Svadhyaya Yoga™, Tai Chi, & Qigong for Social Workers & Other Mental Health Practioners
Introduction
For centuries, yogis and Chinese medical practioners have studied and refined the principles and practices of mental, physical and spiritual balance that have specific relevance for our contemporary lives. These teachings hold answers to some of the most important mental health questions of today and provide guidance for those seeking to heal themselves at every level of being.
Among these ancient texts we find the psychology of The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, texts referred to as The Upanishads, and a variety works that reveal Chinese medical practices known as Qigong and Tai Chi Chuan. All of these practices are directed to quiet the mind and relax the body so that health can be restored. Through movement, meditation and breath control, we are given instruction about how to increase positive energy. This increased energy in turn gives us greater vitality and optimism, two important components of mental health Specific practices focus on radical self-acceptance and self esteem, which add to our sense of satisfaction with our lives, our partners and our families.
We learn to self-assess our problems and their roots. We learn techniques of mental control such as focused attentiveness, imagery and meditation. We learn how to reduce stress and relax the body, turning on the parasympathetic nervous system. We learn how deal with painful emotions. We learn how to release “bottled up” emotions. All of these techniques lead to improved functioning on every level -- AND these techniques can be incorporated into clinical or mental health settings by social workers, psychologists, nurses, physicians and counselors.
These techniques are not only helpful for our clients, but also helpful for ourselves and our colleagues. By learning to incorporate these techniques into our work, we can avoid problems such as burnout, backache, neck pain, and other conditions of chronic work stress.
The Trainings
Our course introduces the Yoga psychology and philosophy that are inherent in The Yoga Sutras. The central focus of our training involves focus on “Svadhyaya” or the “study of the Self”. We practice techniques of both Indian and Chinese healing movement referred to as Yoga and Qigong, respectively. Techniques of mental control, mental clarity, intuitive clarity and the relaxation response are practiced daily.
As the course progresses, you will learn how to incorporate some or all of these practices into your work setting. Whether you are a social worker in a community mental health setting, a counselor working with the elderly, or a psychologist working in a prison setting, these techniques can be modified to meet the needs of your unique work situation.
We have two formats for this course each designed for your convenience.
- Week-long summer program! Join us for a week of half-days at the beach! Bring your family and meet them for lunch. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening – No homework is required! OR...
- Join us for our weekend program. Enjoy dining out in our fabulous local restaurants or stroll through our State Parks at sunset.
Regardless of which format you choose, these trainings are an invitation to relax, learn, transform your work and, most of all, to ENJOY YOUR SELF! We hope to see you soon.
Training Workshops and Dates
Yoga, Qigong & Tai Chi Fundamentals for Social Workers & Other Mental Health Practitioners
Dates: Two formats available for your convenience...
Tuition: $525.00
- Sunday June 27th, 2010 (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
and Monday June 28th through Friday July 3rd ( 8:00 am – noon daily)
Total credits: 22 hours (NASW Category II; Category I approval pending)
22 hours (Yoga Alliance).- Friday September 10 through Sunday September 12th (9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily)
Total credits: 21 hours (NASW Category II; Category I approval pending)
21 hours (Yoga Alliance).Course Description: This program is designed specifically for Social Workers and other mental health providers who are interested in integrating a body/mind approach within their respective practices. The course includes the Yoga psychology of Patanjali (classical yoga), philosophy of health that is inherent in classical yoga practice, the Svadhyaya Yoga™ approach, (study of the self), meditation and pranayama (breath control) techniques as well as various Qigong and Tai Chi methods. We will discover effective and ethical ways to utilize these practices within the context of clinical and social work.
The program is both experiential and didactic and will include Yoga,Tai Chi and Qigong practice on a daily basis. The course will also address the unique needs of health care workers and will foster an individual personal practice for each participant.No prior education or experience in Yoga, Tai Chi or Qigong is necessary. Come in comfortable clothes.
Re-energize yourself and your practice. Enjoy the beach. Enjoy the training!
Yoga, Tai Chi/Qigong and Mental Health: Introductory Half-Day Workshop Series
Dates: February 21, 2010 -- 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
March 14th, 2010 -- 10:00 am to 1:30 pm
April 18, 2010 -- 10:00 am to 1:30 pm
Total credits: 9 hours (NASW Category II; Category I approval pending)
9 hours (Yoga Alliance).Tuition: $60 per workshop, or $170 for the entire 3-workshop series
Course Description: This introductory series of half-day workshops program is designed to integrate contemporary concepts of body/mind psychology and the principles classical and Svadhyaya Yoga™, Tai Chi and Qigong within a clinical mental health perspective. Topics include history of Svadhyaya Yoga™ and Tai Chi/Qigong. We will practice some techniques of Yoga and Qigong; explore the history of mental health, and discuss resources, reading materials and film. No prior education or experience in Yoga, Tai Chi or Qigong is necessary. Come in comfortable clothes.
For clinicians, we will be including material on diagnosis, assessment, treatment and ethics. We will notify you when we are
approved for Category I. Clinical social workers can utilize this training for Category II at present time. All other clinicians, check with your state license board for your specific criteria. Silver Lotus will be happy to support your CEU requirements.
If you have any questions about these training programs, please contact us.
