In contemporary practice, many Counsellors incorporate mindfulness techniques into the work with their clients. While proven highly advantageous for numerous individuals, the application of these techniques poses potential challenges for trauma survivors.

Join Landa van den Berg in this immersive workshop where she combines her clinical training and experience with insights from mindfulness teaching. Landa is trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a modality that has been specifically designed to address trauma and developmental injuries. It recognises that trauma's impact extends beyond beliefs and emotions, affecting the nervous system, posture, and movement patterns. It uses mindfulness to access the innate wisdom of the body.

This workshop explores the interconnections between trauma, the body, and the power of mindfulness in the therapeutic process. Through a blend of theory, clinical examples and practical suggestions, attendees will gain valuable insights in how to safely use mindfulness techniques for trauma survivors. The workshop is based on a framework developed by David Treleaven.

Learning outcomes:

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges associated with mindfulness for clients coping with dysregulated emotions.
Acquire the ability to effectively evaluate the appropriateness of mindfulness for individual clients.
Learn strategies to modify mindfulness interventions for individuals who have experienced trauma.
Develop a repertoire of mindfulness skills to add to your kete.

Presenter bio:

Landa van den Berg (she/her) is a seasoned counsellor with a unique professional background that includes a successful tenure in Management Consulting and Human Resources before transitioning to a career in Counselling. Graduating from WelTec, she has since dedicated her studies and practice to Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, offering her a specialised skill set in this therapeutic approach.

Landa's primary focus lies in working with survivors of sexualised violence, a role she fulfils at Wellington Rape Crisis, where she supports and guides clients through their healing journey. Beyond her therapy training, she draws from extensive experience in teaching Buddhist mindfulness meditation workshops and leading retreats. This diverse background has equipped Landa with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in applying mindfulness as a therapeutic tool for trauma survivors, making her acutely aware of both its benefits and potential risks in a therapeutic context.

Insights from a Recent Attendee of Landa's Workshop:

“This workshop deepened my understanding and practice of mindfulness in the trauma space. Landa delivers this learning from both a knowledgeable and insightful basis that has made a significant difference to my counselling practice”