Workshops and Training

April 3 & May 15, 2010: Clinical Applications of Mindfulness (part I &II)
June 26, 2010: Soul Collage
Mindfulness for Therapists Study Group: Ongoing
Please check back for new workshops and trainings

Exciting New Developments! Launching in January 2010. The Toronto Institute for the Integration of Mindfulness Meditation and Psychotherapy: A professional certificate program through TAPE (Toronto Advanced Professional Education).

Dr. Ana Bodnar is Co-Director of the program and will teach:

February 12 & 13: Overview of Mindfulness
March 5 & 6: Integrating Mindfulness and Psychotherapy
April 22 & 23: Mindfulness for Anxiety Disorders
November 19 & 20: Mindfulness for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Course Details

The Institute for the Integration of Mindfulness Meditation and Psychotherapy, under the auspices of TAPE (Toronto Advanced Professional Education, affiliated with University of Toronto/St.Micheal's College).is launching its certificate program in Mindfulness and Pscyhotherapy. This program explores the integration of mindfulness, meditation, counseling and psychotherapy and the application of mindfulness meditation interventions to a wide range of clinical populations and conditions. Those completing the program will receive a Certificate of Professional Education in Integration of Mindfulness and Psychotherapy from TAPE, co-signed with the Director of The Toronto Institute for the Integration of Mindfulness Meditation and Psychotherapy. For more information, please see http://www.advancedprofessionaleducation.com/programs.jsp?prog_id=121

Clinical Applications of Mindfulness

April 4, 2010 - Part One

May 15, 2010 - Part Two

This seminar is geared towards mental health professionals, teachers, consultant and those who would like to learn how to apply mindfulness to their clinical work. We will focus on learning mindfulness meditation and its specific applications to clinical practice. Mindfulness enhances therapist well-being as well as improves therapeutic engagement and outcomes.

Topics addressed include:

Mindfulness meditation, personal practice and therapist self-care
Deepening therapeutic connection and presence through mindfulness
Mindfulness approaches to stress management, diminishing anxiety, symptoms of depression
Mindfulness meditation and emotional regulation
Learning practices of self-compassion and self-acceptance as a way to overcome self-criticism and negative thinking
Applications to a variety of clinical situations
Mindfulness and spiritual approaches in counselling

We will incorporate Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, as well as approaches from Buddhist and Yoga Psychology. Ana Bodnar’s CD: “ Guided Meditations for Joy and Tranquility” will also be used. Mindfulness for Therapists Study Group

SOUL COLLAGE: June 26, 2010; 1 to 5 pm; Dr. Ana Bodnar; Based on the work of Seena Frost in Soul Collage, this workshop will introduce participants to the Soul Collage Process, an imaginative way to create your own archetypal cards for insight and support in your personal journey. Through the soul collage process, you will explore aspects of self, what supports and nurtures you, and how you connect with Spirit. All materials provided. (But you can bring images/photos to add); For more information on Soul Collage, please see http://www.soulcollage.com/; Location: Bathurst and King St. area; Cost: $65 including materials

Keep tuned for more Mindfulness workshops.

For Information and Registration:

416-765-2141 or ana@anabodnar.com

Past Workshops

INTRODUCTION TO THE YAMAS AND NIYAMAS: January 10, 2010; 2 to 5 pm; In this workshop, we will review the Yamas and Niyamas as they are outlined in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and then reflect on them using various translations, including a commentary from a women's, heart-centred perspective. We will discuss how the Yamas and Niyamas continue to be vibrant and engaging in our current times, and how they apply to our teaching and our lives.; Location: Esther Myers Yoga Studio, Dupont and Spadina; Cost: $50; Registration: www.estheryoga.com/workshop.html

Art and Soul in Panama

January 24-31, 2010

Susan Low Beer and Ana Bodnar

Part I: Pastel or a medium of your choice (watercolour, pen and ink), 4 days

PartI I: Soul Collage. 2 days Participants can join in for the last 2 days only

Section I: Pastel, Watercolours, Pen and Ink

In this workshop we will integrate the development of your creative self and expand your knowledge of pastel or your medium of your choice. The workshop will include instruction as well as extensive time for working outdoors, with an emphasis on individual instruction. Pastels, watercolour and pen and ink, lend themselves beautifully to the rich and colourful landscapes around Finca La Maya. We ask that participants work in pastel or pen and ink and watercolour for the entire workshop.

In this section you will:

Learn about the material of your choice: pastel, watercolour and pen and ink
Learn techniques for that material
Introduction to aspects of colour theory
Improve your composition and artistic technique
Work will be in various landscapes to provide various artistic experiences

Materials list will be sent upon registration. Suggestions will be given for easy travel.

Part II: Soul Collage

Participants will be introduced to the Soul Collage Process, an imaginative way to create your own archetypal cards for insight and support in your personal journey. Through the Soul Collage process, you will explore aspects of self, that support and nurtures you, and how you connect with Spirit. Soul Collage has been developed by Seena Frost, www.soulcollage.com. Materials provided. Please bring any images, photographs you would like to include.More information provided upon registration.

