Mindfulness Skills: Use with Clients

Mindfulness Skills for Use with Clients

Evidence for the use of mindulness as an effective intervention with a range of different problems and client groups has grown exponentially over ths last decade. During 2008 alone, 250 research papers have been published indicating positive outcomes with client groups and problems as diverse as:
Depression (Willimas et al, 2008); Children (Wall, 2008); Stress & Anxiety (Evans et al, 2008); Older Adults (Rejeski, 2008); Schizophrenia (Abba et al, 2008); HIV (Creswell et al, 2008); Young People (Beauchemin et al, 2008); Autism (Bogels, 2008); Cancer (Witek-Janusek et al, 2008); ADHD (Zylowska et al, 2008); Learning Disabilities (Singhet al, 2008); Offenders (Singh et al, 2008); Substance Misusers (Ostafin & Marlatt 2008); Condition Management (Gardner-Nix et al, 2008)

This one day course is designed as a practial introduction to the practice of mindfulness and its use with clients (primarily on a group basis).

Issues covered are:

• The structured practice of mindfulness exercises
• Practical issues around "where" and "how" to set up mindfulness groups
• Practical advice on"what ifs" that may arise with clients during exercises
• Assessment and management of risk issues.

Course Outline:

9.45 Registration & Refreshments
10.00 Introductions.
10.15 Ice breaker
1st Practice session
Feedback and discussion
11.00 Refreshments
11.15 Presentation
2nd Practice session - Simple breathing meditation
feedback and discussion
12.30 Lunch ( by own arrangement)
13.30 Arriving back
3rd Practice session - body awareness meditation
Feedback and discussion
14.00 History of mindfulness
- risk issues
- structuring groups
- useful things to say
- how to finish a session
- practical issues etc.
14.45 Refreshment
15.00 4th Practice session
Feedback and discussion
16.00 Plenary
16.30 Finish

NB! Please bring with you a blanket or mat to lie on and wear comfortable clothing.