Mindfulness teacher training information session
2025-07-08 12:30 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | Online
Are you interested in teaching Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy or Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction? Or perhaps you would like to include mindfulness-based interventions in your current work with clients? Either way, this session will provide all you need to know about various training options with us.

What’s included

The session will be led by Ruth Sequeira, Sussex Mindfulness Centre’s teacher. It will include a short presentation, and you will have the opportunity to get your questions answered.

Book your place

Book your place by emailing spft.smc@nhs.net and you will be sent a joining link.

MBCT for difficult-to-treat depression workshop
2025-07-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Online
To explore the practical applications from the RESPOND Trial

This workshop introduces key findings and clinical insights from the RESPOND randomised controlled trial, which evaluated Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) as a further-line treatment for people who had not remitted following high-intensity NHS Talking Therapies.

What will the workshop cover?

The workshop will present findings from the RESPOND research trial which examined if MBCT is a helpful approach for people struggling with depression, who haven’t responded to a previous psychological therapy for depression. The workshop will be led by the researchers behind the study, Thorsten Barnhofer, Barney Dunn, Florian Ruths, Mary Ryan and Clara Strauss.

Participants will gain:

An overview of RESPOND’s key clinical and cost-effectiveness findings;

Insights into how MBCT may work for those who haven’t responded to other psychological therapies;

Reflections from service users, therapists, and supervisors on delivering and receiving MBCT in this context;

Practical guidance for implementing MBCT as a further-line intervention in NHS Talking Therapy services and other routine care settings;

The session will support clinicians to expand the use of MBCT and enhance service provision for people with complex and treatment-resistant courses of depression.

Who is this for?

This workshop is intended for CBT therapists, practitioner psychologists and other psychotherapists, MBCT teachers and clinicians working in NHS Talking Therapies. The session will focus on the practical application of MBCT for clients who have not fully responded to previous evidence-based interventions.

Where?

The workshop will be online, and you will receive your link after you have booked.

The presenters

Thorsten Barnhofer

Thorsten Barnhofer, PhD, is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Surrey where he conducts research into the use of mindfulness-based interventions for the treatment of depression and associated mental disorders across the lifespan.

Barney Dunn

Barney Dunn is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Mood Disorders Centre, University of Exeter. He co-directs the AccEPT clinic, an NHS commissioned psychological therapies innovation service, which has included mindfulness based approaches as part of its offerings for the past 15 years. His particular research interests around mindfulness and MBCT are adapting it for hard-to-treat depression and understanding its impacts on positive emotions and wellbeing.

Florian Ruths

Florian Ruths is a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Maudsley Hospital in London and former community psychiatrist. As lead for the Maudsley Mindfulness Service he has been delivering Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Groups (MBCT) for patients with chronic depression and anxiety problems for 18 years. He is running an mindfulness-based program to improve compassion, well-being and resilience in doctors at the Maudsley and Kings Hospital (“MBCT-HIT”). Florian has converted this 8 week mindfulness program into a 2-day retreat format (“M4MD”), which he has been delivering in cities across the UK for several years. Florian is the London-lead of a randomised-controlled multicentre trial investigating mindfulness on patients with CBT-resistant depression (RESPOND). The study is in publication stage. Florian explores the overlaps between psychiatry and mindfulness approaches to help patients with emotional disorders and complex trauma. Florian teaches Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema therapy & MBCT on MSc and DClinPsych Courses at King’s College in London. He was co-opted in 2024 onto the General Adult Faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists to promote the re-introduction of a psychological and relational foundation into British Psychiatry Training and Practice.

Mary Ryan

Mary Ryan was as a doctor for many years but now works in a variety of roles to use her own experiences of severe mental health problems to improve mental health care. She is committed to making lived experiences central to all mental health research and contributes to a range of projects exploring better treatments for depression and better care for people with personality disorders, suicidality or self-harm.

Clara Strauss

Clara Strauss is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Deputy Director of Research in Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, where she co-leads Sussex Mindfulness Centre, and a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Sussex. She is a mindfulness teacher, supervisor and researcher who is passionate about learning from research and putting research findings into practice. Her particular research interests are in developing and evaluating the effectiveness and mechanisms of action of mindfulness and compassion approaches to support wellbeing and mental health.

Certificate

If you would like a certificate of attendance, you can request this after the event.

Cost and booking

The cost of the workshop is

Free for current MBCT in NHS Talking Therapy trainees.

Free for MBCT NHSTT alumni.

Free for MBCT teachers and/or trainees currently working on NHS Talking Therapies services.

Free for NHS Talking Therapies service leads.

Free for SPFT MBCT teachers.

Free for anyone who has taught a course for SMC in the past 12 months.

£10 for SMC former teachers.

£10 for current and past Foundation and MBI trainees.

£20 for everybody else.

Moment to pause - Free lunchtime mindfulness session
2025-07-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-01 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Work and life can feel so busy that you don’t have a spare moment to think, plan or just experience the moment. Join a one-hour lunchtime session to experience how mindfulness can bring space and new perspectives.

Overview

Mindfulness offers a chance to pause. It can help you manage stress and difficulties, reflect on what’s most important to you and learn how to take better care of yourself.

This one-hour lunch-time session will give you a pause in the day to experience the benefits of practicing mindfulness. You will be guided through the basic principles of mindfulness and will sample a range of different practices. Over time these practices can help you build the capacity to experience life differently. Mindfulness can work for you as an individual and for your team or service.

Who is it for?

These sessions are for you if you are:

Would like to take a moment to pause in the middle of the day.

Are returning to mindfulness and want a refresh / reminder about what is involved.

Completely new to mindfulness and meditation and want to try it out.

Where?

Online on Zoom

For all mindfulness work, the connection between people in the group is central to the discovery and learning process. Please ensure the camera on your device is turned on during the session and try your best to join from a quiet, private space, if possible. We’re aware that the session is during lunchtime. If you’d like, feel free to bring something to eat during the discussion. While eating your lunch during the discussion parts, please continue to keep the camera on.

Trauma-informed mindful movement workshop
2025-07-16 09:30 - 16:30 | Online
In this day long workshop, we will join together in a spirit of connection and collaboration to explore the various ways in which our personal meditation practice can open to meet the challenges of the wider world, of which we are a part.

What is covered?

Foundations of mindful movement will include safety principles, intentions and offering guidance with graded movement. We will draw on the work of environmental activist and systems scholar Joanna Macy, as well as interpersonal and personal mindfulness practice. Building understanding, confidence and skills to bring awareness of moving mindfully to your specific population and setting.

Who is this for?

This workshop is suitable for mindfulness teachers working in clinical settings and with the general public.

Where?

The workshop will be online, and you will receive your link after you have booked.

