Wellness Workshops

10-Week Mindfulness Practice Series

Mindfulness Skills have emerged as an important focus of several empirically supported treatments. The roots of mindfulness practice are in the contemplative practices common to both eastern and western spiritual disciplines and to the emerging scientific knowledge about the benefits of “allowing” experiences rather than suppressing or avoiding them. Mindfulness practices can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Mindfulness in its totality has to do with the quality of awareness that a person brings to everyday living; learning to control your mind, rather than letting your mind control you. Mindfulness as a practice directs your attention to only one thing, and that one thing is the moment you are living in. When you recognize the moment, what it looks like, feels like, tastes like, sounds like – you are being mindful.

Mindfulness is the process of observing, describing, and participating in reality in a non-judgmental manner, in the moment and with effectiveness. At the same time, mindfulness is the window to acceptance, freedom, and wisdom.

Facilitated by Michele Naphen, MSW, LCSW, a sixteen-year practitioner of meditation and mindfulness who integrates mindfulness teachings and practices in her work as a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist. Michele has completed the intensive training for health care professionals taught by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., and Saki Santorelli, Ed.D., founder and director of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Amherst, MA. Michele is also a senior student of John Welwood, Ph.D., a psychologist who writes and teaches therapists about the healing power of being unconditionally and fully present, with ourselves and others. Michele’s interest is in helping people discover the art and joy of mindful living in creative ways that work for them, and in all aspects of their lives.

Fridays, May 23, 2008 to August 1, 2008
7:00 to 8:15 p.m.
$350 for a ten week series.
Insurance accepted. Registration required.

For more information and to register call Elizabeth Alberts, MSW, LCSW at ext. 1
Village Counseling Services, LLC, 22 Gordon Ave., P.O. Box 6573, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
609-844-0452
director@vcsnj.info
www.villagecounselingservices.info

TAKE THE LEAP
EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO BE THEIR BEST!

6 STEPS TO BETTER CHOICES,
MORE CONFIDENCE &
STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS

1. Beginnings – Who am I?

2. Lead – Identifies purpose, values and desires

3. Excel – Motivates individuals to overcome obstacles in life through leadership principles

4. Act – Connects youth with a powerful force that has the ability to turn goals into reality.

5. Persevere – Provides the opportunity to learn about the behaviors and beliefs that hold students back.

6. New Beginnings – Where do I go from here?

The LEAP Program helps youth and teens identify their purpose, overcome their limiting beliefs, enhance peer relationships, and develop a plan for reaching their true potential. Using a strategic coaching process, the LEAP Program teaches youth how to have greater respect for the choices they make, feel more inner confidence, use better decision making skills, build stronger relationships with friends and loved ones, and have more motivation and commitment towards their school community and future. LEAP is a short-term, solution-focused, strength based counseling group program. The LEAP Program is for anyone who wants to learn more about their life, challenges and dreams.

The Leap Program Includes:

• LEAP Workbook
• 6 Group Coaching Sessions
• 2 Private Coaching Sessions (30 min. ea.)

COACH KRISTINA

Coach Kristina Rago, MSW, CEC, is a certified personal coach and LEAP Facilitator who helps young men and women make empowered choices around personal growth, performance, school, friendship, self-expression, and difficult life issues. She works with youth to create a safe space where they can be themselves and motivates them to move from where they are to where they truly want to be in life. She understands the challenges adolescents confront and the importance of developing strategies to face difficult life issues.

The LEAP Program was created by Coach Randy of Your Personal Coach, LLC, and is a culmination of twenty years of commitment to youth, teens and young adults. Through the Four Cornerstones and the Five Core Principles teens are taken on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and life fulfillment.

The LEAP Program is offered at

Village Counseling Services
22 Gordon Avenue
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
609.895.0073

~LEAP is also offered
at on-site locations~

VALUE ADDED BENEFITS

Youth make better choices about friends, family, school and the future
Youth experience an increase in confidence and self-esteem
Youth develop healthier relationships
Youth learn problem solving skills to avoid the pitfalls of peer pressure
Youth learn to decrease anger and negativity
Youth learn how to unlock their true potential
Parents/Guardians provide youth with essential tools and support
Parents/Guardians enhance their family experience