THE MINDFUL HEALING PROGRAM
In Person Intensive Retreat | For Chronic Illness and Pain
Delivered via an intensive 4 day retreat, the Mindful Healing Program aims to provide a whole health approach to wellbeing with a focus on Mind Training for healing for those with a chronic illness or chronic pain.
With six comprehensive modules combining the latest research in neuroscience, mind-body medicine and positive psychology with evidence-based Mind Training tools, this program will provide you with all the information and guidance you need to rewire your brain for improved wellbeing and enhanced health outcomes.
WHY MIND TRAINING FOR CHRONIC ILLNESS?
In addition to a variety of psychological and physical health benefits that are critical for overall wellbeing, research has shown that Mind Training tools such as meditation and mindfulness-practices have significant disease-specific positive effects in a variety of chronic health groups.
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↓ inflammation in autoimmune disease
↓ motor symptoms in Parkinson’s patients
↓ disease-specific symptoms, pain and anxiety associated with IBS and IBD
↓ disease and treatment related symptoms in cancer patients
↓ pain in patients with chronic headaches and TMJ disorders
↓ pain intensity in patients with chronic pain
PROGRAM OUTLINE
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Introduction
In this first module, you will be introduced to the key foundational concepts behind Mind Training along with some of the leading research into the practices, tools and techniques that are incorporated throughout the following modules.
We will delve into the what, the how and the why of Mind Training, and expel a few misconceptions behind these scientifically proven and evidence-based practices and techniques. We will also uncover a few hard truths behind the critical need for the program, not only for personal wellbeing but also in complimenting conventional medicine for healing in chronic illness.
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Topics discussed include:
the mind body connection
introduction to Mind Training
the brain vs the mind
the benefits of mind training as well as a few hard truths to actually doing it
dispelling common misconceptions of Mind Training
the how to - tips and tricks to success
the Mind Training experience
Module 1: Fit Minds
In this module, we will discuss why the brain matters for your own personal health and wellbeing, and how training the mind fits into and supports wellbeing for healing with a chronic illness.
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Topics discussed include:
the integral role that perception and mindset play in the mind-body connection
brain wave activity with Mind Training, brain coherence and neurogenesis
neuroplasticity and how you can use Mind Training to be the architect of your brain
the link between a wandering mind and happiness and its impact on your overall sense of wellbeing
the real impact of multi-tasking and running on auto-pilot on health outcomes
microglia and their role in immunity
Module 2: Opt-Out of the Stress Effect
This module examines the physiology of stress and how stress effects the brain and body. We explore the profound and detrimental role that chronic stress can have on personal and professional outcomes, and introduce and discuss Mind Training strategies to counteract the stress response.
Topics discussed include:
the physiology of acute and chronic stress & its effects on the brain and body
the effect of excessive and chronic stress on personal wellbeing and healing, including the role of stress in poor health outcomes
the impact of perception of stressful events
Mind Training strategies to counteract the stress response
the science of epigenetics and the power of mind training to reverse ageing - from the inside out
Module 3: The Compassion Cure and Mindful Communication
In this module, we look at what happens in the brain when you practice compassion and the important role that compassion for self plays for personal wellbeing and in healing. You will learn the how to for compassion training and given the tools and techniques to support this essential skillset.
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Along with compassion, we will also explore the power of connections and delve into the research as to why connections are an intrinsic and vital component of your wellbeing plan, and integral to enhance your health outcomes.
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Topics discussed include:
the neuroscience of compassion
the importance of self-compassion for healing
the supportive role that connections with others has on personal wellbeing and happiness
the tools and techniques for self-compassion
Module 4: Upsize the Mind Body Connection
This module examines the vital role that the mind-body connection has in contributing to overall personal wellbeing and healing, along with discussing the integral roles that perception, mindset and belief play in the healing equation.
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Topics discussed include:
the techniques and tools to enhance the mind body connection for personal wellbeing and healing.
why the way in which you view the world matters
the biology of positivity for wellbeing
the science of epigenetics and potential role that mind-body medicine can play in switching off certain genes
the (hidden) role of belief in healing - placebo and nocebo effects
Module 5: Designing Your Mindful Life
This module will explore the concept of mindfulness in lifestyle choices, including mindful eating, mindful movement and sleep hygiene. We will examine their effect and impact on overall personal wellbeing and how to mindfully incorporate positive change.
To wrap up all the key and fundamental concepts and components of the program, this module also incorporates the science
of behaviour change, habit forming and motivational systems to enable lifestyle changes and support the integration of Mind Training into everyday life.
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Topics discussed include:
nourishing the body through mindful eating, mindful exercise and mindful attention to sleep hygiene
the science behind behaviour change and habit forming, and all important tips and tricks on how to implement and incorporate new habits for consistent change
the importance of identifying and utilising your key motivational system/s, and how to use these to support your wellbeing outcomes
intents, planning and goal setting
the science of gratitude, kindness and human connection
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
The Mindful Healing Program is an evidence-based course stemming from the most recent research behind Mind Training tools, including meditation and mindfulness-based practices. Empirical data is now demonstrating that such techniques significantly benefit many aspects of psychological and physical health.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
Increased ability to manage stress
Improved resilience to bounce back from difficult health situations
Increased happiness and greater sense of meaning
Enhanced compassion for self and others
Increased life satisfaction
Improved communication and stronger relationships
Reduced anxiety and depression
PHYSICAL
enhanced immune and gut function
improved cardiovascular factors (e.g. cholesterol, blood pressure)
better sleep quality
greater length of telomeres (biomarker for worsening health and early death)
reduced brain fog
decreased expression of genes linked to inflammation
reduced levels of cortisol (stress hormone)
THE LOCATIONS