The facilitator – Sarah Silverton

Sarah trained as an occupational therapist and has been working in mental health services in the NHS and in Social Services for more than 20 years. Sarah trained as a counsellor to master’s level.

Sarah Silverton

Sarah has a long-standing passion for movement practices and runs mindful movement retreats three times each year, online and at Trigonos, North Wales. She has practiced pilates and yoga for many years.

In the mid 1990’s Sarah was introduced to mindfulness and was trained by Mark Williams to teach mindfulness. Sarah also studied at the Centre for Mindfulness, Massachusetts in 1999 with Melissa Blacker, Jon Kabat-Zinn and Florence Meleo-Meyer amongst others. Sarah was a member of the core teaching and training team at the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice (CMRP) at Bangor University since it was established in 2001 for 10 years.

Sarah has published The Mindfulness Breakthrough, Watkins, 2012 reprinted as The Mindfulness Key in 2016 and Mindfulness and the Transformation of Despair, Williams, Fennell, Barnhofer, Crane and Silverton, Guilford, 2015 printed in paperback in 2017 as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy with People at Risk of Suicide. She has contributed to a number of academic papers.

Certificate

If you would like a certificate of attendance, you can request this after the event.

Booking

The cost of the workshop is £25. You can book here below.

Wellbeing course for migrants
2025-07-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Learn skills to manage stress and improve life. Join this free ten-week programme for migrants. The trauma-informed and culturally sensitive course will be held outdoors in a private garden. The course sessions are on Tuesdays from 10am to 12 midday, from 22 July until 30 September 2025 (no session on 23 September).

You can secure your place by filling in this short application form.

Overview

The course includes activities designed to promote wellbeing, and reduce anxiety and stress. These activies include:

Learning simple skills to help calm the mind

Gentle movement and stretching exercises (that can be adapted for everyone)

Using art and and creativity (no experience needed)

An opportunity to practice English. The course is taught in plain simple English using visual prompts (fluency is not necessary)

The benefits of doing the course include:

Understanding how the mind works

Being able to cope better in difficult situations

Shared sense of solidarity and community

Location

The location will be in an outdoors in a secluded garden. You’ll be sent details of how to get there once you enrol. We will be able to supply bus passes for people who need to travel.

Background to the course

This course enables participants to access the benefits of mindfulness in a way that is is a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive. The Mindfulness Across Borders curriculum was created by Ariana Faris and Sheila Webb with funding from the Oxford Mindfulness Foundation. The design is based on a project piloting courses in trauma-adapted and culturally-sensitive Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for refugee and asylum-seeking communities in London, Cardiff and Brighton. The curriculum was co-produced with refugees in these cities. It is therefore sensitive to the experience and traumas that individuals may have faced.

The Sussex Mindfulness Centre is offering this course free, as part of its efforts to reach underrepresented communities.

Who is the course for?

All refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK, whatever your current status, are very welcome. This course is open to men and women migrants and other people who identify with refugees and people seeking asylum.

Teachers

Robert Marx

Robert is Co-Lead (training) for the Sussex Mindfulness Centre. He is a consultant clinical psychologist and has been involved in running mindfulness groups for staff and patients since 2006. He also trains and supervises others doing mindfulness work. He is interested in relational mindfulness and in adaptations of mindfulness-based interventions using compassion practices.

Julia Powell

Julia trained to be a mindfulness teacher in 2017, after a career in international development, social justice and human rights, including the rights of people seeking asylum in the UK. Julia runs mindfulness courses and coaching for the public and for refugees and asylum seekers.

Course format

The session provides a range of activities and each session is different. Generally, they start with some gentle movement or stretching exercises. The first four sessions are designed so participants can get an idea of what happens, and decide if the course is for them. From session five, the course is closed to newcomers to create a more intimate and safe space.

There is a tea break in the middle of the sessions.

How to apply

The course is free. If you would like to apply please fill in this short application form here. Or if you want more information please email Lara at spft.smc@nhs.net.

Mindfulness teacher training information session
2025-08-26 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-11 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-30 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Are you interested in teaching Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy or Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction? Or perhaps you would like to include mindfulness-based interventions in your current work with clients? Either way, this session will provide all you need to know about various training options with us.

What’s included

The session will be led by Fergal Jones, Sussex Mindfulness Centre’s teacher trainer convenor. It will include a short overview, and you will have the opportunity to get your questions answered.

Book your place

Book your place by emailing spft.smc@nhs.net and you will be sent a joining link.

Mindfulness eight-week course: Tuesday evenings
2025-09-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
This course is designed to help improve wellbeing and give you tools to respond to the stresses and strains of everyday life. It has been developed for the general population, and is based on the original Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy course.

Overview​

This course helps participants develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences which in turn helps cultivate resilience and reduce low-mood and anxiety. It combines mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioural techniques. There is increasing evidence that shows mindfulness is effective for reducing low-mood, and helping to improve wellbeing and resilience.

Who is it for?

This course is intended for members of the general public who are looking to improve their wellbeing and discover tools to help with the general stresses and strains of everyday life. Taking this course also counts as one of the requirements for joining our mindfulness teacher training, if this is something you may be interested in.

Please note, this course may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing mental health issues, you should talk to your GP about being referred to the appropriate clinical service. Many NHS services now provide MBCT free of charge for people with mental health difficulties. You can find details on referrals and self-referral here.

When?

Tuesday evenings from 6.00pm to 8.00pm, starting on 30 September and running to 18 November 2025. There is an optional online all-day retreat on 6 December. The orientation session is on Tuesday 16 September.

Where?

Online. You will get Zoom log-in details when your place is confirmed.

The format of the course?

Two-hour orientation session at the start to find out what to expect during the course and ask any questions you may have

Eight weekly two-hour classes including mindfulness practices, discussion and exercises

A one-day online retreat

Daily meditation home practice of between 20 to 40 minutes

The course involves mindfulness meditation practices of up to 30 minutes in each group session, and recommended daily home practice of between 20-40 minutes. These will be guided by the mindfulness teacher in each session, and via audio recordings for the home practice. Everything is optional, and you are encouraged only to do what feels safe and comfortable for you. The practices may involve lying down, sitting, walking and other forms of movement.

In the sessions, the mindfulness teacher will invite group members to share their experiences of practice. Again this is completely optional, and you are encouraged to share only what you are comfortable with. The sessions will include smaller-group discussions, typically with two to four people. If the class is online these discussions will be via break out rooms.

Facilitator

Ruth Sequeira

Ruth Sequeira is as senior trainer, supervisor and mindfulness teacher for the Sussex Mindfulness Centre. She is also a psychological therapist and the Mindfulness and Compassion Training and Retreat Lead at the Mindfulness Network. Ruth has a history of working in mental health services and until recently worked as a clinical lead in the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in Sussex. Ruth has a longstanding interest in mindfulness, meditation and movement, and is passionate about increasing access to mindfulness courses in different populations.

