Eight week mindfulness course

Mindfulness is a mind-body based approach that helps us change the way we think and feel about our experiences, especially stressful ones.

Mindfulness is a way of paying attention, in the present moment to yourself, others and the world around you. While the roots of mindfulness lie in Buddhist meditation practices, it incorporates recent scientific advances to offer a secular approach. It is a skill that anyone can train in and research shows that such training re-sculpts the brain in highly beneficial ways.

Using techniques such as meditation, breathing and simple exercise, mindfulness helps us become more aware of our thoughts and feelings so that instead of being overwhelmed by them, we're better able to manage them. It offers new ways of being which are less about judging ourselves and our experiences and more about noticing what is actually happening in any moment.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) was originally designed to help people who suffer repeated bouts of depression, but is increasingly recognised as a way that anyone can use to deal more skilfully with the stresses and strains of daily living and to increase ease and confidence.

People training in mindfulness report that as a result they:

• find new and effective ways of managing stress
• learn to handle their thoughts, moods and emotions more effectively
• are better able to deal with physical, mental, emotional and social issues
• live their lives more fully.

Mindfulness can greatly increase our enjoyment of life and the things that really matter most to us, including our relationships and it can help us to appreciate the ordinary, everyday pleasures in our lives.

Mindfulness has been proven to help with: 

• stress
• anxiety
• depression
• addictive behaviours.

Mindfulness has a positive affect on physical problems such as heart disease, hypertension and chronic pain. It also improves concentration and attention, and strengthens the immune response, helping to defend against illness.

The course takes the form of eight weekly two hour sessions, plus a weekend retreat day. A set of handouts and guided MP3 meditations accompany the sessions so that you can practice at home daily throughout the course. The home practice forms an important part of the programme and there is an opportunity in each session to talk about the experiences of the home practices, the obstacles that inevitably arise, and how to deal with them skilfully.

The course includes: 

• Instruction in mindful sitting, walking and gentle movement meditations.
• Facilitated group discussions to support understanding.
• Tailored guidance to develop individual learning daily assignments to encourage the integration of mindfulness into daily life.
• Home practice manual and guided meditation CDs.
• Two half day workshops to deepen learning and practice.

Course timing and dates:

7.15pm to 9.15pm on 23rd, 30th September, 7th, 14th 2nd 28th October and 4th, 11th November 2016 and the day retreat taking place at 10.00am to 4.30pm on 25th October 2016.

Cost: £260 includes all sessions, workbook and CD's. Concessions available.
Contact: g-a-creasey@hotmail.co.uk
Online booking at: www.gaylecreaseypsychotherapy.co.uk