Completing the on-line registration form will take perhaps 30-40 minutes. It will help you reflect on what brings you to the course and is an important part of the process, as well as helping us ensure we can meet any practical needs you might have. 

Registration is secure and on-line. Please complete it comprehensively and return it on line (not by post) as soon as you can. Your information will be treated in strict confidence and destroyed after the end of the course.

Yes. It’s important to commit to all 9 classes, including the orientation session, and a weekend practice day..

Each class builds on the previous one, and on the home practice between sessions. Missing one class will have a significant impact on what you’re able to get out of the course overall, as well as affecting others’ experience of the course. 

Please take whatever steps you can to plan well ahead and minimise the possibility of work, home or other commitments getting in the way.     

I regret it's not possible to make separate catch-up arrangements if you do unavoidably miss one or more class.

There are generally anywhere between 10 and 25, and there'll normally be a support team of five or six carefully chosen people. Some of the work is done in smaller groups, pairs or threes.

The atmosphere of classes is supportive, warm and relaxed – there's often laughter. And there's space for quietness and reflection. People often say that the group is one of the most valuable aspects of the course. 

Home practice between the classes uses pre-recorded guided meditations: you will need to download MP3 tracks so you can play these back between classes. You will need to check before the course begins that you have access to suitable download and playback equipment – either an MP3 player or computer, tablet or smartphone.

If you don’t have access to these facilities, you can burn your own CDs, from the MP3 downloads, to play on an audio CD player. I

And if you're unable to do this, please let me know when you complete the registration process – before the course begins – so I can provide the material on audio CDs.

Whilst I provide detailed download instructions, I regret I cannot provide further technical support: you'll need to consult your usual source of assistance if necessary.

It’s best to come along with an open, receptive approach without too many preconceived notions – the course is about practising mindfulness, rather than thinking or reading about it!

SUPPORT
To help you maintain your commitment to this, you might want to ask someone to act as your supporter or ‘buddy’ for the duration of the course – to encourage you along the way. This might be someone you already know (a friend – perhaps someone who has done a similar course – or your therapist) or it could be someone you get to know who’s doing the same course as you.

You’ll be able to contact me between classes, though it’s unusual for anyone to feel the need to do so.

We like to do what we can to make the course as accessible as possible. If you have special needs, or have concerns about undertaking the course, please make this clear when you complete and return the registration form – I’ll be happy to talk things through with you.

In my experience, there are significant benefits in mindfulness training being offered in a group context.   I do, however, occasionally offer one-to-one mindfulness training as a block of 6 weekly sessions following and initial consultation.

If you’re currently mildly depressed or stressed you may benefit from the course. It is, however, important that you are not feeling so unwell, stressed on anxious that this will get in the way of your attending the classes and undertaking regular daily home practice of up to an hour.    

The course isn’t suitable for those who are currently severely depressed, or experiencing acute stress or anxiety: it would be better to wait until you are feeling more able to make the kind of regular and sustained commitment that’s involved.

Equally, whilst the course can support the avoidance of relapse and be beneficial to those with a history of addiction, it is not appropriate for those whose addictive behaviours are currently sufficiently strong to interfere with attending regular weekly classes and committing to daily practice of up to an hour.

That shouldn’t prevent you doing the course.

If for any reason you’re considering not taking any medication you’ve been prescribed it’s essential that you don’t discontinue your course of treatment without first discussing this with your doctor or other health professional – and make any changes only in consultation with them.

No. If you already have meditation experience that’s absolutely fine but it’s not necessarily an advantage.   

Many – perhaps most – participants have no previous meditation experience, and it’s perfectly ok to come on the course never having meditated before.

You’ll be introduced to simple meditation practices based on awareness of the breath and body, and given plenty of support and opportunity to build up your practice.

That’s fine – you’re very welcome! Many people find that doing the course twice or more helps develop and deepen their mindfulness practice; that they develop a different relationship with things they didn’t ‘get’ or which slipped under the radar the previous time round.   

If you have done a mindfulness course before (MBCT, MBSR, or Breathworks) it is, however, just as essential that you come to all the sessions, and participate fully – including the orientation session and practice day.

Many people are interested in mindfulness training from a professional standpoint. You're very welcome if this is your reason for doing the course.  It is, however, essential that each person participates fully – engaging with the process in the classes and undertaking the home practice in the same way as everyone else.

I also need to make clear that this is not a mindfulness teacher training course. The course is intended to help participants develop their own personal practice. Further training, aimed at those with a well-established practice and specifically designed to develop teaching skills, would be necessary before it would be appropriate to offer this way of working to other people.

Just bring yourself! And wear loose, comfortable clothing. Chairs, cushions, mats are provided. There are changing rooms if you're coming straight from work.