8 Week Mindfulness Course in Salisbury
Starting September 9th 2024.
You're invited to join this welcoming group, meeting on Monday evenings throughout September and October 2024 in Salisbury, to learn and practice mindfulness together in a relaxed and friendly setting.
What can Mindfulness help with?
Mindfulness is a well-researched and evidenced-based intervention for treating anxiety and depression. The evidence tells us that Mindfulness Based Therapy is more effective than CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) for treating depression and as effective as medication for treating anxiety. Mindfulness is helpful for many other challenges including stress management, pain relief, self esteem building and emotional regulation.
Mindfulness is regarded as a safe practice, however there are some conditions where mindfulness is unsuitable due to contraindications. If you have ever had a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, personality disorder, current suicidal thoughts or feelings, epilepsy, or current substance abuse or dependence, unfortunately mindfulness Claire may not be suitable for you. If you have any of these contraindications, or if you are unsure whether mindfulness is right for you, please consult your doctor before starting your mindfulness based therapy. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I am a trauma-informed and trained mindfulness teacher, which means I can work safely with PTSD and C-PTSD however, depending on the severity of your symptoms, group mindfulness may or may not be the best approach for you. I may recommend 1-2-1 sessions &/or a combination of mindfulness and somatic therapy techniques instead. If you would like to discuss this, please get in touch for a confidential chat.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is an evidence based technique which has been practiced by people around the world for thousands of years for good reason - when learnt and practiced properly, it is a highly effective way to manage many challenges, and to discover a more peaceful and joyful way of life.
Over 8 weeks, you will learn how to pay attention to body and mind, with curiosity, openness, and acceptance. You’ll learn to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment, and gently challenge your unhelpful patterns and beliefs. Through mindfulness techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, and cognitive retraining, you'll learn to develop a new, helpful and kinder way of relating to yourself. I am a licensed practitioner of the British Psychological Society approved Mindfulness Now programme which combines Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), the two gold standards in mindfulness trainings. As a trauma-informed teacher I adapt the practices to ensure everyone in the group is safe and comfortable.
"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf"
- Jon Kabat-Zinn
What is on the mindfulness curriculum?
The course is based on the 'Mindfulness Now' programme, my teacher training for which is approved by the British Psychological Society. I have adapted the course to be trauma-informed with my own unique teaching flair. Here are some of the topics and practices we will cover together:
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Re-connecting to your body
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How stress + trauma impacts our brain & body
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Understanding thoughts and feelings
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Establishing a home practice
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Coping with negative thoughts + the inner-critic
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Mindful movement to release tension
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Mindful eating for health
These themes are explored through a combination of psychoeducation, storytelling, poetry and practice. Every session we will do at least two practices together.
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The attitudes of mindfulness
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Breathwork to regulate the nervous system
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How to strengthen your vagus nerve for resilience
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How to sit with difficult emotions
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The power of compassion and self-compassion
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Practicing acceptance and letting go
What are the Benefits of Mindfulness?
Mindfulness has been extensively researched and have helped millions of people all around the world. Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you complete your 8 week mindfulness programme:
✔ Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, by learning to be more mindful and present in the moment, and to respond to your thoughts and feelings with more calmness and clarity.
✔ Help in mood management (for example in recurrent episodes of depression and Pre Menstrual Syndrome), by learning to recognise and disengage from negative thought patterns, and to cultivate a more positive and accepting attitude towards themselves and their emotions
✔ Improve cognitive outcomes, such as attention and memory, by enhancing the connectivity between different brain networks, and facilitating the integration of information from different sources.
✔ Improve physical health and well-being, by stimulating the vagus nerve and the relaxation response, and regulating the nervous system.
✔ Help with pain management by cultivating a non-judgemental attitude towards pain and pain conditions.
Where, when and how much?
Where? SP2 Hope Centre, St Paul's Roundabout, Salisbury.
When? Mondays from 6.45pm-8.30pm from Sept 9th - Oct 28th
How much?
The investment is £220 or £55 deposit
Remaining balances are due by 2nd Sept 2024.
The investment includes 8 x 1hr45m group sessions and all audio and .pdf files to keep.
About your guide:
Hello, I'm Claire - a local mindfulness and yoga teacher, and therapist. I completed my mindfulness teacher training in 2019 with the UK College of Mindfulness Meditation teachers and have been guiding groups and individuals on their mindfulness journeys since. I am a trauma-informed facilitator and guide with my values of kindness, curiosity, safety and empowerment. Mindfulness played a pivotal role in my own mental health recovery so I am passionate about sharing these practices with you. I have completed further training in trauma-informed practice, somatic trauma therapy and yoga, and weave neuroscience with ancient practices and my own humanness to offer engaging, friendly and transformative group experiences.
Are you ready to start your mindfulness journey?
Please ensure you have checked the 'What can mindfulness with Claire help with?' section above to make sure you do not have any contraindications. If you are unsure, please email me. Then please book your space by clicking on the button below.
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Who is this course for?This course is for people who want to learn the tools, techniques and practices to live a more peaceful life. It might be that you are finding your emotions challenging, struggling with otherthinking or facing burnout. It might be that you are seeking an effective way to manage stress, anxiety or pain. It might be that you are seeking a way to be more present, patient, less judgemental and to be kinder to yourself. Or perhaps you have been recommended by a doctor or other healthcare professional to practice mindfulness.