Ruth Sequeira will be supported by assistant teacher Kate Webb.

How to book

Please note, we ask all those who book a place on this course to fill in an application form that will be sent to the facilitators. If you haven’t already, please head here to fill in the form.

The cost of the eight-week course is £250. We also offer a choice of two other options:

£275 – Supporting rate. You can support other participants to attend who are on a low income.

£225 – Supported rate, if you are on a low income.

Mindfulness eight-week course for SPFT staff: Tuesday evenings
2025-09-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
This course will help improve wellbeing and give you tools to respond to the stresses and strains of everyday life. It has been developed for the general population, and is based on the original Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy course .

Overview​

This course helps participants develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences which in turn helps cultivate resilience and reduce low-mood and anxiety. It combines mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioural techniques. There is increasing evidence that shows mindfulness is effective for reducing low-mood, and helping to improve wellbeing and resilience.

Who is it for?

This course has been adapted for members of the general public who are looking to improve their wellbeing and discover tools to help with the general stresses and strains of everyday life. Taking this course also counts as one of the requirements for joining our mindfulness teacher training, if this is something you may be interested in.

Please note, this course may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing mental health issues, you should talk to your GP about being referred to the appropriate clinical service. Many NHS services now provide MBCT free of charge for people with mental health difficulties. You can find details on referrals and self-referral here.

When?

Tuesday evenings from 6.00pm to 8.00pm, starting on 30 September and running to 18 November 2025. The orientation session is on Tuesday 16 September.

To get the benefits of this course it is helpful if you can attend all the sessions. If you cannot attend all the sessions (see above dates) then it may be better for you to wait for another course when you can.

Where?

Online. You will get Zoom log-in details when your place is confirmed.

The format of the course?

The course will involve:

Two-hour orientation session at the start to find out what to expect during the course and ask any questions you may have

Daily meditation home practice of between 20 to 40 minutes

Eight weekly two-hour classes including mindfulness practices, discussion and exercises

An optional one-day online retreat

The course involves mindfulness meditation practices of up to 30 minutes in each group session, and recommended daily home practice of between 20-40 minutes. These will be guided by the mindfulness teacher in each session, and via audio recordings for the home practice. Everything is optional, and you are encouraged only to do what feels safe and comfortable for you. The practices may involve lying down, sitting, walking and other forms of movement.

In the sessions, the mindfulness teacher will invite group members to share their experiences of practice. Again this is completely optional, and you are encouraged to share only what you are comfortable with. The sessions will include smaller-group discussions, typically with two to four people. If the class is online these discussions will be via break out rooms.

Facilitator

Ruth Sequeira

Ruth Sequeira is as senior trainer, supervisor and mindfulness teacher for the Sussex Mindfulness Centre. She is also a psychological therapist and the Mindfulness and Compassion Training and Retreat Lead at the Mindfulness Network. Ruth has a history of working in mental health services and until recently worked as a clinical lead in the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in Sussex. Ruth has a longstanding interest in mindfulness, meditation and movement, and is passionate about increasing access to mindfulness courses in different populations.

How to book

Please fill in the application form here. We will be in touch once your place is confirmed.

Buddhist foundations of mindfulness
2025-09-19 09:30 - 16:30 | Online
Even though many of us deliver entirely secular mindfulness programmes, many of the ideas in contemporary mindfulness-based programmes make more sense when we understand their origins and intentions.

Co-author of Mindfulness: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Psychology, Christina Feldman is one of the few experts who can help us understand the connections between the two worlds.

Who is this for?

This masterclass is suitable for anyone involved in teaching, or training to teach, mindfulness; or anyone with a particular interest in the Buddhist underpinnings of mindfulness practice.

The facilitator

Christina Feldman is a leader in the field of mindfulness and Buddhist teachings. A well-known author in this field, she is one of the few people who can make this bridge. We are delighted to welcome her back again to run this event.

Christina is a co-founder of Gaia House. She has been leading Insight Meditation retreats worldwide since 1976. She is a Guiding Teacher of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts. She is the author of a number of books including ‘Woman Awake’, ‘Way of Meditation’, and co-author of ‘Soul Food’. Recent books include ‘Silence’, ‘The Buddhist Path to Simplicity’ and ‘The Boundless Heart’. Christina is the co-founder of Bodhi College and she teaches on several modules on the MBCT postgraduate training at Exeter University. Her contribution focuses upon the Buddhist psychological foundations that underpin mindfulness-based interventions. She is a contributing faculty teacher at Njimegen University in the Netherlands; she leads retreats internationally and is involved in the dialogue between classical Buddhist teachings and their application today through mindfulness-based interventions.

Certificates

Please email spft.smc@nhs.net after the event if you would like a Certificate of Attendance.

Booking

The masterclass costs £99 (£50 for SPFT staff members). You can book here.

Trauma-informed mindful movement workshop - Day two
2025-10-01 10:00 - 16:00 | Online
Building on the basic principles of safe movement that we explored in Day 1, this workshop will help you to identify the intentions and specific needs of your clients and support you to create a safe, balanced, accessible and engaging programme.

What is covered?

This online day intends to offer a space to discuss and create a sequence of mindful movements that will suit your population, particularly if standard mindful movement does not feel appropriate for your groups. For example, if:

Your clinical participants have specific needs or movement limitations

You have a broad range of movement abilities in your group

Your participants don’t move easily/don’t move generally in their lives

We will identify the intentions and specific learning to meet your clients’ needs, and support you to create a safe, balanced, accessible and engaging programme.

While the teacher has some clinical experience, she may not have full knowledge of the issues affecting the people you may be working with. Your own understanding of their needs and challenges accessing mindful movement will be crucial in this process.

Who is this for?

This workshop is suitable for mindfulness teachers working in both clinical settings and with the general public.

Where?

The workshop will be online, and you will receive your link after you have booked.

The facilitator – Sarah Silverton

Sarah trained as an occupational therapist and has been working in mental health services in the NHS and in Social Services for more than twenty years. Sarah trained as a counsellor to Master’s level. Sarah has a long-standing passion for movement practices and runs mindful movement retreats three times each year, online and at the Trigonos Retreat in North Wales.

Sarah Silverton

In the mid 1990’s Sarah was trained by Mark Williams to teach mindfulness. Sarah also studied at the Center for Mindfulness, Massachusetts in 1999 with Melissa Blacker, Jon Kabat-Zinn and Florence Meleo-Meyer among others. Sarah was a member of the core teaching and training team at the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice (CMRP) at Bangor University since it was established in 2001 for 10 years.

