Kids Mindfulness is a weekly Early Intervention group therapy program for children aged 5-12 years. A combination of CBT and Mindfulness. Teaching kids to self regulate emotions, self soothe and self manage stress. Practicing principles of Kindness, compassion, gratitude, acceptance, non judgment, impermanence and letting go. A mix of hands on Meditation, breath focus, mindful movement and games, story telling and age appropriate mindfulness education.
Back in 2018, the state Government in their infinite wisdom withdrew funding from a fully funded mental health program that Private Practitioners like myself deliver within their practice. This resulted in the loss of a significant part of my work. To survive and keep my business afloat, I was forced to think outside the box. I went to bed one night, pleading with the universe to send me an idea, a life line, a way to keep my doors open. I literally woke up a few mornings later with an idea to run a kids mental health group. I had attended a Buddhist Meditation Retreat the previous year. This had ignited a passion and desire within me to use the practice of Mindfulness and Meditation for not only my own well-being but the wellbeing of my clients. I sat down and wrote the program. Initially it was a little unstructured and I only had 4 kids in my first ever session back in July 2018. Before long word spread and I filled one group of 8 kids and then two groups of 8 kids. The original program consisted of breathwork practice and guided meditation. Over the years the program has been restructured and refined to what it is today. Kids Mindfulness is now a term long modified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course. A combination of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness practice and Education and Relaxation Strategies that include breath work and guided age appropriate meditations. We also engage in games and art and craft activities at times. The program has also grown exponentially. I very quickly went from teaching one class of four children per week, to teaching four classes of 48 children per week. To date I have assisted over 130 children to find their calm. In 2019 the program was nominated for a number of awards via the Australian Allied Health Awards-Impact Achievement Award. Educator Excellence Award, and I was a finalist for Australian Social Worker of the Year. Kids Mindfulness absolutely saved my business.It was a little idea that grew into something huge and amazing that has now assisted so many children. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to do this work. It is so satisfying and rewarding. I say often that teaching this program is truly the highlight of my 27 year career.
Kids Mindfulness is an after school program that runs to school term. Medicare rebates are available to help with the cost of fees. NDIS participants welcomed. Please get int touch to find out more kidsmindfulness@outlook.com.au