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How will I know if this course is right for me?If in reading through this page you are noticing a calling, a glimmer of hope, a curiosity or excitement...then I would suggest you take the next step on your journey with me - you won't be disappointed. The only thing I ask is that you are inspired to change and ready to put the work in for these 8 weeks. Mindfulness is like going to the mind-gym and I am your personal trainer - you can rewire your brain and retune your nervous system in these 8 weeks. Participants often notice changes in the way they think and feel in just a few weeks when they put in the work...it's incredible. It's not a quick-fix (spoiler: there are no quick fixes) but as long as you are ready to learn and practice...you really can change your life. There is plenty to keep you motivated. Not only will you attend weekly group sessions, you will also be sent weekly extensive interactive .pdf worksheets with all of the theory, many exercises, diagrams, links to videos, quotes, all of the latest research referenced, mini quizzes etc. In addition you will have a new set of audio practices each week. If you have specific health challenges or a history of trauma, please get in touch so we can arrange a call together (free of charge) to make sure the group program is the right choice for you. If you have any questions or concerns, please do get in touch (contact details on the contact page of the main menu).
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When does the course start? On what day and time?NEW course date announced for September 2024 September 9th - October 28th 2024. Mondays 6.45pm - 8.30pm Please book early as places are limited. If you would like to learn sooner, or have specific challenges you would like to work on, please consider working 1-2-1 with Claire.
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Will this cure my *specific mental or physical health problem*?The British Psychological Society approved programme I teach is evidence based and has helped many people around the world with their health and wellbeing. However, I do not make any claims to treat or cure and specific mental or physical health issue. The information contained in this programme, or on this site, is not to be taken as medical advice and should not to be used in replacement of a mental or physical health treatment plan or prescription. You are encouraged to consult your doctor before making any health changes, especially any changes related to a specific diagnosis or condition. No information in this programme, or on this site, should be relied upon to determine health, or make a medical diagnosis, or determine treatment for a medical condition. The information in this programme and on this website is not intended as medical advice. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek professional medical treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 999.
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Is this course certified/approved?This course includes the curriculum of a British Psychological Society approved mindfulness programme which combines Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction & Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. We cover this whole programme as well as material from other body-centred modalities such as yoga therapy, breathwork and somatics. This isn't a teaching certification (i.e. you will not be certified to teach this course on completion as this requires further training, to which I can sign post you onwards after completion) You will receive a certificate on completion of the course.
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I have a history of trauma - is this course right for me?If you are working with the effects of trauma, or have a diagnoses of PTSD or C-PTSD, I recommend we book a discovery call to discuss before deciding the best way to work together. I'm a trauma informed practitioner so am sensitive to the effects of trauma on the mind and the body, however, a group setting will not necessarily be the right setting for you. It might be that working 1-2-1 will be more appropriate to ensure I can give you my whole attention and co-create a bespoke programme that will ensure you feel safe throughout. You can find out more about 1-2-1 coaching and book a free 30 minute discovery call here.
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Will I get a certificate?Yes – you will get a certificate of attendance after completing the 8 week course (attendance at the live sessions or catching up on the video recordings is required). Please note this is an informational and educational course, not a certification programme.
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Do you do 1-2-1 work as well?Yes. I take on a small number of clients for 1-2-1 work either over Zoom or in-person in Salisbury. This is particularly useful if you are working with specific challenges or if you have a history of trauma, as I can adapt the programme to you and your needs. You can find out more about working together 1-2-1 please book a free 20 minute consultation call here.
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What qualifications & experience do you have?I am a licensed practitioner of the British Psychological Society approved Mindfulness Now programme. I am also a certified yoga teacher, have done additional training in meditation, yoga therapy, integrative somatic trauma therapy, counselling and trauma-informed practice. To see my full list of qualifications and experience please see the 'about me' page.
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How much does the course cost and how can I book and pay?The investment for the course is: £200 (before 31st July 2024) £220 (after 31st July 2024) To secure your space, please follow the booking links on this page. You will be prompted to fill out your booking form and health questionnaire and then to make payment of either a £50 deposit or your full fees.
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I can't attend some of the sessions - does it matter if I miss some?Usually there are a few people who have to miss some sessions, it is better to be at all of them, but you can still do the course with some gaps. I record all of the practices and also send comprehensive notes after each session, and anyone who misses a session I will be happy to have a catch up on zoom to make sure you are up to speed with anything missed.
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I've done mindfulness (with you) before - can I do it again?Absolutely, if you want to repeat the course as a catch up or to reinvigorate your practice, you are very welcome to. If you have done a mindfulness course with another teacher before, some of the content may be similar but I put myself into this course too so it is unique. If you have done 1-2-1 mindfulness sessions with me, it is likely we have covered most of the material together but you are welcome to join if you would like the group experience and practcie accountability.
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How much practcie do I need to do each day?The research tells us that 20 mins of mindfulness a day, for 8 weeks rewires our brain for greater wellbeing. Research also tells us that just 5 minutes of somatic breathing exercises a day can also enhance your wellbeing. So aim to do at least a few minutes of practice each day, or most days, and some longer practices as and when you are able to.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Mindfulness Articles from my Mind-Body Blog:
You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather.