Introduction to mindfulness for speech and language therapists

What is the course about?

You will experience a range of mindfulness meditation practices and experience the style of mindfulness teaching. You will also be introduced to the theoretical background of the approach and have the opportunity to discuss the relevance of these practices for speech and language therapy. Through experiencing the practices and reflecting on them as a group you will explore their relevance to you both personally and professionally.

What will we cover?

- what mindfulness meditation is
- a variety of formal and informal meditation practices including breathing spaces
- developing awareness of thoughts, feelings and behaviour
- the underlying theoretical background of mindfulness including the importance of acceptance
- the relationship of mindfulness to cognitive therapy
- the relevance of mindfulness work to speech and language therapy.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

By the end of the course you should be able to:
- reflect on your personal experience of mindfulness practices
- identify the relevance of mindfulness work for speech and language therapy
- identify a range of mindfulness practices
- describe the key elements of mindfulness based approaches
- reflect on the personal and professional relevance of mindfulness based approaches.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is for qualified speech and language therapists. To access the course you will need to be able to understand and express yourself in English and relate the topics being taught to your own experience and practice. You will also need to be able to give and receive feedback. Before joining the class, you will need to speak to one of the Speech Therapy team.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught by two mindfulness teachers. Both tutors have trained at the Centre for Mindfulness, Research and Practice, Bangor University. One is a highly specialist Speech and Language Therapist. The other is one of the UK's most experienced mindfulness teachers. He works with both adults and young people in NHS, educational and voluntary sector settings.He also now trains mindfulness teachers at Bangor University.

This will be a highly experiential course. You will participate in meditation practices led by the tutors.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

None.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You will be given information about further training. General information and advice on courses at the City Lit is also available from the Information and Advice shop open daily 11-7 Monday to Friday and Saturday from 10-2 term time. 12-5 non term time. See the programme guide for further details.