Introduction to Mindfulness - Level 1

Presenters: Pauline Skeates and Sandy Fabrin

‘Wherever you are, be there totally.”  Eckhart Tolle 

Mindfulness is a scientifically proven method of caring for one of our most valuable assets, our mind. It is a powerful tool for reducing stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. On average, we spend 47% of our day lost in thought, thinking about the pressures of work, the stress of raising a healthy family, dreaming about things in the future, or ruminating about regrets of the past. Mindfulness enables us to be present to the pleasures of the moment. 

Mindfulness practice will help you to: 

• Manage stress 
• Learn how to reshape your thoughts away from criticism and judgment 
• Learn how to manage emotions and simply enjoy life more 
• Be more present to others, produce more satisfying relationships and resolve conflict 
• Improve heart rate variability and reduce heart disease risk 
• Develop your ‘flow’ 

Who should attend: Anybody who has an interest in the health of their mind and body and is curious about the field of mindfulness. This is an introductory course so it is perfect for those who are curious about mindfulness but have little experience of it. 

What you can expect: This is a practical based workshop. It provides a top line understanding of the theory delivered through teaching and video tutorials. It is then quickly applied through discussion, individual practice and then feedback. 

Materials include: 

• Course notes and reference reading 
• An e-mail follow up programme to reinforce learnings 
• 5 guided mindfulness exercises 
• A one week mindfulness programme 
• Seven day awe plan 

We are committed to fostering an encouraging and safe learning environment, where you can interact with like-minded people. Come and join us and learn how to rewire your brain for success.

Pauline Skeates (B Couns, RGON, Dip NPU, Cert IFT, Cert RF) is the director of Insight-International and developer of Insight Focused Therapy (IFT). She leads the work internationally and in New Zealand as well as being the founder and director of the busy Auckland therapy centre Insight Counselling Services. She is the proud mother of three adult children and ‘GG’ to her three beautiful grandchildren. Her years of experience and her vibrant and informative teaching style have earned her a reputation as a speaker in many countries around the world. 

Sandy Fabrin (B Couns, RGON, Cert. IFT, Family Court Reg, NZCCA, ACC Reg) works in private practice with Insight Counselling Services. Her particular interest is to use creative means for therapeutic ends, facilitating a healing process incorporating principals of Insight Focused Therapy. Sandy tailor fits her therapeutic approach to suit the needs of each individual. Her approach can also incorporate Art Therapy. For those specifically interested in Art Therapy, Sandy offers individual and/ or group sessions. Sandy is the mother of four relentlessly creative, adult, children.

Managing Stress and Anxiety

Presenter: Dr. Chris Taua (PhD, BN, PGCHlthSc (MH), MN(Distinction), CertAT, FNZCMHN) 

Positive and negative stress is a constant in our lives. Feeling anxious about one thing or another is also an everyday part of most people’s life. However, when things get out of control, we become over stressed which can then lead into more serious mental health issues such as anxiety. This workshop will provide the skills to understand how stress impacts on wellbeing and the strategies to support those who are experiencing extreme stress and anxiety. 

This workshop will cover: 

• Stress and anxiety on a continuum 
• Signs of increasing stress and anxiety 
• Anxiety disorders 
• Trauma influences on stress and anxiety 
• Risk factors that trigger stress and anxiety 

At the end of this workshop, participants will: 

• Explain stress on a continuum in order to recognise when it may be out of control 
• Describe the body’s physiological responses to anxiety and stress 
• Recognise and explain the role trauma plays in increasing one’s susceptibility to high levels of stress and anxiety 
• Describe trauma informed care 
• Discuss anxiety disorders and recommended responses 
• Describe coping and supportive strategies such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, stress logs, to support others experiencing stress and anxiety effects 

Chris is an experienced mental health nurse and educator. She holds an adult teaching qualification as well as health qualifications. Her clinical background is in acute and rehabilitation psychiatry and disability. She has over 25 years' experience in health/disability sectors. Her education portfolio includes mental health, cultural safety, disability, responding to bullying and conflict in the workplace, ethics and boundaries, communication and de-escalation, collaborative note writing, safer home visiting, trauma informed care, and recovery focused practice. Chris also provides a peer perspective into her work. She has extensive (over 25 years) clinical, teaching and research experience in health and social wellbeing. Chris manages a small consultancy business providing training and supervision to various groups within the health, justice and social service communities. Her PhD explored the mental hea lth inpatient experiences of people with intellectual disability and she continues to publish on this and other topics including cultural diversity/cultural safety. She is currently Director of Pumahara Consultants and holds an Honorary Senior Lecturer role with The University of Queensland.