Experience tells us that people present with the same problems to their GP’s, often the same people re-presenting several times in any one year. These problems may be obviously mental health related such as anxiety and depression. However, many people present with physical problems when there are psychological difficulties at the root of them. Managing their problems and looking for satisfactory solutions can be challenging especially when patients’ expectations are that there is a solution which will ‘fix’ them. They frequently see this solution as being in the form of medication.

 

Mindfulness, acceptance and commitment work offers a radical alternative to attempts to manage people’s symptoms and expectations and moreover can be a powerful alternative, or an adjunct to medication.

 

The rationale and wide ranging benefits of Mindfulness for a range of conditions, including medical conditions and psychological difficulties are presented under the  ‘Mindfulness Approaches’ section. What is particularly impressive about recent research are the clear effects that practicing mindfulness, self compassion and acceptance have on the brain, for example, in reducing the arousal response seen in the amygdala on FMRI scans.

 

It is being increasingly recognised that what are described as the 3rd Wave Cognitive Behavioural Approaches are benefitting the lives of everyone who practices the skills as well as people with a diagnosis of mental health difficulties. In the last two years, Mindfulness has been taken up by a number of politicians and it is recommended as an evidence based treatment for depression and anxiety. (ebmh.bmj.com; vol 13, issue 4)

 

Mindscape Psychology can offer:

One – off training workshop specifically designed for GP’s working in Primary Care. This package has been carefully put together and based upon the most up to date research from psychological understanding of mental health and wellbeing, drawing on acceptance and mindfulness principles.

 

The course can take place within a three hour morning or afternoon slot and will cover: 

 

• an alternative understanding of human suffering 

• a summary of  mindfulness-based approaches

• the evolutionary nature of our difficulties 

• acceptance and change strategies and knowing when to use which strategies most effectively

• some experientially practice

 

Resources provided will include, handouts and a cd. This workshop can be extended to one or two days/half days, spread over several weeks in order to increase the skills. Patients can also be referred to one of the courses we facilitate. These are detailed under ‘events’.