Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, Psychotherapy and Philosophy

Biography

Biography: Steven Hughes

Abstract

We know that in clinical populations in mental health, the prevalence rates of trauma is at 90% or more (National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, 2006) and it is reported by Mathieu (2011) that 60% of clinical staff working in Canadian healthcare environments report histories of trauma before they enter the helping profession (p. 13). In this 75-minute workshop participants will be introduced to the mind-body practice of yoga nidra (Lusk, 2015). This practice comes to us from the Yoga tradition. In recent years, there has been accumulating evidence that this practice is demonstrating therapeutic benefits in helping trauma survivors manage and support their healing and recovery journeys (Fritts & Khusid, 2014; Miller, 2015; Pence, 2014). The session will provide an overview of the practice and situate the practice within an embodied discipline that supports healing. Participants will begin to develop a comfortable stance of welcoming for all thoughts, feelings, and sensations and to distinguish between these qualities. Participants will have an opportunity to experience some of the layers that comprise the practice of yoga nidra. The foundational skillset is accessing the relaxation response by activating the parasympathetic nervous system to calm the stress-response system and reduce emotional over-reactivity (Benson & Proctor, 2012; Jerath, et al., 2006). The second skill set is gaining an orientation to interoceptive awareness and beginning to direct the breath (Brown & Gerbag, 2012; Craig, 2014; Marks-Tarlow, 2012). The third skillset invites one to create an imaginal inner sanctuary of safety (Fay, 2017; Brown & Elliott, 2016; Davenport, 2009; Fogel, 2009; Holmes, 2001; Mikulincer, Shaver, Sapir-Lavid & Avihou-Kanza, 2009; Yelling & White, 2011). Developing a safe sanctuary provides a platform for us to apprehend the emergence of presence, connectedness, and joy (Gilbert, 2009; Geller, 2017; Goleman & Davidson, 2017). The session will conclude with a group discussion to process the experience and allow time for questions, discussion and explore potential next steps.

Learning Objectives: (a) Experience and develop the skill of relaxing your physical body fully while the mind remains awake and focused. Clarify the difference between “spaciousness” versus “spaceyness” supporting the emergence of presence. (b) Distinguish between “thinking” and the “felt-sense of sensation”–sensing the flow of breath and the radiant sense of energy in the body. (c) Experience the imaginal environment via guided imagery to create an internal sense of safety and an enhanced self-efficacy by creating an inner safe sanctuary that can be accessed at any time as a way to ground and center one’s self.

The healing perspective surging underneath this session is in keeping with Carl Jung’s conception that we are all on a path seeking wholeness. This self-organizing process seeking expression, Jung referred to as individuation (Jung, 1966). This unfolding process posits that each of us is on a journey seeking the integration and healing of all of the “parts of ourselves” that have been alienated, repressed, or dissociated (Kalsched 2013; Siegel, 2016). This session provides a potential path for this unfolding odyssey.

Participatory Caution: The facilitators will work towards co-creating a psychologically safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment. However, some elements of the session may be potentially evocative for some individuals who have experienced trauma (especially hyper-arousal and dissociation) and who have significant challenges in managing anxiety. These experiences are not necessarily contraindications for participation—however, self-screening is important. Participation should be discussed with one’s therapist if one is currently in therapy.