Course Information

Workshop: Groupwork

When: 22 Apr 2023 - 23 Apr 2023
Where: Online Event
Tutors: Trish Bartley, Eluned Gold

About the training:

This two-day workshop is for mindfulness-based teachers who wish to learn more about groups and how to support the rich potential of the group process in a mindfulness context.

Many of us have come into this work with a background in one-to-one work. The skills we have acquired will have many direct benefits for our mindfulness teaching. However, we may find that we continue to teach one-to-one, albeit in a group.

We will explore how to bring this group dimension into all aspects of our mindfulness teaching – including the orientation and assessment process; guiding practices; leading inquiries; and facilitating exercises and group discussions. In doing this, we will learn how to be present and alive to the three dimensions in the group: that of myself as teacher; that of individual participant; and that of the group as a whole.

We will explore the different stages of the group – namely the forming, the holding, and the ending of the group – and how as group leaders we can best support the learning practice of our participants in this group context.

Key learning objectives:

  • to explore ways of leading, teaching and holding the process of mindfulness-based groups that enables the rich learning potential within the group to be realised by our course participants
  • to find ways of resolving some of the common challenges when leading groups, including managing: a dominating participant; a persistent late comer; someone who is openly sceptical; and/or a participant who says very little
  • to consider the different approaches involved with teaching very different sized groups.

Pre-requisites for attending:

  • Completion of either a group-based, eight-week MBCT/MBSR course or a nine-week Bangor University distance learning MBSR programme
  • Commitment to an ongoing daily personal mindfulness-based practice, based on MBSR/MBCT practices
  • Have begun supervised teaching of one or more eight-week courses.

About the trainers:

Our trainers are all members of the Bangor University Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice training team. All have been extensively trained in this approach and engage in a rigorous ongoing process of training and supervision. We use strict criteria when selecting teachers/trainers to work with us. The name of the specific trainer(s) for this event is at the top of this page. Just click on the trainer name to find out more about him/her.


Location:

This will be an online event - a zoom link will be sent prior to the start date. 


Timings:

The workshop will run from 9.30am to 5.30pm each day. 

Please note: these timings are UK time, BST


Preparation for the event and what you will need:

In order to participate in the training, you will need:

A room where you can close the door and engage in the training away from family distraction. It is particularly important that confidentiality is maintained by ensuring that those who are not on the training cannot see your screen or hear the audio. It may be helpful to use headphones.

Log in via a computer which is resting on a hard surface and which has audio and webcam. Please don’t use handheld devices.

A space for practice, a mat, cushion and blanket may be helpful for your comfort. 

Participants are recommended to purchase a copy of the book Teaching Mindfulness-Based Groups: The Inside Out Group Model, Bartley, T. & Griffith, G.M. (2022). Pavilion Books: https://www.pavpub.com/mental-health/teaching-mindfulness-based-groups


Our rates:

Our rates have no hidden extras.

Standard rate – £326

Bursary-assisted places are available on this event until three months before the event starts. If it is less than three months before the start date of the event, please get in touch to discuss if an application is possible.  When applying for a bursary-assisted place, please first register on the event and select the fee ‘I’m applying for a bursary-assisted place’. Once you have registered for the event you will also need to complete and return a bursary application form.  

To find out more about our bursary schemes, criteria for bursary applications and to complete the bursary application form please visit: https://home.mindfulness-network.org/bursaries/  

Employer's rate: Recognising the administrative overhead of dealing with employers, we will be adding a £50 non-refundable 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 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 training@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.