Friday Continuing Education Series: Mindfulness-Based Self Compassion, by Will Beecham and Larry Berkelhammer

MARIN COUNTY CHAPTER OF CAMFT

FRIDAY CONTINUING EDUCATION SERIES

Friday, October 12, 2018

Mindfulness-Based Self Compassion

Larry Berkelhammer and Will Meecham, MD

This presentation will introduce attendees to a valuable local resource: a College of Marin course,Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion and Self-Empowerment, taught by Drs. Berkelhammer and Meecham. Using a combination of brief biology presentations, guided body scans, plus sitting, standing and walking practices. The class encourages self-compassion and body-appreciation as antidotes for self-doubt and criticism. In a safe, supportive environment, students learn to cultivate affectionate, caring attention to inner experience, leading to improved wellbeing and self-empowerment. The presentation to Marin CAMFT will provide an experiential understanding of the class, its underlying methodology and its potential to improve lives.

• Learn about an affordable local resource for mental health clients.
  
• Learn simple ways of fostering mindfulness in daily life.
  
• Learn new approaches to bodily challenges (e.g., aging, illness, or pain), through body appreciation and self-compassion.
  
• Learn straightforward, body-based techniques for improving personal empowerment and efficacy, and how to present those techniques to others.
  
• The unique body-centered form of mindfulness practice taught in this class can serve as an alternative to sitting meditation.
  
• Learn a body-centered practice that helps clients gain emotional distance from their stress-inducing thoughts.

Larry Berkelhammer, PHD: Mind-Body Medicine training with O. Carl Simonton MD, Jeanne Achterberg, PhD, Frank Lawless PhD, Lawrence LeShan PhD, James S Gordon MD, James FT Bugental. PhD, Erik Peper, PhD and Ron Kurtz (Hakomi founder). Mind-Body Medicine private practice working exclusively with people living with life-threatening or debilitating chronic medical conditions, 1992-2010 (trained clients in biofeedback, self-hypnosis, interactive guided imagery, cognitive restructuring and body-based mindfulness.

Will Meecham, MD: History of medical training, volunteer work and extensive online writing in mental health and substance abuse recovery. Training in alternative health practices, including acupuncture and yoga therapy. Six years of teaching human biology at the Niroga Yoga Institute. Three years teaching a community education class on body appreciation, self-compassion and self-empowerment at College of Marin.

REFERENCES:

1. Arch J and Craske M. Mechanisms of mindfulness: Emotion regulation following a focused breathing induction. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 2006;44:1849-1858.
   
2. Conrad, A., Muller, A., Doberenz, S., et. al. Psychophysiological effects of breathing instructions for stress management. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback; 2007; 32(2):89-98
   
3. Keng, S., Smoski, M. J., & Robins, C. J. (2011). Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: A review of empirical studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(6), 1041-1056. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2011.04.006
   
4. Macbeth, A., & Gumley, A. (2012). Exploring compassion: A meta-analysis of the association between self-compassion and psychopathology. Clinical Psychology Review, 32(6), 545-552. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2012.06.003
   
5. Manikonda P, Stoerk S, Toegel S, Schardt F, Angermann C.  Influence of non-pharmacological treatment (contemplative meditation and breathing technique) on stress induced hypertension- a randomized controlled study. American Journal of Hypertension. 2005;18:89A-90A.

Time: Networking is from 11:30 to 12:00 p.m. Presentation begins at 12:00 pm and ends at 2:00 p.m.

Cost: Free for Marin CAMFT members, $10 for non-members.

Location: Corte Madera Town Center, Room 201 - 770 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera, CA 94925 (map)

Information: For more information about the Friday Continuing Education Series and about joining the Committee, please contact CE Director, Laurie Buntain.

Continuing Education Goal: Marin CAMFT is committed to offering continuing education courses to train LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and LEPs to treat any client in an ethically and clinically sound manner based upon current accepted standards of practice. Course completion certificates will be awarded at the conclusion of the training and upon participant’s submission of his or her completed evaluation. 

Refund Policy: Requests for refunds must be in writing and received by the CE Director on no later than ten days before the program. There will be a $25.00 administrative fee to cancel registration for any program. The refund will be sent within ten days of the request.

Accommodation for Special Needs: The special needs of persons with disabilities will be accommodated. The Program Committee will endeavor to assure that continuing education program materials, content and venue selections will meet the special needs of the disabled and that reasonable accommodation will be made. A request for accommodation can be made to the CE Director, who will work with the Committee and event venue to meet the need.All instructors will read and adhere to Marin CAMFT’s stated policies.

Marin CAMFT encourages those who attend its events to respect the fact that some individuals may have allergies to fragrances and pet dander. We ask that you refrain from introducing these elements into our meeting room. Registered service animals are welcome, of course. 

Grievance Procedure: Marin CAMFT will respond to complaints in a reasonable, ethical and timely manner, when submitted by program attendees in writing to the CE Director.

Anti-Discrimination Policy: Marin CAMFT shall not discriminate against any individual or group with respect to any service, program or activity based on gender, race, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age or other prohibited basis. Marin CAMFT does not require attendees to adhere to any particular religion or creed in order to participate in training. Marin CAMFT will not promote or advocate for a single modality of treatment that is discriminatory or likely to harm clients based on current accepted standards or practice.

CE: This workshop meets the qualifications for 2 CE credits for LMFTs, LCSWs, LEPs and LPCCs. These will be provided by Marin CAMFT (CEP # 56895), which is approved by CAMFT to sponsor CE for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and LEPs. Marin CAMFT maintains responsibility for this program and its contents contact Laurie Buntain, Continuing Education Director for more information.