Sarah has published The Mindfulness Breakthrough, Watkins, 2012 reprinted as The Mindfulness Key in 2016, and Mindfulness and the Transformation of Despair, Williams, Fennell, Barnhofer, Crane and Silverton, Guilford, 2015 printed in paperback in 2017, as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy with People at Risk of Suicide.

Certificate

If you would like a certificate of attendance, you can request this after the event.

Booking

The cost of the workshop is £25. You can book here below.

Mindfulness eight-week course for SPFT staff: Thursday mornings
2025-10-02 09:30 - 11:30 | Online
This course will help improve wellbeing and give you tools to respond to the stresses and strains of everyday life. It has been developed for the general population, and is based on the original Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy course .

Overview​

This course helps participants develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences which in turn helps cultivate resilience and reduce low-mood and anxiety. It combines mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioural techniques. There is increasing evidence that shows mindfulness is effective for reducing low-mood, and helping to improve wellbeing and resilience.

Who is it for?

This course has been adapted for members of the general public who are looking to improve their wellbeing and discover tools to help with the general stresses and strains of everyday life. Taking this course also counts as one of the requirements for joining our mindfulness teacher training, if this is something you may be interested in.

Please note, this course may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing mental health issues, you should talk to your GP about being referred to the appropriate clinical service. Many NHS services now provide MBCT free of charge for people with mental health difficulties. You can find details on referrals and self-referral here.

When?

Thursday mornings from 9.30 to 11.30 starting on 9 October and running to 4 December 2025, (no session 30 October). The orientation session is on Thursday 2 October.

To get the benefits of this course it is helpful if you can attend all the sessions. If you cannot attend all the sessions (see above dates) then it may be better for you to wait for another course when you can.

Where?

Online. You will get Zoom log-in details when your place is confirmed.

The format of the course?

The course will involve:

Two-hour orientation session at the start to find out what to expect during the course and ask any questions you may have

Daily meditation home practice of between 20 to 40 minutes

Eight weekly two-hour classes including mindfulness practices, discussion and exercises

An optional one-day online retreat

The course involves mindfulness meditation practices of up to 30 minutes in each group session, and recommended daily home practice of between 20-40 minutes. These will be guided by the mindfulness teacher in each session, and via audio recordings for the home practice. Everything is optional, and you are encouraged only to do what feels safe and comfortable for you. The practices may involve lying down, sitting, walking and other forms of movement.

In the sessions, the mindfulness teacher will invite group members to share their experiences of practice. Again this is completely optional, and you are encouraged to share only what you are comfortable with. The sessions will include smaller-group discussions, typically with two to four people. If the class is online these discussions will be via break out rooms.

Facilitator

Bridgette O’Neill

Bridgette is a clinical psychologist by professional training and has taught mindfulness-based approaches in NHS mental health services for staff and clients since 2002. She is a senior lecturer, trainer, and supervisor with the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice and the Mindfulness Network as well as a trainer with the Sussex Mindfulness Centre. Bridgette has a particular interest in mindfulness and compassion-based approaches in relation to social and environmental challenges and is part of the author group of the paper ‘Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Our Time: A Curriculum that is up to the Task’.

Bridgette O’Neill will be supported by assistant teacher trainee Warren Deighan.

How to book

Please fill in the application form here. We will be in touch once your place is confirmed.

Mindfulness eight-week course: Thursday mornings
2025-10-02 09:30 - 11:30 | Online
This course is designed to help improve wellbeing and give you tools to respond to the stresses and strains of everyday life. It has been developed for the general population, and is based on the original Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy course.

Overview​

This course helps participants develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences which in turn helps cultivate resilience and reduce low-mood and anxiety. It combines mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioural techniques. There is increasing evidence that shows mindfulness is effective for reducing low-mood, and helping to improve wellbeing and resilience.

Who is it for?

This course is intended for members of the general public who are looking to improve their wellbeing and discover tools to help with the general stresses and strains of everyday life. Taking this course also counts as one of the requirements for joining our mindfulness teacher training, if this is something you may be interested in.

Please note, this course may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing mental health issues, you should talk to your GP about being referred to the appropriate clinical service. Many NHS services now provide MBCT free of charge for people with mental health difficulties. You can find details on referrals and self-referral here.

When?

Thursday mornings from 9.30 to 11.30 starting on 9 October and running to 4 December 2025 (no session 30 October). The orientation session is on Thursday 2 October.

There is an optional online all-day retreat on 6 December.

Where?

Online. You will get Zoom log-in details when your place is confirmed.

The format of the course?

The course will involve:

Daily meditation home practice of between 20 to 40 minutes

Two-hour orientation session at the start to find out what to expect during the course and ask any questions you may have

Eight weekly two-hour classes including mindfulness practices, discussion and exercises

An optional one-day online retreat

The course involves mindfulness meditation practices of up to 30 minutes in each group session, and recommended daily home practice of between 20-40 minutes. These will be guided by the mindfulness teacher in each session, and via audio recordings for the home practice. Everything is optional, and you are encouraged only to do what feels safe and comfortable for you. The practices may involve lying down, sitting, walking and other forms of movement.

In the sessions, the mindfulness teacher will invite group members to share their experiences of practice. Again this is completely optional, and you are encouraged to share only what you are comfortable with. The sessions will include smaller-group discussions, typically with two to four people. If the class is online these discussions will be via break out rooms.

Facilitator

Bridgette O’Neill

Bridgette is a clinical psychologist by professional training and has taught mindfulness-based approaches in NHS mental health services for staff and clients since 2002. She is a senior lecturer, trainer, and supervisor with the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice and the Mindfulness Network as well as a trainer with the Sussex Mindfulness Centre. Bridgette has a particular interest in mindfulness and compassion-based approaches in relation to social and environmental challenges and is part of the author group of the paper ‘Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Our Time: A Curriculum that is up to the Task’.

Bridgette O’Neill will be supported by assistant teacher trainee Warren Deighan.

How to book

Please note, we ask all those who book a place on this course to fill in an application form that will be sent to the facilitators. If you haven’t already, please head here to fill in the form.

The cost of the eight-week course is £250. We also offer a choice of two other options:

£225 – Supported rate, if you find yourself on a low income.

£275 – Supporting rate. You can support other participants to attend who are on a low income.

Compassionate Leadership Training for health and social care leaders on Tuesday afternoons
2025-10-07 15:00 - 17:00 | Online
Compassionate leadership is linked with improved learning and innovation, and reduced staff stress, injuries and absenteeism, and even reduced patient mortality.

Six online sessions on Tuesdays from 7 October until 18 November (no session on 28 October).

