Trauma Informed Mindfulness

'Live in the now, now.'

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness simply means being aware - of what is happening around us and more importantly, within us. We so often live in our heads, can be consumed by thoughts, overwhelmed with feelings and feel like we are going from one thing to the next. Practising mindfulness helps us to slow down and take notice of what is actually happening. Here. Now. We start to pay attention in a different way, with an attitude of curiosity and kindness. Mindfulness is simple but not always easy. Many people think they can't do it. There is no need to start with 40 minute practices (although these are beneficial). We can begin with one minute. Just asking ourselves how we are and what do we need. This simple check can help us to connect with how we are and tend to our needs on a regular basis. In this way we learn to be aware of what is going on within us as well as around us, and what we might need in any situation. From this a habit of self-compassion can grow which can lead to profound changes. 

 

What is Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness? 

Developed by David Treleaven, Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness (TSM) uses modifications and specific tools to support people who have experienced trauma to access Mindfulness in a way that considers the impact of trauma.

With an emphasis on safety, priority is given to participants having choice, control and feeling empowered when practising.

TSM tends to use shorter practises and a range of techniques, rather than focusing on long, sitting meditations.

TSM aims to help those who have experienced trauma explore some of the benefits mindfulness can bring such as enjoying the present moment, cultivating self-compassion, developing concentration, and managing challenging thoughts and feelings.

I am fully qualified to teach mindfulness and have completed David Treleaven's full training course - see here for more detail:  David Treleaven: Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness Homepage - David Treleaven

Please not, TSM is not a tool for processing trauma, counselling or therapy.

Mindfulness session

1-2-1 Mindfulness is usually taught in eight, 45 minute weekly sessions, however this can be tweaked to suit your needs and budget. For example you could have one session per month (for 8 months) or four 1.5 hour sessions. Just let me know what works for you. A typical course is detailed below:

Week 1: What is mindfulness? How can I support you?

Week 2: Short sitting practices & gentle mindful movement

Week 3: Using 'Resources' to ground and calm the body & mind

Week 4: Mindfulness & thoughts

Week 5: Body scan

Week 6: Cultivating Self-compassion

Week 7: Living with the Attitudes of Mindfulness

Week 8: Moving forward & living mindfully

 

Benefits of mindfulness

Mindfulness has been shown to support better sleep, reduce stress, manage unhelpful thought patterns and overthinking,  improve concentration and  develop self-care and self-compassion. See below for a short article on how just 10 minutes of mindfulness a day can help.

Just 10 minutes of mindfulness daily boosts wellbeing and fights depression

 

Contraindications: Mindfulness is generally safe for most people to practice, however if you have experienced any of the below, please let me know so we can discuss how you can practice safely:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Epilepsy

Asthma

Any serious mental health diagnosis 

A history of being  hospitalised for mental health issues