MINDFULNESS RELAXATION AND DISCUSSION THERAPY
« Shô et les dragons d’eau »
Détail d’un tableau tiré de l’album-jeunesse intitulé « Shô et les dragons d’eau », éditions Annick-Press ltée 1995 (en français) et « Shô and the demons of deep », éditions Annick-Press Ltd 1995 (en anglais).
Detail of an illustration from a Juvenile Fiction book entitled « Shô and the Demons of Deep », Annick-Press Ltd 1995 Edition (in English) and « Shô et les dragons d’eau », Annick-Press Ltd Edition1995 (in French).
Artiste / Artist: Annouchka Gravel Galouchko
MINDFULNESS RELAXATION AND DISCUSSION THERAPY
Description:
Reflect, Relax and Recharge
There are two primary objectives for this group therapy:
The first objective is to provide participants with a safe and confidential setting where they can discuss their personal thoughts, challenges and emotions, and receive support from others. This group helps participants to identify and explore themes and experiences that are relevant to their lives and to develop healthy strategies for coping and managing stress. Participants benefit from the verbal exchanges and ideas shared by other group members, as well as by the therapist.
The second objective is to promote relaxation as an alternative method to improving one’s physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health. The practice of mindfulness meditation is explored in this group and is grounded in the notion that the mind and body are inextricably connected. Through various practices that connect the physical, emotional and mental health, participants are encouraged to pay careful attention to the sensations that arise during relaxation, and to observe the experience. The purpose of this practice is to gain insight into oneself through an increased awareness of the mind, body and its surroundings. By directing attention inwards, participants foster a greater awareness of how tensions, pain, and thoughts directly affect physical and mental well-being. The practice of relaxation and mindfulness can equally help participants reduce anxiety and symptoms related to chronic stress and physical illness, quiet thoughts and emotions, as well as strengthen the immune and circulatory system.
Application:
The weekly meetings are two (2) hours in length. The relaxation groups are offered by a mental health professional or a student who is in training in one of the following fields: social work, psycho-education, counselling psychology or the creative arts therapies. In each session participants are guided through a variety of relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing, light stretches, meditation, visualization, etc.), as well as given time to explore themes that are relevant to their personal lives.
Comfortable clothing is suggested.
Relaxation and Discussion Therapy can address what needs?
– Encourages living better in the present moment, in a state of mindfulness.
– Fosters more self-awareness and connection to the body.
– Reduce and improve the management of symptoms of stress and physical illness.
– Strengthens the immune and circulatory system through meditative and relaxation techniques.