Women's Wellness Programme - 10 weeks

The following testimonials are from participants in Programmes during 2007-2010: This has been an amazing programme to participate in. I have been given the skills for various relaxation techniques and can now incorporate them in my daily life. The benefits to me are that I feel more motivated and energised, my insomnia has improved, I have fewer headaches, and am finding the relaxation techniques help with back and neck pain so lessening my pain medication. I have been privileged to join the other participants, a lovely group who are supportive of each other; and to Caroline my grateful thanks for the caring guidance you have given us and the positive steps to facilitate the journey to healthy lifestyle change. Mary, Secretary, Dunedin I believe you can't delegate your own health and we must accept responsibility for our own wellbeing. After being impressed with the feedback and statistics from the research, I decided to participate in Caroline's course. The programme is extremely well structured, and even after the first week the benefits are evident. I'd had a constant sore neck, and after one week this was gone. The course explores why we react the way we do, and learning practical techniques to deeply relax, improving sleep, boosting the immune system, and enjoying healthy lifestyle habits. It's a whole tool kit. There are so many self-help books that we read and forget, but the programme and practice in the form of homework becomes habit forming. This method works, and long after you have finished the programme participants are still using the skills learned and maintaining good health and wellbeing. The group is small and everyone finds different techniques to suit them. It's exciting to share feedback and also many laughs with the other participants. It requires commitment to attend and do the homework, but the extra energy gained means an increase in personal productivity. I would highly recommend it to other busy women, and as an employer I would recommend it to staff and other employers. I would also encourage employers assisting staff to attend the programme. It's a win-win situation with less sick leave and a more energised workforce. Karyn Close, Chief Executive, Gallaway Cook Allan, Lawyers. Since recently completing the Mind-Body Wellbeing programme I find myself to be calmer, more relaxed and accepting of myself as I am. The programme has given me a very full 'tool box' of different skills I can call upon at any time and, with practice and commitment, I will develop these skills further. Last year I spent a substantial amount of money visiting a Clinical Psychologist, as I was struggling to adjust to some life changes and experiences. In comparison, I found this programme more worthwhile in that it provided practical skills and direction about how to change thinking for the better. It wasn't all talk. The programme is well supported by research and Caroline facilitates the sessions well by being approachable, gentle and knowledgeable. I recommend this programme whole-heartedly! THANK YOU! R.S., Research Nurse, Dunedin This course has been very valuable to me. There's nothing 'airy-fairy' about it. It offers a range of credible options from which you can choose, to manage the pressures and improve the sense of wellbeing in your life. Of particular importance to me as a scientist is the research-based focus for the options offered. A.C., Senior Otago University Academic Thank you for a great programme. Prior to the classes, I was suffering from severe insomnia which made concentration on a programme of PhD study extremely difficult. By the 5th session, I found I was far more relaxed; and a few weeks later was back into a normal sleep pattern, due to the use of CDs specially designed for the course. I now have a more confident and motivated approach to my studies and life in general. The great thing about the techniques of relaxation and mindfulness developed in Caroline's classes is that they are life skills which can be practiced at any age, and have positive application to all areas of one's daily life. By participating in the classes, I felt I was doing something very special both for myself and my family. Jill H, PhD student, Dunedin Thank you for sharing your passionate commitment to a way of being in the world that is creative, constructive and compassionate. Not only we as individuals benefit, but also those around us. It was a pleasure to attend the course. The facilitator (Caroline) was very open to people's varying experiences, opinions and ideologies, thus making the programme accessible to women from a wide variety of backgrounds. After years of dabbling with many of the concepts embodied in the course, I finally feel they have consolidated. I have now actually grasped the tools I need to live a healthier and more vital life in mind and body. M.W., Dunedin I wish this course could be taught in schools - the life enhancing skills I've learned are wonderful. The course strengthens and empowers us to change our lives for the better. Caroline has a very gentle and encouraging way of sharing her wisdom and knowledge in life skills. The information imparted is very practical and user-friendly. Jan, Dunedin I am an older woman who has been dealing with the after-effects of a husband's death after a protracted illness. The predominant emotion evolved to be worry and anxiety, which is a constant form of stress. The techniques we learnt on the course have made a big difference in my day to day levels of anxiety, and I will be continuing to make the relaxation exercises part of my daily life. The discussions we had each week were dealt with very sensitively by Caroline, and I felt we all learnt not just from her but from others in the group looking at life from different perspectives. I am definitely very pleased I made the time to fit these weekly sessions into my schedule as I have gained so much information and peace of mind. R.V. Dunedin I found the Mind-body Wellbeing programme a very powerful means of becoming more aware of influences that affect my life, and gaining a wide range of skills to help manage these. The wonderful thing is that I now have these skills to use for the rest of my life. Full credit to Caroline for her caring, perceptive input, and sound logic provided throughout the programme. Carol, Dunedin Very impressed by the programme. The quality, professionalism, your presentation style Caroline. All materials very useful. Well organised. LOVED IT! Would recommend to anyone. D.L., Dunedin Fantastic course. Excellent facilitation - thanks Caroline - loved the mix of sharing experiences, learning a range of techniques - and the scientific foundation - a great combination. Thanks. Lawyer, Dunedin A striking change in my life as a result of doing the Mind-Body Wellbeing Programme is a change in consciousness. This is the essential pre-requisite to changes in behaviour, and measurable health benefits. I now have a much greater awareness of how it is imperative for me to treat myself with respect, honour and kindness. Everything else flows from that awareness and commitment. Thank you for your wonderful leadership of the course. Anonymous, University Lecturer