DAO-Zentrum Wien

The DAO-Zentrum sits at Lustkandlgasse 53/1 in Vienna's ninth district. Clinical and health psychologist Sabine Barta founded it in 2004 as a place to come to rest, let go and gather strength, through mindfulness training, meditation, energy work and relaxation.

The core of the programme is eight-week courses. MBSR follows Jon Kabat-Zinn's model: weekly group sessions of two and a half hours, a full day of silence, and about 45 minutes of home practice daily. Body scan, sitting and walking meditation and gentle yoga form the foundation. MBCT adds cognitive behavioural theory for people who have come through an acute depressive episode. A nine-month Jahrestraining lets participants work through the MBSR exercises at their own pace, and evening sessions draw on Buddhist and Daoist meditation.

Qigong has its own long list of forms: the Eight Brocades, the Flying Crane, the Play of the Five Animals, 18 forms of Taiji Qigong, spine and organ exercises, and silent qigong. Hatha yoga classes end in deep relaxation.

The retreats leave the city. Groups of up to twelve spend five days in the garden and meditation room of the Franciscan monastery of Glavotok on the Croatian island of Krk, practising qigong or yoga with mindfulness. Another week follows the Franciscan Way on Krk, with morning meditation, a day's walk and an evening sitting. A qigong and mindfulness retreat is set for 13 to 18 June 2027 at the Landhofmühle in southern Burgenland.

After 22 years, Barta has said goodbye to her patients and clients. She now works from her psychology practice Stresslassnach at Garnisongasse 7/27, offering small groups of six or seven. Anyone planning a visit to the centre should ask by phone or email first.