Course Information

Retreat: A Day of Practice for Mindfulness-Based Supervisors, Mentors and Leaders: Cultivating Compassion and Wisdom within Relationships

When: 4 Jul 2027
Where: Online Event
Tutors: Alison Evans, Pamela Duckerin

This retreat day provides an opportunity to come together with other supervisors, mentors and leaders. Our focus for the day will be mindfulness and compassion-based practice explorations as a foundation for being in supportive roles. We will use a mindfulness-based supervision framework to guide our practices, working with the Warp elements: Container, Space, and Embodied Inquiry. For this day, we will particularly focus on the Compassion/Wisdom element of the Container. Exploring relationships through the lens of practice opens a space to bring the work right into the practice, with the aspiration to take the practice right into the work.

Specifically, we will explore:

  • How do the heart qualities come alive within the relationship?
  • How can our Compassion/Wisdom support us in communication? How can we be present and embody the heart qualities?
  • How can we find and work with space and pausing?

The day will include a mix of guided practices, stillness and movement, personal reflection, mindful dialogue around the themes of supporting others, and time for informal practice between the scheduled sessions.

This day can be a stand-alone event and forms a step on the MBS training pathway.  


Who is the Training for?:

People with an existing mindfulness-based practice who use an embodied mindful dialogue in their professional/work setting to support others with growth, learning, skills development, well-being and a mindful approach to work (this work may be in the early stages of growth).

For example:

  • mindfulness-based supervisors/mentors who are supervising teachers of mindfulness, e.g. curricula-based programmes, one-on-one work, introductions to mindfulness, and other innovations
  • those working in other settings who are bringing a mindful approach to the supervision, mentoring or coaching that they offer, e.g. clinicians and those working in educational settings
  • those in leadership positions who are bringing a mindful approach to their relationships at work and the dialogues with individuals and groups
  • Continuing Professional Development for those in supervising/mentoring/leadership roles who wish to refresh their own practice as a way of underpinning their mindfulness-based work and who would like to connect in community with other independent practitioners in similar roles

For BAMBA registered teachers, this practice day will contribute to your retreat requirements to fulfil BAMBA registration.


 Pre-requisites:

This online practice retreat is suitable for mindfulness-based practitioners who:

  • have a regular and sustained mindfulness practice
  • are engaged in mindfulness-based work
  • bring a mindful approach to the supervisory, leadership, and/or mentoring roles and relationships they are in

We recommend our Foundational Mindfulness-Supervision and Training as an adjunct to this practice day, either before or after.

Participants must commit to the entire day. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, we are unable to negotiate late arrivals or early leaving. If this is not possible, please contact us to discuss before submitting an application.


Location:

We will be using the Zoom platform for the training which offers facilities for break-out rooms for smaller group work. We also offer our Community area, a place for resources, which makes it easy to access all the documents and links you will need for the whole course.

You will receive a Zoom link and joining instructions for the whole event prior to the start date.  


About the Trainers:

Alison and Pamela are the authors and developers of this framework and training. They bring their expertise and passion for this work. Click on their names above to read their bios.


Preparation for the event and what you will need:

To participate in the retreat, you will need:

  • A room where you can close the door and engage away from distractions.
  • Confidentiality must be maintained by ensuring that those who are not at the event cannot see your screen or hear the audio. It may be helpful to use headphones.
  • Log in via a computer that is resting on a hard surface and which has audio and a webcam. Please don’t use handheld devices.
  • A space for practice, a mat, cushion, and blanket may be helpful for your comfort.1)
  • Optional reading: "Mindfulness-Based Supervision and Mentoring: Using an Embodied Dialogue to Support Learning and Reflection" by Alison Evans and Pamela Duckerin (Pavilion Publishing, May 2025).

The book is available directly via the publisher either as a printed book or eBook. Please use this link and then choose your buying format: https://pavpub.com/mental-health/psychology/mindfulness-based-supervision-and-mentoring-using-an-embodied-dialogue-to-support-learning-and-reflection. Pavilion Publishing use the free Glassboxx app for their eBook https://pavpub.com/ebooks

The book is also available through many major booksellers and we encourage you to use whichever retailer aligns with your own preferences and values. Reviews on any platform are always appreciated by authors and can help the book reach a wider audience.


Timings:

The retreat will run from 7am – 3pm (10.30am – 12.00pm will be an opportunity to eat and continue practising informally and we do encourage this time to be a continuation of the retreat space)

Please note all times are UK BST (British Summer Time)

Please note: If you are attending from any other time zones, please check equivalent timings.


Our rates:

Our rates have no hidden extras:

Standard rate – £110.00

Employer's rate: Recognising the administrative overhead of dealing with employers, we will add a £50 surcharge if the employer is paying directly; where possible we would advise applicants to pay themselves and reclaim on expenses to avoid the charge. 


The Application and Payment Process:

Our application and payment process involves the following steps:

  1. We receive your application form and assess it to ensure that this event is suitable for you. We endeavour to make assessments within a week.
  2. Upon offering you a place, we will then invoice you for the full amount.
  3. Your place is fully confirmed once we receive your full payment.
  4. We will email you the joining instructions in advance of the course.

Payment and Cancellation Policy:

Please read our Terms and Conditions for information regarding payments and cancellations.


Contact Us:

Please feel free to email us at supervision@mindfulness-network.org to discuss any questions you may have about the course or whether it is appropriate for you at this time. We will ensure that your query reaches the correct person.


Click here to sign up to this event.