February 23rd @ 7:00 PM EST

Putting “The Mindful Witness” into Action – Keeping Clients in “The Window of Tolerance “

Two current frameworks in both trauma treatment and general stress reduction are “The Window of Tolerance ” (Dan Seigel) which describes the delicate balance of the brain-body response and the effects of overwhelming stress, and “Mindfulness” which has been shown to mitigate the effects of stress with regular practice . Helping clients understand the concepts that are included in “The Window of Tolerance ” helps them better understand that what they are feeling is a “normal” response to overwhelming stress. Teaching mindfulness in more traditional ways ( often with eyes closed) is challenging because traumatized clients may not be able to focus inwardly without being triggered .

However , teaching “The Mindful Witness Role” in action teaches experientially the development of that part of the self that is able to observe without judgment and with compassion one’s thoughts, feelings, and “act hungers” which empowers the client s ability to remain in “The Window of Tolerance” .

• Explore “The Window of Tolerance” and the trauma responses which can occur that move the client “out of the window”
• Describe “Mindfulness” and its ability to dampen the stress response
• Explore how breath, body awareness, and attention promote grounding
• Learn to teach the “Mindful Witness Role” in action – both in individual and group settings

HANDOUTS FOR THE WEBINAR _ DOWNLOAD HERE

Linda Ciotola is a Certified TEP: trainer-educator-practitioner of psychodrama, group psychotherapy, and sociometry; and an accredited Certified Trainer in the Therapeutic Spiral Model ™ of psychodrama used specifically for working with trauma survivors. She is Co-Leader and Developer of the Therapeutic Spiral Bodyworkshop specifically designed for healing body-based trauma issues and a Certified Health Education Specialist (Ret.) with 45 years experience in education, group facilitation, and lifestyle counseling. Linda holds ACE (American Council on Exercise) certifications as a Personal Trainer, Fitness and Yoga Instructor, Health Coach and MINDBODY Specialist. She was honored in 2008 with the Zerka Moreno Award for outstanding contributions to the field of Psychodrama. She is co-author with Karen Carnabucci of Healing Eating Disorders with Psychodrama and Other Action Methods – Beyond the Silence and the Fury. She presents widely at regional, national and international conferences.

Visit her website at www.healing-bridges.com.

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