Following this, there will be follow-up sessions to review our learning and practice on

Monday 8 December from 4 to 5pm

Thursday 14 January from 3 to 4pm

Tuesday 10 February from 3 to 4pm

Thursday 12 March from 4 to 5pm

Overview

At the heart of compassion is the notion that everyone experiences difficulty, and that we can all play a role in alleviating our own difficulties and those of others. Whether this is compassion for ourselves, the people we lead, colleagues or service users. We won’t always feel like helping and will sometimes be tired or overwhelmed or unable to connect. Although it helps to have positive feelings, we do not have to feel compassion to be compassionate. We can recognise our physical and mental state, resource ourselves as best we can, and respond from our firm compassionate intention, rather than from impulse or intense emotion.

How does this translate into compassion in health and social care organisations? How might we think about compassionate leadership, working with colleagues, service users and their friends and families? Prof Michael West has spent his career answering this question, pointing to research that shows how compassionate leadership is linked with improved learning and innovation, and reduced staff stress, injuries and absenteeism, and even reduced patient mortality. In short, compassion is essential to high quality healthcare.

Dr Robert Marx and Professor Clara Strauss have designed a training programme of six weekly sessions, lasting two hours each.

Find out more about Compassionate Leadership Training here. Hear from participants who have done the training in this short video.

Who is the course for?

The course is for anyone in a leadership role within health and social care. It will combine experiential practice and reflection, as well as home practice to help cultivate compassion for ourselves and the people we lead.

Facilitators

Clara Strauss

Clara is Co-Lead (Research) for the Sussex Mindfulness Centre. She is a consultant clinical psychologist, mindfulness teacher and clinical researcher. In her research, Clara is particularly interested in developing and evaluating new forms of mindfulness-based intervention, especially for those people who may not be willing or able to access MBCT. Along with other members of her research team, Clara has been evaluating mindfulness courses for people experiencing depression, for people distressed by hearing voices and for people experiencing obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Nicky Mouat

Nicky is a Registered Nurse and Mental Health Practitioner with more than thirty years of experience working in both mental health and general nursing for the NHS and equivalent, in the UK and Australia.

She completed her mindfulness training at the Sussex Mindfulness Centre in 2015 after finding mindfulness practice transformative in her personal life. She is now a freelance mindfulness practitioner and teaches mindfulness for wellbeing, depression, addiction, and long-term health conditions in the NHS and charity settings. She is also a supervisor, assessor and trainer of mindfulness teachers. She has a Masters Degree in Medical Anthropology, and specialised in how experiences of trauma are experienced and communicated across cultures.

As a BAMBA UK registered teacher, she follows the Good Practice Guidelines, receives supervision for her teaching, and attends regular retreats and training.

Apply and booking

Please note, this course in now fully booked. You can book into the next one here.

Mindfulness eight-week course for SPFT staff: Monday evenings
2025-10-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
This course will help improve wellbeing and give you tools to respond to the stresses and strains of everyday life. It has been developed for the general population, and is based on the original Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy course .

Overview​

This course helps participants develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences which in turn helps cultivate resilience and reduce low-mood and anxiety. It combines mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioural techniques. There is increasing evidence that shows mindfulness is effective for reducing low-mood, and helping to improve wellbeing and resilience.

Who is it for?

This course has been adapted for members of the general public who are looking to improve their wellbeing and discover tools to help with the general stresses and strains of everyday life. Taking this course also counts as one of the requirements for joining our mindfulness teacher training, if this is something you may be interested in.

Please note, this course may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing mental health issues, you should talk to your GP about being referred to the appropriate clinical service. Many NHS services now provide MBCT free of charge for people with mental health difficulties. You can find details on referrals and self-referral here.

When?

Monday evenings from 6.30pm to 8pm starting on 20 October and running to 15 December 2025, (no session 24 November). The orientation session is on Monday 13 October.

To get the benefits of this course it is helpful if you can attend all the sessions. If you cannot attend all the sessions (see above dates) then it may be better for you to wait for another course when you can.

Where?

Online. You will get Zoom log-in details when your place is confirmed.

The format of the course?

The course will involve:

Two-hour orientation session at the start to find out what to expect during the course and ask any questions you may have

Daily meditation home practice of between 20 to 40 minutes

Eight weekly two-hour classes including mindfulness practices, discussion and exercises

An optional one-day online retreat

The course involves mindfulness meditation practices of up to 30 minutes in each group session, and recommended daily home practice of between 20-40 minutes. These will be guided by the mindfulness teacher in each session, and via audio recordings for the home practice. Everything is optional, and you are encouraged only to do what feels safe and comfortable for you. The practices may involve lying down, sitting, walking and other forms of movement.

In the sessions, the mindfulness teacher will invite group members to share their experiences of practice. Again this is completely optional, and you are encouraged to share only what you are comfortable with. The sessions will include smaller-group discussions, typically with two to four people. If the class is online these discussions will be via break out rooms.

Facilitator

Fergal Jones

Fergal Jones is the convenor for the teacher training programmes for Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and adapted mindfulness-based interventions. He is a clinical psychologist and cognitive behavioural therapist who completed mindfulness teacher training at the University of Bangor. He currently works part time in Health in Mind, the primary care well-being service that serves East Sussex. He uses mindfulness in his clinical work, supervises other mindfulness teachers and is involved with a number of research projects concerning mindfulness-based interventions.

Fergal Jones will be supported by assistant teacher trainee Mahsa Akbarzadeh.

How to book

Please fill in the application form here. We will be in touch once your place is confirmed.

Mindfulness eight-week course: Monday evenings
2025-10-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
This course is designed to help improve wellbeing and give you tools to respond to the stresses and strains of everyday life. It has been developed for the general population, and is based on the original Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy course.

Overview​

This course helps participants develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences which in turn helps cultivate resilience and reduce low-mood and anxiety. It combines mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioural techniques. There is increasing evidence that shows mindfulness is effective for reducing low-mood, and helping to improve wellbeing and resilience.

Who is it for?

This course is intended for members of the general public who are looking to improve their wellbeing and discover tools to help with the general stresses and strains of everyday life. Taking this course also counts as one of the requirements for joining our mindfulness teacher training, if this is something you may be interested in.

Please note, this course may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing mental health issues, you should talk to your GP about being referred to the appropriate clinical service. Many NHS services now provide MBCT free of charge for people with mental health difficulties. You can find details on referrals and self-referral here.

When?

Monday evenings from 6pm to 8pm starting on 20 October and running to 15 December 2025, (no session 24 November). The orientation session is on Monday 13 October.

There is an optional online all-day retreat on 6 December.

Where?

Online. You will get Zoom log-in details when your place is confirmed.

The format of the course?

