I have started learning mindfulness using a book at home. Is there any benefit in attending an 8-week course? 

Some people have trouble really getting their practice started or maintaining it. In those cases, it can be helpful to have the structure and commitment of the eight-week course, the support of a teacher and the group interaction. 

There is a lot of experiential practice in the sessions and as homework in between, so you'll have the chance to build a practice, which might prove challenging otherwise. There is also a lot of value in hearing other people's experiences, so doing the course in a group can be quite enriching. 

What do I wear to a course and do I need any special equipment? 

Some course sessions involve doing a body-scan practice lying down (option to sit and stand) and gentle mindful movement practice so I would also suggest wearing comfortable clothing. 

I recommend you have a clear space where you can lie down comfortably (optional) in a room where you can close the door so as not to be disturbed. 

A yoga mat is helpful if you have one but not a necessity. You may also want to have a chair, cushions, and a blanket and anything else that may help you to remain comfortable during the session. 

I recommend telling anyone else in your household that you are doing the course to avoid interruptions. 

You will also need to download Zoom onto your desktop, laptop or tablet and will require a webcam and microphone to complete the course. I recommend having a headset or earphones to hand if you have them. A stable internet connection is also required. 

Will course material be provided? 

A course PDF workbook and worksheets will provided via email. The workbook covers the theory of each session and details the homework for each week. Audio files with guided meditation practices will also be provided via email prior to the first session. 

Important: to ensure you receive all of the information, please mark my email as a trusted source in your email. If for any reason you have not received an email, please ensure you check your spam before contacting us. 

I have a mental health condition, can I still do the course? 

Research has indicated that the course is not ideal for those suffering from a current episode of depression or suicidality. The group format can also be difficult for some people with social anxiety. The course may not be suitable for those who are experiencing addiction (or are in early recovery), psychosis, PTSD, or who have suffered a recent loss or trauma. 

If you are suffering from one of these or any mental health conditions, I suggest you contact me prior to registering to determine if this is the best time to embark on a course. 

Can I do the course with a friend or relative? 

This will partly be dependent on your preference, but it is important to consider the pros and cons of attending a course with someone that you know. One benefit is that it's really helpful to have someone close to you undertaking the same course so that you can support each other and make space for your home practice.

However, the process of learning mindfulness is ultimately a solitary pursuit and everyone has their own experience. There will be invitations to share your experience with the group during the course, so you should consider if you will feel comfortable sharing these in front of someone you know. 

One thing that could work well, is for two people to book on courses starting at similar times, so you still have the benefits of supporting each other with mindfulness whilst maintaining your own independent learning. 

How many other people will be on my course?

The course is conducted in small groups, typically with around 10 participants. To ensure an engaging and dynamic group experience, I usually require a minimum of eight and limit the group size to a maximum of 16.

If fewer participants enroll, the course can still proceed with as few as six people. This number allows for meaningful discussions and ensures all activities can be carried out effectively.

In the rare event that there aren’t enough participants, you will be informed as early as possible. Please note that every effort is made to fill each course, which may mean waiting until closer to the start date to finalize the decision. If you’d like an update on your course status, don’t hesitate to reach out.

I do not enjoy speaking in group situations. Can I still attend the course? 

There are times during each session where the teacher will encourage sharing of experiences, however there is no pressure to share in a group and you can talk to your teacher privately after the session if you wish to do so.

If you do wish to share during the course, I kindly ask that all participants respect each other’s confidentiality and treat any information shared in the course group as confidential. The group format is designed to be supportive and compassionate. For this reason, participants can find it becomes easier to share their experience as the course progresses and their confidence builds. 

Do you need any information from me prior to the course starting? 

Each participant is required to complete a brief questionnaire, which you will be prompted to complete during the registration process. This will allow me to be aware of any issues that they need to be sensitive to during the course and to schedule a follow-up calll, if necessary.