Mindful Approaches in the Work with Children and Young People who have been Abused

This course will introduce participants to the paradigm of mindfulness as studied from Eastern and Western cultural and spiritual practices such as Celtic mysticism, Christian contemplative, and Buddhism. The process of this exploration is to approach each idea with openness rather than factual certainty and allow the participants to be inquisitive about mindfulness' place in the trauma field.

In this course participants will be introduced to the four essential elements: body and breath, thought patterns, emotional regulation and actions. Each element will be discussed, reflected upon and then experienced by engaging in various mindful practices related to each element.

Participants will complete the course with an introductory understanding of the biology, the technology and the spirit of mindful practice. The engagement in the practices throughout the workshop can be a beginning for participants from whence they can choose to integrate mindfulness in their relationships with children and young people who have been traumatised.

Children and young people who have been traumatised are often robbed of internal calm and peaceful external relationships. Participants will experiment with practices that can bring children back to harmony.

Learning Outcomes:

• Articulate a definition of mindfulness
• Articulate the contextual and biological foundations of mindful practice
• Articulate core practices of mindfulness
• Increase skills in mindful practice and applying mindful practice to clinical work with children and young people

Who should attend?

Professionals working with children and young people who have been traumatised