More About Mind-Body Skills Groups
What is Mind-Body Medicine?
Mind-Body Medicine is based on the scientific understanding of the inextricable connection among our thoughts, sensations, and feelings, and our mind, body, and spirit- between ourselves and the social and natural world in which we live. It focuses on the interactions between mind and body; and the powerful ways in which emotional, mental, social, and spiritual factors can directly relieve stress and improve health. It is used with individuals, groups, and entire populations.
Mind-body skills are scientifically validated to reduce stress and restore physical and psychological health. The mind- body approach heals individual trauma and builds community-wide resilience.
The Center for Mind- Body Medicine (CMBM) approach to wellness is grounded in practical, evidenced -based skills for self-care, self-awareness, and group support. It emphasizes the approach that respects and enhances each person’s capacity for self- knowledge and self-care.- CMBM
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What is a Mind-Body Skills Group?
A Mind-Body Skills Group is grounded in self-reflection. Sharing and connecting with others creates a wonderful learning and growth environment that supports individual and collective well-being. Mind-Body Skills Groups support being witness to your own as well as other’s emotions and experiences.
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Groups emphasize a sense of community. They are small, with 8-10 people and meet on a set day and time for 8 sessions (usually weekly), with each group lasting 2 hours. This format provides an opportunity to being to integrate the mind-body skills into your life, in a real and practical way, with the support of the group to help you work through any difficulties along the way.
What is the Self- Care Model?
This is a model of self-care that simply and immediately addresses the symptoms and causes of psychological trauma, stress, depression, and burnout. In the process it empowers people with skills to deepen self-awareness, calm the “fight or flight” response to promote healing and self- regulation.
What will you learn?
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You will learn evidenced-based self-care tools to:
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Help lower levels of stress
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Improve mood
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Enhance resiliency and optimism
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Help prevent chronic health conditions
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Increase self-awareness
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Enhance optimal health
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Mind-Body Skills Groups have been proven beneficial for who?
Those dealing with:
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Life changes
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Stress
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Depression and anxiety
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Separation and divorce
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Grief and loss
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Health issues
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Childhood and family trauma
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As trauma comes to all of us, this work doesn’t simply benefit a few, it benefits us all!
This work is not complimentary, it is fundamental to well-being!
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What do Mind-Body Medicine Skills Group participants experience?
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A decrease in depression and anxiety: A heightened sense of well-being and engagement in life
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Better coping skills: Learn a dependable range of useful tools (that are always available to you) for managing pain, chronic illness, stress, anxiety, and depression
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Fewer physical symptoms of illness: Less pain, less fatigue, and more energy
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Greater self-awareness: Positive perceptions about their own lives, family issues, and spiritual nature
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The power of a supportive group: Nourishment, support, and connection
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What techniques are used to improve mental and physical well-being?
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Meditation
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Drawings
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Biofeedback & autogenic training
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Guided Imagery
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Exploring family history
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Expressive meditations
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Breath Work
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Mindful Eating
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Self-Expression
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This is Not a therapy group!
This is a highly supportive, educational experience with a trained facilitator who is an equal participant in the group.
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Please bring a commitment to participate in all 8 group sessions and a desire to connect with, relate to, and understand others and their experience, equal to your own.
What populations have experienced this model of self-care?
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First responders after 9/11
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Children on the bus from the 35 W Bridge collapse
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In war torn countries like Kosovo, Gaza, and Israel, and Ukraine
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After natural disasters in Houston, Texas and Hurricane Katerina
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After the wildfires in Sonoma County California
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With Native Americans in the Midwest
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Embedded in health care systems like Eskenazi Health, Indiana
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Implemented in over 30 Veterans Administration Health Centers, clinics and military bases across the United States
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Medical Students
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Broward County Florida following a mass school shooting
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Stressed out professionals
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Stay-at -home parents
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Inner-city children
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And many more
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The Center for Mind-Body Medicine has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, USA Today, and on 60 Minutes.