Mindfulness for Fibromyalgia: A Path to Wellbeing
Brief Mindfulness Intervention for Fibromyalgia (BMIF)
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a complex, multifaceted condition characterized by widespread chronic musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory issues, and mood fluctuations. This condition may also present with additional symptoms like headaches and irritable bowel syndrome. Traditional treatment approaches primarily focus on managing these symptoms but often fail to fully address the psychological and emotional aspects that significantly impact those living with fibromyalgia. This program aims to support medical treatments by integrating mindfulness practices to manage pain and enhance overall well-being.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a practice centered on cultivating awareness, acceptance, and non-judgment in the present moment. It empowers individuals to navigate stress, handle difficult emotions, and foster a deeper connection with themselves and their environment. Research supports numerous benefits of mindfulness, including:
- Pain management
- Effective stress management
- Improved sleep
- Enhanced focus and attention
- Better emotion regulation
- Pain management
Why This Training?
This program addresses the need for a holistic treatment approach to fibromyalgia, recognizing that the condition’s impact often exceeds patients’ coping abilities. By learning to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and cultivate a positive mood, participants can manage their condition more effectively, enhancing their quality of life.
Program Structure
The Brief Mindfulness Intervention for Fibromyalgia (BMIF) is structured as a comprehensive 5-week course, featuring weekly two-hour sessions. Each session is designed to address a different aspect of managing fibromyalgia through mindfulness, covering topics from the fundamentals of mindfulness to specific strategies for pain management, stress reduction, and the cultivation of self-compassion.
Participants will engage in a blend of psychoeducational discussions and practical exercises, ensuring a deep understanding of mindfulness principles and their application in daily life. This approach aims to empower individuals with fibromyalgia to implement transformative mindfulness practices that can significantly enhance their pain management strategies and overall well-being.
In addition to the core sessions, the program includes a follow-up class after the conclusion of the final session. This additional class is intended to provide continued support, allow for the assessment of practice integration, and address any questions or challenges that may have arisen, ensuring participants are well-equipped to maintain their mindfulness practice.
Program Aim
The goal of this 5-week program is to equip participants with mindfulness-based techniques to enhance or develop skills essential for self-managing fibromyalgia symptoms. This program emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in fostering a healthier, more balanced life.
Outcomes
Upon completing this program, participants can expect to have gained:
- Mindfulness Techniques for Pain Management: Skills to better manage chronic pain, enhancing their ability to cope.
- Stress and Anxiety Reduction Strategies: Tools to lower stress and anxiety levels, contributing to a more calm and centered daily life.
- Emotional Regulation and Resilience: Techniques to strengthen emotional regulation and resilience, enabling participants to face life’s obstacles more skillfully.
- Self-Compassion Practices: Approaches to cultivate self-compassion and improve the relationship with oneself, fostering a kinder and more supportive internal dialogue.
- Active Engagement in Well-being: Guidance on more active engagement in physical activities and self-care practices, promoting a healthier lifestyle and overall well-being.
It’s important to note that the extent of these benefits can vary among individuals and will largely depend on the consistent application and practice of the learned mindfulness techniques.
Suitability
Our program is specifically designed for individuals navigating the complexities of fibromyalgia. It is ideal for those seeking to enhance their symptom management through mindfulness practices, complementing medical treatments, and improving overall quality of life.
Whether you are exploring mindfulness for the first time or seeking to deepen your practice as a strategy for managing fibromyalgia symptoms, this program offers a supportive and informative environment to learn and grow.
The methodology used in the BMIF is not a clinical intervention or therapy and is not provided to replace medical procedures. In case of doubt, we encourage you to consult with your primary care physician to ensure it aligns with your needs.
You can also contact us directly, before registering for the course if you wish to discuss whether the program is right for you and ensure your well-being throughout the training.
Your health and safety are our top priorities.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Facilitator Background
Dr. Olga Lucia Gamboa Arana a cognitive neuroscientist, and psychotherapist integrates her scientific expertise and practical knowledge into this program. Since starting her mindfulness practice in 2009, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of applied mindfulness. This inspiration led her to deepen her practice and expertise, becoming a mindfulness teacher, and integrating mindfulness into her research, as well as in therapy and coaching sessions. Olga Lucia’s scientific publications on mindfulness and pain, including studies on fibromyalgia and endometriosis, contribute to the evidence base supporting the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions.
Mindfulness for Fibromyalgia (BMIF) in Sydney - Schedule (2024)
Online 5-Week BMIF Training
Duration: 10 hours (+ 2 hours extra session)
Date: TBA
Venue: Zoom
Price: $450
Minimum number of attendees: 6
In Person 5-Week BMIF Training
Duration: 10 hours (+ 2 hours extra session)
Date: TBA
Venue: Zoom
Price: $550
Minimum number of attendees: 6
Fees include: A coursebook and recorded practices for daily home practice.
This program is also available as private sessions, allowing for a personalized approach to meet individual needs.
Cancelation/Refund Policy
Participants are eligible for a full refund if they cancel their enrollment more than 7 days before the program’s start date. Please note that all refunds are subject to a small processing fee to cover administrative costs.
To cancel your enrollment and request a refund, please contact us with your registration details.
Get in Touch
For more details or to register, feel free to connect via email or phone. Alternatively, you can use the form below to send us your inquiries directly. We look forward to assisting you and will respond as promptly as possible.
Service Inquiry Form
Please fill out the form below with your details and inquiry. We aim to respond to all inquiries within one business day.