The course will involve:

Daily meditation home practice of between 20 to 40 minutes

Two-hour orientation session at the start to find out what to expect during the course and ask any questions you may have

Eight weekly two-hour classes including mindfulness practices, discussion and exercises

An optional one-day online retreat

The course involves mindfulness meditation practices of up to 30 minutes in each group session, and recommended daily home practice of between 20-40 minutes. These will be guided by the mindfulness teacher in each session, and via audio recordings for the home practice. Everything is optional, and you are encouraged only to do what feels safe and comfortable for you. The practices may involve lying down, sitting, walking and other forms of movement.

In the sessions, the mindfulness teacher will invite group members to share their experiences of practice. Again this is completely optional, and you are encouraged to share only what you are comfortable with. The sessions will include smaller-group discussions, typically with two to four people. If the class is online these discussions will be via break out rooms.

Facilitator

Fergal Jones

Fergal Jones is the convenor for the teacher training programmes for Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and adapted mindfulness-based interventions. He is a clinical psychologist and cognitive behavioural therapist who completed mindfulness teacher training at the University of Bangor. He currently works part time in Health in Mind, the primary care well-being service that serves East Sussex. He uses mindfulness in his clinical work, supervises other mindfulness teachers and is involved with a number of research projects concerning mindfulness-based interventions.

Fergal Jones will be supported by assistant teacher trainee Mahsa Akbarzadeh.

How to book

Please note, we ask all those who book a place on this course to fill in an application form that will be sent to the facilitators. If you haven’t already, please head here to fill in the form

The cost of the eight-week course is £250. We also offer a choice of two other options:

£225 – Supported rate, if you find yourself on a low income.

£275 – Supporting rate. You can support other participants to attend who are on a low income.

You can book here below

Mindfulness eight-week course for SPFT staff: Wednesday afternoons
2025-10-15 15:00 - 17:00 | Online
This course will help improve wellbeing and give you tools to respond to the stresses and strains of everyday life. It has been developed for the general population, and is based on the original Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy course .

Overview​

This course helps participants develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences which in turn helps cultivate resilience and reduce low-mood and anxiety. It combines mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioural techniques. There is increasing evidence that shows mindfulness is effective for reducing low-mood, and helping to improve wellbeing and resilience.

Who is it for?

This course has been adapted for members of the general public who are looking to improve their wellbeing and discover tools to help with the general stresses and strains of everyday life. Taking this course also counts as one of the requirements for joining our mindfulness teacher training, if this is something you may be interested in.

Please note, this course may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing mental health issues, you should talk to your GP about being referred to the appropriate clinical service. Many NHS services now provide MBCT free of charge for people with mental health difficulties. You can find details on referrals and self-referral here.

When?

Wednesday afternoons from 3pm to 5pm starting on 22 October and running to 17 December 2025, (no session 29 October). The orientation session is on Wednesday 15 October.

To get the benefits of this course it is helpful if you can attend all the sessions. If you cannot attend all the sessions (see above dates) then it may be better for you to wait for another course when you can.

Where?

Online. You will get Zoom log-in details when your place is confirmed.

The format of the course?

The course will involve:

Two-hour orientation session at the start to find out what to expect during the course and ask any questions you may have

Daily meditation home practice of between 20 to 40 minutes

Eight weekly two-hour classes including mindfulness practices, discussion and exercises

An optional one-day online retreat

The course involves mindfulness meditation practices of up to 30 minutes in each group session, and recommended daily home practice of between 20-40 minutes. These will be guided by the mindfulness teacher in each session, and via audio recordings for the home practice. Everything is optional, and you are encouraged only to do what feels safe and comfortable for you. The practices may involve lying down, sitting, walking and other forms of movement.

In the sessions, the mindfulness teacher will invite group members to share their experiences of practice. Again this is completely optional, and you are encouraged to share only what you are comfortable with. The sessions will include smaller-group discussions, typically with two to four people. If the class is online these discussions will be via break out rooms.

Facilitator

Taravajra

Taravajra has been teaching mindfulness in Sussex since 2005 to community groups, carers, teachers and NHS staff. Taravajra gained a Masters degree in mindfulness-based approaches in 2010 at Bangor University. Since 2011, he has been part of the core training team at Bangor, teaching on the Masters programme and teacher training pathway in the English and Spanish speaking worlds.

He holds a British Wheel of Yoga teaching diploma and is a Focusing practitioner. Since 2011 he has been one of the main trainers on the Sussex Mindfulness Centre’s teacher training programme.

Taravajra will be supported by assistant teacher trainee Andrea Jorge.

How to book

Please fill in the application form here. We will be in touch once your place is confirmed.

Mindfulness eight-week course: Wednesday afternoons
2025-10-15 15:00 - 17:00 | Online
This course is designed to help improve wellbeing and give you tools to respond to the stresses and strains of everyday life. It has been developed for the general population, and is based on the original Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy course.

Overview​

This course helps participants develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences which in turn helps cultivate resilience and reduce low-mood and anxiety. It combines mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioural techniques. There is increasing evidence that shows mindfulness is effective for reducing low-mood, and helping to improve wellbeing and resilience.

Who is it for?

This course is intended for members of the general public who are looking to improve their wellbeing and discover tools to help with the general stresses and strains of everyday life. Taking this course also counts as one of the requirements for joining our mindfulness teacher training, if this is something you may be interested in.

Please note, this course may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing mental health issues, you should talk to your GP about being referred to the appropriate clinical service. Many NHS services now provide MBCT free of charge for people with mental health difficulties. You can find details on referrals and self-referral here.

When?

Wednesday afternoons from 3pm to 5pm starting on 22 October and running to 17 December 2025, (no session 29 October). The orientation session is on Wednesday 15 October.

There is an optional online all-day retreat on 6 December.

Where?

Online. You will get Zoom log-in details when your place is confirmed.

The format of the course?

The course will involve:

Daily meditation home practice of between 20 to 40 minutes

Two-hour orientation session at the start to find out what to expect during the course and ask any questions you may have

Eight weekly two-hour classes including mindfulness practices, discussion and exercises

An optional one-day online retreat

The course involves mindfulness meditation practices of up to 30 minutes in each group session, and recommended daily home practice of between 20-40 minutes. These will be guided by the mindfulness teacher in each session, and via audio recordings for the home practice. Everything is optional, and you are encouraged only to do what feels safe and comfortable for you. The practices may involve lying down, sitting, walking and other forms of movement.

In the sessions, the mindfulness teacher will invite group members to share their experiences of practice. Again this is completely optional, and you are encouraged to share only what you are comfortable with. The sessions will include smaller-group discussions, typically with two to four people. If the class is online these discussions will be via break out rooms.

Facilitator

Taravajra

Taravajra

Taravajra has been teaching mindfulness in Sussex since 2005 to community groups, carers, teachers and NHS staff. Taravajra gained a Masters degree in mindfulness-based approaches in 2010 at Bangor University. Since 2011, he has been part of the core training team at Bangor, teaching on the Masters programme and teacher training pathway in the English and Spanish speaking worlds.

