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Mindful Movement: Embodied Yoga Program for Mental Health
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A 6-week group program to support those who may be experiencing the ongoing effects of trauma, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, or difficulties with emotion regulation.
Our evidenced based group program integrates hatha yoga, somatic psychology, and iRest Yoga Nidra. iRest meditation is integrative as it heals the various unresolved issues and traumas that are present in your body and mind, and restorative as it enables you to recognoise your inner peace of mind that is always present amidst all changing circumstances of life. Led by a Clinical Psychologist, this program aims to provide you with the tools to help you relax deeply, regulate your emotions, release stress, increase resiliency, and improve your psychological and physical wellbeing to feel greater mastery and control in your life.
ALL bodies welcomed
No yoga experience required
Small group with limited places, bookings essential
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WHEN
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Dates: 15th February to 21st March 2023
Time: Thursday’s from 6:00pm to 7.30 pm.
LOCATION
Classes are held in-person in our studio space at the ISN Health Wellbeing Centre based in Kew.
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PROGRAM OUTLINE
Our program blends together hatha yoga with modern trauma-informed yoga, and has foundations in trauma theory, neuroscience, and somatic therapy. ​
FEE
​$420*
It includes the entire 6-week program, plus resources and six weekly meditations recorded in class.
*Full payment is required upfront to secure your spot in the group. With a Mental Health Care Plan for group psychological therapy from your GP, you will be eligible for a rebate of $34.80 per session throughout the group. We will lodge a Medicare claim on your behalf for each session you attend. Notice of one week (before the program start date) is required to receive a full refund for the course. Within one week of program start date, provided the notice is not less than 48hrs, a 50% refund is possible.
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PROGRAM OUTLINE
Our program blends together hatha yoga with modern trauma-informed yoga, iRest yoga nidra, and has foundations in trauma theory, neuroscience, and somatic therapy.
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Week 1: The mind/body relationship + introduction to body sensing
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Week 2: Making choices + grounding in your senses
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Week 3: The nervous system + accessing the brakes
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Week 4: Interoception + befriending feelings
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Week 5: Neuroplasticity + staying present
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Week 6: Self compassion + witnessing
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ABOUT THE FACILITATORS
Our program is facilitated by Dr Michelle Noonan, who is a Yoga Teacher and Clinical Psychologist. She is passionate about the mind body connection and utilising yoga as a healing practice. Her strong desire to bring together her love of yoga and her clinical knowledge of the benefits of body-based therapies led her to complete 200-hour Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher Training with The Yoga Impact Charity, and iRest Yoga Nidra Training, and developed this program to complement individual therapy.
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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM INCLUDE?
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A brief intake assessment with a psychologist
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6 x weekly 90-minute classes.
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Each class includes psychoeducation, gentle physical movement, breath awareness, and guided meditation.
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Weekly resources will be available. This includes information on the weekly theme, a suggested home practice, and an audio recording of the weekly meditation practice.
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There will be psychologists present who specialise in trauma who can support individuals as needed throughout the class.
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A free check in/follow up via phone 2 weeks after finishing the group.
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WHAT IS TRAUMA INFORMED YOGA AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT TO REGULAR YOGA?​
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It uses a hands-off approach – there are no physical assists from the facilitator.
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Structure and rhythms build safety and consistency for the group.
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Encourages exploration of yoga shapes (asana) – you decide how you would like to move.
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Offers explanation of evidence-base behind the techniques.
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Cultural awareness and sensitivity.
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Opportunities for connection, community, and conversation.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM
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Reduced depression, fear and anxiety
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Increased safety and security in your body.
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Improved body awareness and tolerance of physical sensations.
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Improved emotion regulation to be better able to manage difficult feelings.
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Increased psychological flexibility.
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Improved sleep quality + levels of stress​.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?
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Those experiencing anxiety, PTSD, stress, depression, eating disorders, chronic pain*, and difficulties with emotion regulation.
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It is not suitable for people experiencing active psychosis, significant dissociation, intense physical pain, derealisation/depersonalisation, alcohol or illicit drug intoxication, or actively suicidal.
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If you are not sure, please reach out.
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This program does not substitute individual therapy.