Mark Watts Counselling Services

Welcome to the Mindfulness Meditation for Anxiety class. I am pleased that you are choosing to join us in learning more about how Mindfulness Meditation can help reduce anxiety. I am honored to work with you as we explore how meditation can change our lives.Here are some things you will want to know prior to our first class. I will go over these points again in class and provide an opportunity to address any questions you might have.

•  This class will introduce various forms of Mindfulness Meditation and explore ways we can best manage anxiety.
  • You will not be required to share personal information other than a brief one minute introduction on the first evening.

• This is not a therapy group.
  • This group provides information and education rather than group interaction. This means time will be spend on teaching, exercises and talking about our experiences together, but is not a therapy group.
• Attendance is critical.
  • Each session builds on previous sessions.
• Timeliness is very important.
  • The class will start promptly at 6:30. We have a lot of material to cover each night and need attendees to be prompt.
  • Many classes will start with a group meditation. If you arrive late, we ask that you please not interrupt the class.
  • If we are meditating, there will be a sign on the door letting you know when we expect to be done and when it would be appropriate for you to enter the room.
• We will be practicing a form of meditation in each class.
  • Do wear loose, comfortable clothing.
  • Please do not wear scented or fragranced personal care products to the group.
  • Some longer meditations will be done on the floor. Mats and cushions will be provided.
  • If you have back issues or wish to bring your own pillows or blankets to increase your comfort, please feel free to do so.
• Homework will be assigned each week.
  • Research show us that regular practice of the weekly meditation exercises significantly affects the outcomes and benefits you will receive from this class.
  • You will be assigned exercises that will require 20 to 60 minutes of homework per day.
  • You will need a quiet, interruption free space in order to practice your daily meditation exercises.
• Homework meditations will use MP3 audio files
  • you will need to be able to download MP3 files and have a computer, MP3 player or iPhone/Pod for playback
  • if  you are unable to download an MP3 or do not have an MP3 player, let me know and we will work something out.