He holds a British Wheel of Yoga teaching diploma and is a Focusing practitioner. Since 2011 he has been one of the main trainers on the Sussex Mindfulness Centre’s teacher training programme.

Taravajra will be supported by assistant teacher trainee Andrea Jorge.

How to book

Please note, we ask all those who book a place on this course to fill in an application form that will be sent to the facilitators. If you haven’t already, please head here to fill in the form.

he cost of the eight-week course is £250. We also offer a choice of two other options:

£275 – Supporting rate. You can support other participants to attend who are on a low income.

£225 – Supported rate, if you find yourself on a low income.

You can book here below

Mindful Self-Compassion course: eight weeks on Wednesday evenings
2025-10-15 18:15 - 21:00 | Online
Our eight-week Mindful Self-Compassion course teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to challenges and difficult emotions with care and understanding.

Overview​

How we respond to those around us is fundamental to a happy life. We are often encouraged to be kind to people. But in trying to show compassion towards others, we may forget to look after ourselves. Can we truly be kind to anyone else if we cannot be kind to ourselves?

In the Mindful Self-Compassion course we offer ways to meet our own challenges with greater care. Through the course we will learn how to be more mindful of our own feelings in response to others. And how this can help us to be more resilient in difficult situations. We also learn to be less judgemental and more caring. And we will see how this can reduce anxiety, leaving us more open to making helpful changes in our lives.

The course creates a safe, supportive environment. There are three core components:

mindfulness (being present with whatever is happening)

self-kindness (treating ourselves with care rather than criticism)

common humanity (recognising our suffering as part of the shared human experience)​

Some of the main topics we cover are:

handling difficult emotions

transforming the inner critic

cultivating core values

meeting unmet needs

The weekly sessions include:

guided meditations

short talks

discussion, including in small groups

experiential exercises

resources to support home practice

The course creators are Kristin Neff, researcher in the field of self-compassion. And Christopher Germer, leader in the integration of mindfulness and psychotherapy. They have each published books on the subject.

​ Find out more about our Mindful Self-Compassion course here.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for the general public, you do not need to have attended a mindfulness course before. Please note, this courses may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing mental health issues, you should talk to your GP about being referred to the appropriate clinical service.

When?

Wednesday evenings from 6.15pm to 9pm (BST). The course starts with a 1.5 hour orientation on 15 October 2025 at 6.15pm and then runs until 17 December 2025, including a retreat session. In total the course runs for 10 weeks. See below

Orientation: 15 October 2025 (1.5 hours)Session 1: 22 October 2025 (2.75 hours)Session 2: 29 October 2025 (2.75 hours)Session 3: 5 November 2025 (2.75 hours)Session 4: 12 November 2025 (2.75 hours)Retreat Session: 19 November 2025 (2.75 hours)Session 5: 26 November 2025 (2.75 hours)Session 6: 3 December 2025 (2.75 hours)Session 7: 10 December 2025 (2.75 hours)Session 8: 17 December 2025 (2.75 hours)

Where?

Online. You will get Zoom log-in details when your place is confirmed.

The format of the course?

Orientation session of 1.5 hours.

Eight weekly two and three quarter hour classes with a 15 minute break in the middle

A two and three quarter hour retreat session.

The course follows the programme outlined in the Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Christopher Germer and Kristin Neff. It is recommended that you buy this book to accompany the course, but it’s not essential.

Daily meditation home practice of up to 30 minutes is suggested.

Facilitators

Annie Akasati McAuley

Mindfulness meditation has been a source of creativity and joy throughout my life. I am a freelance mindfulness teacher and supervisor. I also work with the Sussex Mindfulness Centre, Suzy Bolt, and the Brighton Buddhist Centre. I am DBS checked and a registered member of the British Association of Mindfulness-based Approaches (BAMBA).

I write a monthly blog on themes related to mindfulness, compassion and wisdom. This is available on our website and other publications. I have a teaching background and have worked with adults and young people over four decades. I am an ordained Buddhist since 1999, leading courses and retreats using my Buddhist name, Akasati.

Julia Powell

Mindfulness has been a huge part of my life ever since I first attended a course in 2007. Having trained to teach with the Oxford Mindfulness Centre in 2017, I have been teaching mindfulness courses since then. Apart from Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, I am also trained to teach Mindfulness for Life, Finding Peace in a Frantic World and Mindful Self-Compassion. I offer 121 mindfulness coaching sessions, am a mindfulness teaching supervisor and run mindfulness courses for the Sussex Mindfulness Centre.

​

How to book

Please note we ask all those who book on this course to fill in an application form here that will be sent to the facilitators. If you haven’t already please head here to fill in the form.

Moment to pause - Free lunchtime mindfulness session
2025-11-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Work and life can feel so busy that you don’t have a spare moment to think, plan or just experience the moment. Join a one-hour lunchtime session to experience how mindfulness can bring space and new perspectives.

Overview

Mindfulness offers a chance to pause. It can help you manage stress and difficulties, reflect on what’s most important to you and learn how to take better care of yourself.

This one-hour lunch-time session will give you a pause in the day to experience the benefits of practicing mindfulness. You will be guided through the basic principles of mindfulness and will sample a range of different practices. Over time these practices can help you build the capacity to experience life differently. Mindfulness can work for you as an individual and for your team or service.

Who is it for?

These sessions are for you if you are:

Would like to take a moment to pause in the middle of the day.

Are returning to mindfulness and want a refresh / reminder about what is involved.

Completely new to mindfulness and meditation and want to try it out.

Where?

Online on Zoom

For all mindfulness work, the connection between people in the group is central to the discovery and learning process. Please ensure the camera on your device is turned on during the session and try your best to join from a quiet, private space, if possible. We’re aware that the session is during lunchtime. Feel free to bring something to eat during the discussion if you’d like.

Mindfulness teacher training information session
2025-11-13 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-18 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Are you interested in offering mindfulness-based interventions in your current work with clients? Or perhaps teaching the eight-week Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy or Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course? Either way, this session will provide all you need to know about the various training options with us.

What’s included

The session will be led by Fergal Jones, Sussex Mindfulness Centre’s teacher trainer convenor. It will include a short overview, and you will have the opportunity to get your questions answered.

Book your place

Book your place by emailing spft.smc@nhs.net and you will be sent a joining link.

Mindful creative all-day retreat
2025-11-29 10:00 - 17:00 | Sussex Education Centre, Hove, West Sussex, United Kingdom
The cracks are how the light gets in: a day retreat drawing on your creativity

A one-day mindfulness retreat, including meditation practices, creative expression and journaling. Experience of creative expression is not necessary.

