About This Course
This two-day workshop is for mindfulness-based teachers who wish to learn more about groups and how to support the rich potential of the group process in a mindfulness context. The training model is framed around the Inside Out Mindfulness Teaching Group Model (IOG) (Bartley & Griffith, 2022).
Many of us have come into this work with a background in one-to-one work. The skills we have acquired will have many direct benefits for our mindfulness teaching. However, we may find that we continue to teach one-to-one, albeit in a group.
We will explore how to bring this group dimension into all aspects of our mindfulness teaching – including the orientation and assessment process; guiding practices; leading inquiries; and facilitating exercises and group discussions. In doing this, we will learn how to be present and alive to the three dimensions in the group: that of myself as teacher; that of individual participant; and that of the group as a whole.
We will explore the different stages of the group – namely the forming, the holding, and the ending of the group – and how as group leaders we can best support the learning practice of our participants in this group context.
Who is this course suitable for?
This course is designed for mindfulness-based teachers who have prior experience in teaching mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) within group settings. It is intended for those who have completed an eight-week MBSR or MBCT course, maintain an established personal mindfulness practice, and have undertaken foundational teacher training, such as the Mindfulness Network Essentials training or its equivalent.
Participants should have some experience delivering MBIs in group formats and be interested in deepening their capacity to work skilfully with group dynamics. The course is particularly suited to those seeking to enhance their facilitation skills using the Inside Out Group Model (Bartley & Griffith, 2022), which is recommended preparatory reading.
Why study this course?
- to learn to facilitate your groups so that they are safe and inclusive
- to cultivate an embodied and grounded teaching presence
- to explore ways of leading, holding and befriending the process of teaching mindfulness-based groups so that the rich learning potential within the group can be realised by our course participants
- to find ways of resolving some of the common challenges when leading groups, including managing: a dominating participant; a persistent late comer; someone who is openly sceptical; and/or a participant who says very little
- to consider the different approaches involved with teaching very different sized groups.
How long does this course take to complete?
This course will be delivered online over two days on 7–8 April 2027, from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Tutor
Dr Sophie Sansom
Sophie is co-director of the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice at Bangor University. As a senior lecturer Sophie teaches on the master's program and is passionate about social and environmental initiatives having recently co-developed the Inner Change Works (ICW) programme. Founder of SiTT (Support for Integrity in Teaching and Training) Sophie has established frameworks for community development and professional standards in the field. Having collaboratively developed a pioneering approach for the recognition of new MBP curricula Sophie chairs the International Panel of Acknowledgement (IPA) hosted by the European Association of Mindfulness-based Approaches (EAMBA). Leading on the scholarship and development of the Mindfulness-based Interventions -Teaching Assessment Criteria Sophie’s academic work explores ways of supporting pedagogical innovation and accessibility while upholding quality and integrity; a key focus in her role as Chair of the British Association of Mindfulness-based Approaches (BAMBA).
Course Cost
The fee for April 2027 will be £377.00 (including VAT).
Entry Requirements
Pre-requisites for attending:
- personal experience of an MBCT or MBSR eight-week course
- an established personal mindfulness practice
- have participated in the Mindfulness Network Essentials training or equivalent
- to have some experience of teaching Mindfulness-based Interventions/Courses in groups
Recommended reading - Bartley, T. & Griffith, G. (2022). Teaching Mindfulness-Based Groups: The Inside Out Group Model. Pavilion Publications
Application
To register your interest in this course please click on the link:
Specialist Training: Group Skills (2027)