Skillful Attention Methods for Overcoming Emotional Difficulties

Every person wants financial and personal security, health, wellness, peace and all the things that bring happiness, yet there are many struggling to find this every day. In a world full of external stressors—work and/or family commitments, economic troubles and loss of financial security, relationship problems, the list goes on and on—and internal struggles with anxiety, depression, grief and other emotional difficulties, how can we foster emotional well-being in ourselves and our clients? Mindfulness-based awareness skills are a means to a sense of well-being amidst the unpleasant conditions—internal and external—of life that we may otherwise have little control over. These skills help enhance pleasurable experiences and bring about more appreciation of simple daily life activities. Mindfulness practice is strongly evidence-based, demonstrating permanent changes in brain pathways. These changes lead to the ability to be with thoughts and feelings without being hooked, trapped, overwhelmed or controlled by them.

Participants in this one-day seminar will examine and practice various mindfulness-based awareness skills. You will engage in exploration of the mind/body process in order to grasp these powerful and life-transforming methods. Mastery of these skills for oneself leads to the ability to help others master them. You will gain tips for assisting your clients through guided interactive meditation as well as mindfulness assignments for specific emotional difficulties and disorders. Attendees will be prepared to immediately apply these unique self-healing skills in professional practice and everyday life.

• • Engage in a highly experiential day of mindfulness skills development
• • Learn evidence-based methods for treating anxiety, depression, grief and other emotional difficulties
• • Use music to enhance mindfulness skills in younger and older clients
• • Practice the art of focusing on internal, external and restful states as part of mindfulness-based awareness
• • Recognize how one can experience negative thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed or controlled by them
• • Identify and experience specific mindfulness-based awareness methods that can be used as a complement or alternative to traditional psychotherapy
• • Discover how to experience negative thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them
• • Develop skills for helping clients effectively manage anxiety, depression, anger, grief, stress and other emotional difficulties
• • Utilize music to aid in the development of mindfulness skills
• • Discover how to facilitate guided interactive meditation with your clients

• • Psychologists
• • Psychiatrists
• • Psychotherapists
• • Licensed Professional Counselors
• • Marriage and Family Therapists
• • Social Workers
• • Case Managers
• • Pastoral Counselors/Clergy
• • Nurse Practitioners
• • Nurses
• • Occupational Therapists
• • Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors
• • Corrections Personnel
• • Any professional helping clients experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, trauma or other emotional disturbances

"Shelly was superb! I feel I can apply these skills immediately." – Colleen McKernan, MFT, CAC III, Aurora, CO

"I appreciate the applicability of techniques directly in this session and the time allowed for self-processing. A new and unfamiliar concept is now within my vernacular. Thank you for your knowledge and expertise." – Maria O’Searo Snyder, Psychologist, Sharon, PA