Mindfulness Based Psychotherapy Group

About this Program

The practice of meditation has many fruits. Perhaps the one most closely related to the effectiveness of pyschotherapy processes is the ability to sit with discomfort with an attitude of compassion and openness. This attitude is a powerful resource when engaged in the process of deep uncovery and/or grief work, inviting the sensitive material to rise into awareness where it can then be acknowledged, processed and released. As this energy can be the fuel for reactive, compulsive processes, it's release can lead to greater freedom from depression, anxiety and general discomfort in one's daily life. As we have learned through meditation, we don't have to surpress or express these energies, we can simply open to them with an attitude of compassionate observation.

If you have been struggling with long-standing issues for some time, perhaps been engaged in psychotherapy for many years but do not feel you have gotten to the core of your problem and are ready to dig a little deeper, this may be the program for you.

This program is designed to skillfully facilitate this type of release of pent up emotional and psychological energy. The power of the group format is enhanced by the safety of the structure I provide and the guidelines all participants agree to follow. The group will be limited to only 8 members to insure an intimate and safe environment.

This group therapy experience is NOT an interactive one. There will be no crosstalk or confrontation fom other members or from me. There will be a safe container provided for you to move deeply within and to freely allow the energy to move through and out of your body/mind/spirit. As we have learned through meditation, we don't have to surpress or express these energies, we can simply open to them with an attitude of compassionate observation.

We will hold the space for this work, honoring each member's process as we sit silently and as I offer guided support in meditation for 45 to 60 minute sessions followed by brief walking or standing meditation periods. You will be encouraged to deepen your sitting practice and to journal about your experiences and share what you feel comfortable sharing with the group.

See the Program Overview for more details.

Requirements

What is required is the strength and courage to face the shadows and echoes within and the determination not to look away when their presence becomes disturbing. Your established meditation practice should allow you to be with these experiences much like you are with the pain and discomfort that arises during a prolonged sitting period, seeing the energy, images and insights as "not Me" and allowing them space to rise up, stay for awhile and then fall away.

Given the demanding, intense nature of this program, we will have an individual face-to-face meeting prior to your registering to ensure that this program is a good fit for you and your current situation. In order to participate, you will need to demonstrate adequate ego strength to face the insights that may arise without significantly disturbing your daily responsibilities.

You will also need to commit to:

- Remaining with the group for the entire 6 weeks

- Attending every session if at all possible

- Making full payment before the program begins (credit cards accepted)

Some things that will help ensure this process is effective for you include:

- Completion of an 8-week MBSR Program

- Daily sitting meditation practice of at least 45 minutes

- Previous meditation retreat experiences of 3 to 5 days or longer

- Supportive partner, family and/or friends

- Previous process- or insight-oriented individual or group psychotherapy

- A sincere desire for freedom from the limitations of your unresolved past issues

The Cost of the Program

The fee for this six week intensive program is on a sliding scale based upon ability to pay and ranges from $350 to $600. You set your own fee, no questions asked. Costs include our individual meeting, three 45 minute training CDs (i.e. Body Scan, Guided Sitting Meditation and Guided Opening Meditation) as well as other materials.

It is my sincere hope that anyone interested in participating in this program can do so regardless of ability to pay. Therefore, I have established a fund for partial scholarships. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship or if feel moved to contribute to this fund, please give me a call.

To Learn More

To see if this intensive 6 week group psychotherapy experience is right for you, give me a call at 813-980-2700. As the group size is limited to 8, I expect this program to fill up quickly, so it would be a good idea to call as soon as possible.