Mindfulness - From Theory to Practice
Course Aim
There is growing evidence for the effectiveness of mindfulness based approaches for a range of psychological and physical issues. Research has shown efficacy for low mood, anxiety, substance misuse, insomnia, digestive problems and pain relief. It has also shown promise in helping prevent relapse and promoting recovery. For many people "over focusing" on and attaching unhelpful meanings to thoughts and feelings can lead to distress and the constant triggering of the "fight or flight" mechanism when it is not needed. Our minds can end up mechanically forming judgements about experiences which are not helpful.
Mindfulness is about developing the ability to focus on the present moment, participating and being fully in that experience; while not reacting in a way that passes judgement about that experience. The goal of mindfulness is not to directly challenge the content of thoughts; rather it is about cultivating a different attitude or relationship to thoughts, feelings and sensations.
Course Objectives
- Explore the theory behind mindfulness based approaches
- Discover how mindfulness is an effective way of managing problematic thoughts and feelings
- Learn the practical applications of mindfulness and how to use these with clients
- How reducing emotional distress can increase problem solving abilities and create choices for responding rather than reacting to situations.
The course is mapped against the following Drug & Alcohol National Occupational Standards (DANOS) Units, and against the Health & Social Care National Occupational Standards (HSCNOS) Level 3 Units:
DANOS: AA2, AB1, AB2, AB6, AI1
HSCNOS: HSC379, HSC354, HSC332B, HSC337, HSC352B, HSC382, HSC397