Finca La Maya is a tropical retreat centre 1 hour from Panama City. Our program will also include 2 outings to the local market, volcanic crater, and other settings. The beach is 15 minutes away and we can go afternoons after the program. Cost is $1500/double for accommodation, food and instruction. For more information on the venue and registration please see www.fincalamaya.com/

Susan Low-Beer, RCA, is represented in the collections of the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Modern Art in Japan, and the Mint Museum of Craft and Design in North Carolina, as well as several other museums in Canada. She has exhibited internationally, in Europe, the United States and in Japan. She continues to do workshops in her studio and has taught at OCAD and the AGO for many years. For more info, see www.susanlow-beer.com

Dr. Ana Bodnar: Ana is a clinical psychologist, yoga and meditation teacher, as well as a Consulting Psychologist to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. She offers workshop on mindfulness and psychotherapy as well as expressive arts therapy and Soul Collage for mental health professionals and in the community. She has taught at the University of Toronto, Canadian Naturopathic College, Yoga Studio, Yoga Space and other settings.

Grief and the Self, For Canadian Centre for Grief Education and Training (closed).: September 26, 2009

Soul Collage and Sound Healing: Sunday, November 29, 2009; 10 am to 4 pm.; With Dr. Ana Bodnar & Gary Diggins - Musician and Soundwork Practitioner; Based on the work of Seena Frost in Soul Collage, this workshop will introduce participants to the Soul Collage Process, an imaginative way to create your own archetypal cards for insight and support in your personal journey. Through the soul collage process, you will explore aspects of self, what supports and nurtures you, and how you connect with Spirit. With soundwork, we connect with the voices and visions that live in the non-verbal realm. Gary Diggins will weave inspiring soundscapes as part of the workshop. This is a wonderful opportunity to express your creativity in a community setting. All materials provided. (But you can bring images/photos to add); Instructors: Dr. Ana Bodnar and Gary Diggins. Gary Diggins is a musician, soundwork practitioner, and teacher who collaborates with humanitarian programs globally. See www.garydiggins.com for more information.; Location: Spadina and Dupont area; Cost: $150

PSYCHOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS OF TEACHING YOGA (Exclusively for Yoga Teachers): December 6, 2009; 2 to 5 pm; In this workshop, we will review core issues in teaching yoga classes, including transference and countertransference, common teacher and student issues, and teacher self-care. Lecture, case studies and discussion.; Location: Esther Myers Yoga Studio, Dupont and Spadina; Cost: $50

Living in the Moment: Meditation for Well-Being

Experience the benefits of mindfulness and meditation for:

Stress Management
Emotional Well Being
Mental Well Being
Physical Well Being

Attend the workshop and you will:

Learn the various approaches to mindfulness and meditation
Learn breath, concentration and insight meditation practices
Learn tools for self-compassion & compassion for others
Learn about research on the mind/body connection
Learn tools to develop a regular meditation practice
Learn tools to address anxiety, depression, and other emotional states
Learn how mindfulness can become an attitude of daily living

This workshop is suitable for both the novice and experienced meditators.

Clinical Applications of Mindfulness: Tools for Therapeutic Practice

This seminar is geared towards mental health professionals, teachers, consultant and those who would like to learn how to apply mindfulness to their clinical work.

The seminar will focus on learning mindfulness meditation and its specific applications to clinical practice. Mindfulness enhances therapist well-being as well as improves therapeutic engagement and outcomes.

Topics addressed include:

Mindfulness meditation, personal practice and therapist self-care
Deepening therapeutic connection and presence through mindfulness
Mindfulness approaches to stress management, diminishing anxiety, symptoms of depression
Mindfulness meditation and emotional regulation
Learning practices of self-compassion and self-acceptance as a way to overcome self-criticism and negative thinking
Applications to a variety of clinical situations
Mindfulness and spiritual approaches in counselling

We will incorporate Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, as well as approaches from Buddhist and Yoga Psychology. Ana Bodnar’s CD: “Guided Meditations for Joy and Tranquility” will also be used.

Mindfulness for Therapists Study Group

Ongoing study group for therapists to practice meditation, discussing Mindfulness and Clinical Practice. This group is for doctors, therapists, psychologists, artists, teachers working with mindulness and healing. Meeting once a month on Mondays.

Journey Through the Body with Pastels with Ana Bodnar and Susan Low-Beer (artist)

In this workshop, we will use meditation, visualization and writing to engage with a journey through our inner vision of our bodies, which we will express in pastel images. The workshop will include various ways of dialoguing with ourselves to gain a new way of sensing and knowing our bodies, and giving form to this in the pastel medium.

Please bring something to share for a potluck lunch, as well as your art materials. (paper, pastels)

Instructors: Dr. Ana Bodnar and Susan Low-Beer. Susan Low-Beer is represented in the collections of the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Modern Art in Japan, and the Mint Museum of Craft and Design in North Carolina, as well as several other museums in Canada. She has exhibited internationally, in Europe, the United States and in Japan. She continues to do workshops in her studio and has taught at OCAD and the AGO for many years. See www.susanlowbeer.com.

Soul Collage and Healing

With Dr. Ana Bodnar & Gary Diggins - Musician and Soundwork Practitioner

Based on the work of Seena Frost in Soul Collage, this workshop will introduce participants to the Soul Collage Process, an imaginative way to create your own archetypal cards for insight and support in your personal journey. Through the soul collage process, you will explore aspects of self, what supports and nurtures you, and how you connect with Spirit. With soundwork, we connect with the voices and visions that live in the non-verbal realm. Gary Diggins will weave inspiring soundscapes as part of the workshop. This is a wonderful opportunity to express your creativity in a community setting. All materials provided. (But you can bring images/photos to add)

Instructors: Dr. Ana Bodnar and Gary Diggins. Gary Diggins is a musician, soundwork practitioner, and teacher who collaborates with humanitarian programs globally. See www.garydiggins.com for more information.

Contact Information

By phone: 416-765-2141

By email: info@anabodnar.com