About
Welcome to Mindful Mayhem! I am honoured that you have found my page and are curious about mindfulness. I started Mindful Mayhem as a passion project following years of personally benefiting from mindfulness, as well as professionally facilitating mindfulness based groups within a health-care setting.
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I have been a registered social worker for over 19 years, and have primarily worked within healthcare. I have supported individuals and families adjust to new diagnoses, lean into health fluctuations, unexpected life changes and the impact of health on all of the family and social systems. This work has unfolded with both inpatients and outpatients; with individuals and groups. I have a passion for groups!
Although I have significant experience with autoimmune conditions, cardiology & nephrology, I have also supported patients with chronic pain, eating disorders, mental health, oncology, dementia and numerous others. Professionally I am teacher-trained MBSR facilitator, hold certificates in motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioural therapy; as well as have additional training in narrative therapy, dialectical therapy and solution focused approaches.
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Personally, I have been using mindfulness techniques for over 30 years to help cope with symptoms and side effects while living with chronic conditions. I truly know the power of living mindfully, and the positive impact on physical and mental health. My own health journey lead me to pursue a career in social work, following volunteer involvement with local, national & international organizations.
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Mindfulness has been an instrumental part of my own journey, however, it was only upon pursuing my professional teacher training to facilitate MBSR groups that I learned the history and science behind the techniques I had been using for years. Suddenly everything clicked! It was enormously reassuring and encouraging to have words, themes, practices and proven methods to explain the "why" and "how" behind some of my success in managing my health conditions over the years.
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I truly look forward to sharing all my learnings and experiences with you soon!
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
MBSR is a psycho-educational group based program, founded on the teachings from Jon Kabat-Zinn. Mindfulness is proven to help reduce the impact of stress on numerous physical and mental health conditions. Participants will learn to develop a different relationship with stress, including changes to behaviours, thoughts & perceptions. The intensive program runs 2.5 hours weekly over 8-weeks; as well as a full-day silent retreat. Participants will be asked to complete individual practices in their own time, as well as to practice home-based strategies.
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Topics covered include: (1) mindful introduction, (2) perception vs. knowing, (3) breath & body as anchors, (4) mind & body connections, (5) mindful awareness of stress, (6) communication, (7) self-compassion & (8) practice integration.
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There is a quick intake questionnaire and intake interview prior to confirming enrolment. A signed code of conduct & group confidentiality are also required.
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Sessions are $600.
Certificate follows completion of all components
Primary Programs
Mindfulness Through the Senses
Mindful Living through the Senses is a custom and introductory program which guides you through mindfulness-based practices to enhance your presence in everyday living. Mindfulness has been proven to reduce the internal stress response, which can have positive outcomes on numerous physical and mental health conditions. Mindfulness practices are also positive correlated with increased self-compassion, gratitude and quality of life.
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This unique 6-week program will include sessions on the following senses: (1) taste, (2) movement, (3) sight, (4) touch, (5) sound, (6) thoughts/feeling. Each session runs for 1.5 hours.
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A code of conduct and group confidentiality agreement is required.
Sessions are $350.
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Workshops and Group Retreats
I am always thrilled to offer customized workshops or group retreats! Common topics include stress management, pain management, improved communication, coping with chronic conditions, self-compassion, and mindful living.
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It is also possible to offer condensed versions of the MBSR or Mindful Senses programs.
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Feel free to reach out should you wish to start the discussion on developing a custom half or full-day event, retreat or group event.
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Pricing will vary pending length of event, venue, # of participants, and topics covered.
FAQ
Refund Policy
Refunds are only provided in full if the provider is unexpectedly obligated to cancel a session. Partial refunds will be returned if a participant cancels a registration up to 2-weeks prior to a group, workshop or session starting.
Deposits
Non-refundable deposits of $50 are required for all sessions of 3-hours or more. The deposit ensures to hold a space for your participation.
Time Concerns
If you are concerned about the time commitment for the MBSR or the Mindful Sense programs, I am happy to discuss some strategies ahead of time.
Receipts
Receipts are not likely to be honoured by insurance providers, however, receipts will be provided.
Researched Benefits
If you struggling with your mental health, please connect with Access MHA (link) for appropriate resources
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Canada Suicide Line #988