Meditation and Facilitation for Mental Health
This 100-hour Meditation and Facilitation for Mental Health course is accredited by the National Council for Integrative Psychotherapists (NCIP). Underpinned by a revolutionary fusion of meditation practices, neurobiology and embodied facilitation, the training helps students to understand how meditative practices can positively affect physiology and restore equilibrium to the body and mind, which is so desperately needed in our modern society.
The techniques and facilitation style are similar to our groundbreaking Integration Psychotherapy in that it supports the distinctly different dimensions of the human being. We cover current life topics and examine how our systems respond to increased stimulation. Explore the neurobiology of the stress response and how conditions such as anxiety and depression affect quality of life (QOL). We also look at the development of the personal self, transpersonal awareness, the effect of the collective consciousness and the unified field.
Course Design
This training consists of five modules that comprise in-person hours, at-home tutorials, peer support, and online practice sessions. The modules build upon each other to provide a robust understanding of using contemplative practices for systems that are out of balance.
Each module has three components: exploring meditative processes, discussing how our biological systems respond, and teaching and practising psycho-therapeutic holding skills for groups and individuals. The topics are accompanied by specific techniques appropriate for creating balance and, where applicable, justified by empirical evidence.
Participants are expected to practice meditations at home, practice holding space in the large group, their peer support group, and in dyads and triads. They may also be given tutorials to watch at home and asked to explore the material in their peer group.
Learning Outcomes
- Connection to our bio-psycho-spiritual ecosystem and the broader field that we all belong to
- A scientific understanding of how the body and mind respond to internal and external environmental stress
- A perspective of how the modern world is also impacting our biological systems
- A thorough understanding of how to support people to use meditation practices that bring calm to the body and mind
- The ability to competently deliver meditative practices to the general public, including vulnerable minds
- The confidence and ability to work with the relationship dynamics that arise in the helping professions
- Guidance and support to deliver an 8-week course based on the neurobiology behind the training course (all material for the course is on handouts)
- Understanding of the rationale behind the 8-week course that supports facilitators in building meditation course’s
Next Intake 2024
TBC
Course Modules
Module One
“Grounding and connection to the physiological systems“
- Understanding the meditative process
- Exploration of the differences between meditation and mindfulness
- Barriers to meditation
- Introduction to cell biology, including genetics and basic epigenetics
- Understanding how the central and peripheral braches of the nervous system communicate
- Using psycho-therapeutic skills to create safety and deliver mediation practices
- Use of mindful enquiry
- Incorporating grounding into your teaching and why this is important
- Practical tools for delivery of weeks 1 and 2 of the Doorway to Meditation Course
Module Two
“Directing our physiological experiences “
- Using focused breathing meditations to bring balance the physiological systems
- The workings of the autonomic nervous system
- Understanding the respiratory system
- The energetic science of breath, as defined by yogic wisdom
- How to know where we end and the student/client begins
- Transference and counter-transference of energy in groups and 1:1 settings
- Practical tools for delivery of weeks 3 and 4 of the Doorway to Meditation Course
Module Three
“Adapting to changing conditions“
- Language and safety during meditation in today’s world
- Using meditation to promote self- efficacy and positive adaptation in mind and body
- Meditation to illuminate the patterns that no longer serve us
- Understanding the role of environment
- The psychology and sociology of vulnerable minds
- Decoding the stress response
- Neurobiology appropriate for discussing mental health
- Neuroplasticity and how it can be enhanced through mind and body practice
- Practical tools for delivery of weeks 5 and 6 of the Doorway to Meditation Course
Module Four
“Working with transformation“
- Consolidating what has been learned and holding space for deeper meditative processes
- Working with deeper meditative practices
- Further exploration of stress and neuro-architecture of specific conditions
- Introduction to the endocrine system
- Creating a safe environment for people with differing brain types
- Understanding the importance of self care when working with mind and body practices and a range of techniques
- Practical tools for delivery of weeks 7 and 8 of the Doorway to Meditation Course
Module Five
“Completion“
- Practice and consolation of learning objectives
- Group delivery of complete Doorway to Meditation Course
- Support and discussion of how to move forward with the knowledge
Entry Requirements & Suitability
In general, students who have been on a path of discovery for over four years will get the most out of this course; they will not necessarily teach yoga or want to. There is a requirement for students to have self-competency as a learner, to exhibit self-awareness and confidence, self-reflection and self-responsibility.
It is open to all teachers and healthcare professionals who desire to deliver meditation to individuals or groups within a scientific and spiritual framework. It is particularly suited to yoga teachers and people in the medical or therapeutic community but can also be for anyone who wishes to learn. It is also most suitable for working with vulnerable minds or supporting people undergoing psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Facilitators, coaches and integrators already working in that field will find it helpful.
Students need to have an interest and enthusiasm for exploring the subject matter, however, no prior physiological or scientific study is required.
Fees
Full cost £1200
Deposit £400 with options to pay the balance in instalments.
Prospective students are required to complete an application form that outlines their background and describes reasons for wishing to do the course. Once approved, we will send a payment link for the £400 deposit and agree a payment plan for the balance with you.
Student Liability
Once admitted onto the course, each student is liable for the entire training fee; Shaura Hall is not obligated under the trading name of The Yogologist or The Pilamaya Centre to refund monies if a student decides not to attend or complete the training.
Please exercise due diligence and digest the material above fully to decide whether this course is for you. If this course calls to you, then come with an open heart.
Assessment and Graduation Requirements
The course is offered in partnership with The Yogologist and is accredited by The NCIP (National Council for Integrative Psychotherapists) as a 100-hour CPD Award.
- Facilitation skills are assessed throughout the course and feedback will be given at regular intervals.
- Students are required to build an 8- week meditation course to show they have integrated the material, and they will be required to deliver at least one of the meditations to the cohort.
- 2500-3000 word essay to review meditation literature, and propose own ideas for working with a specific condition.
85% attendance is needed for certification.
Testimonials
The Pilamaya journey in Transpersonal Yoga has been a voyage into the deepest parts of myself. I have emerged from the training as a fuller, freer, more potent version of myself, with confidence to hold nourishing, authentic space for others as they come closer to a sense of their own true nature. The spirit of Pilamaya holds each of us as individuals as we learn to recognise the patterns, programs and conditioning that have created division within and distance from the truth of who we are as human beings. Pilamaya also holds the consciousness of the group and has the capacity to respond and reshape itself for whatever arises from moment to moment and over time… This is the transpersonal field.
The integration of different styles, theories and elements of practice brought a welcome depth to the inquiry, and the unique co-creative experience of learning and interaction with the group felt profoundly supportive and meaningful. Within the Sangha, Shaura created a beautiful immersive atmosphere, and the connections that were forged over the 2 years became incredibly important to me, nurturing a feeling of safety, and of being held and seen in my truth. This is the gift of Pilamaya; allowing the expression of each individual to find voice within the whole.
