and researchers
Responsible dissemination of findings
Future evaluation efforts may include:
Expanded feasibility studies
Observational and mixed-methods research
Practitioner-led data collection
Formal clinical trials if resources and conditions permit
Any future studies will adhere to established ethical and scientific standards appropriate to their scope.
For questions regarding research status, clinical integration, or collaboration, inquiries are welcome.
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