Background to the day

We are sometimes advised in retreat situations to not do anything, including not to draw, paint or write. Simplifying, and completely letting go of any kind of doing has so much value. However, it can also be very rich to be with and express what comes up creatively, allowing that to further enrich our practice. Creating can help us connect with less conscious, less rational parts of ourselves. It can also help us to trust and receive the unfolding of our experience through whatever medium we are using. This can help us come alive and connect with ourselves and the world, to express what emerges from our practice and to deepen it.

Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, a well-known and highly-respected meditation teacher says:

“Art can be the most supportive part of what one does in life with meditation practice. Art enriches the practice, and in the end, meditation practice and art become united. This is the goal of all practitioners: what we practice in meditation becomes our life…..there is no reason to see a conflict between art and meditation practice. Of course, you might want to spend more time doing one or the other but, please, never see them in conflict. See them as supportive of one another. Both have connections, passions, fulfilment and joy which, together, make us whole. This wholeness of being is the true accomplishment of a full life.”

Content of the day

This day will be held as a mostly silent retreat day with mindfulness practices interspersed with creativity, using clay, drawing/painting and journaling and poetry. Some meditation experience (such as having done an eight-week course) is required but no experience of artistic or creative work is needed. Materials will be supplied. The day will be held at the Sussex Education Centre in Hove.

Why a one-day retreat?

A one-day mindfulness retreat is an important part of the eight-week mindfulness course. It also offers an opportunity to extend your practice within a supportive environment. For people who meditate regularly the retreat offers a great way to deepen and refresh your practice. Read more about the benefits of a day long retreat.

This day retreat counts towards the requirement to attend silent retreats as part your BAMBA registration as a mindfulness teacher.

Who is it for?

This day is right for you if you have attended an eight-week Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness for Life or Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course, or have an established mindfulness practice. No artistic experience is required. Please note, this is not a clinical intervention and it is not advisable to do this day in the heat of a crisis, when it would be important to access your GP or your designated mental health clinician.

Retreat leaders

Robert Marx

Robert Marx is Co-Lead for the Sussex Mindfulness Centre. He is a consultant clinical psychologist and Cognitive-Analytic psychotherapist, mindfulness (MBCT) and compassion-based (MSC) teacher. He has been co-running day retreats in Sussex Partnership twice a year for around 15 years and more recently, 5 day residential mindfulness retreats. Painting and writing have also been important to him and he has incorporated both into his own personal retreats.

Sarah Marx

Sarah Marx has been working therapeutically with adults, children and families for the past 20 years. Originally trained as an adult therapist and then as a Child and Adolescent psychotherapist, Sarah has worked in the NHS, university counselling services, schools, colleges and private practice. She has trained in multiple therapy modalities, including psychodynamic, Cognitive-Analytic and mindfulness (MBCT), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), EMDR and Theraplay. Wanting to incorporate the transformative nature of creativity into her clinical work, Sarah qualified at the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education (IATE) where she went on to teach. She has worked as a trainer for Trauma Informed Schools UK and is part of the leadership team at Beacon House. She is also a ceramicist and has exhibited locally.

Certificate of attendance

Certificates of attendance can be supplied on completion of the day, if requested. Please note, you’ll need to attend for the whole day. It’s not possible to only come for a portion of the day. The retreats run from 10am to 5pm, and we ask people to join from 9.45am to ensure a prompt start.

Ticket price

The cost for the day is £30 to help us cover materials. If this is prohibitive let us know and we can make a few spaces free, or by a small donation. You can book here below.

Waiting list

The session is now full. If you would like to be added to the waiting list we can let you know if a space becomes available. Please drop us a line at spft.smc@nhs.net

One-day online mindfulness retreat
2025-12-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Online
This one-day online mindfulness retreat offers an opportunity to extend and deepen your mindfulness practice, within a supportive environment.

Content of the day

The day will be facilitated by the Sussex Mindfulness Centre’s teachers and will include a series of different mindfulness and compassion practices. It will be held mostly in silence as a way of supporting your practice. As this retreat is online you will be given guidance about how to create retreat like conditions at home.

Why a one-day retreat?

A one-day mindfulness retreat is an important part of the eight-week mindfulness course. It also offers an opportunity to extend your practice within a supportive environment. For people who meditate regularly the retreat offers a great way to deepen and refresh your practice. Read more about the benefits of a day long retreat.

Who’s it for?

This day is right for you if you have attended an eight-week Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness for Life or Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course, or have an established mindfulness practice.

Please note, this is not a clinical intervention and it is not advisable to do this day in the heat of a crisis, when it would be important to access your GP or your designated mental health clinician.

Certificate of attendance

This all-day retreat counts towards the requirement to attend silent retreats as part your BAMBA registration as a mindfulness teacher. Certificates of attendance can be supplied on completion of the day’s training, if requested.

Please note, you’ll need to attend for the whole day. It’s not possible to only come for a portion of the day. The retreats run from 10am to 4pm, and we ask people to join from 9.45am to ensure a prompt start.

Reserving your place

This retreat is free to attend, but we would be very grateful for any donations you can spare to help us fund our community courses for disadvantaged populations. You will be invited to add a donation when you book. If you have enquiries please drop us a line at spft.smc@nhs.uk.

To secure your place you can book here:

Mindfulness eight-week course: Tuesday evenings
2026-01-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Online
This course will help improve wellbeing and give you tools to respond to the stresses and strains of everyday life. It has been developed for the general population, and is based on the original Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy course .

Overview​

This course helps participants develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences which in turn helps cultivate resilience and reduce low-mood and anxiety. It combines mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioural techniques. There is increasing evidence that shows mindfulness is effective for reducing low-mood, and helping to improve wellbeing and resilience.

Who is it for?

This course has been adapted for members of the general public who are looking to improve their wellbeing and discover tools to help with the general stresses and strains of everyday life. Taking this course also counts as one of the requirements for joining our mindfulness teacher training, if this is something you may be interested in.

Please note, this course may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing mental health issues, you should talk to your GP about being referred to the appropriate clinical service. Many NHS services now provide MBCT free of charge for people with mental health difficulties. You can find details on referrals and self-referral here.

When?

Tuesday evenings from 5.30-7.30pm starting on 20 January and running to 17 March 2026. (No session 3 February). The orientation session is on Tuesday 13 January.

To get the benefits of this course it is helpful if you can attend all the sessions. If you cannot attend all the sessions (see above dates) then it may be better for you to wait for another course when you can.

Where?

Online. You will get Zoom log-in details when your place is confirmed.

The format of the course?

The course will involve:

Two-hour orientation session at the start to find out what to expect during the course and ask any questions you may have

Daily meditation home practice of between 20 to 40 minutes

Eight weekly two-hour classes including mindfulness practices, discussion and exercises

An optional one-day online retreat

The course involves mindfulness meditation practices of up to 30 minutes in each group session, and recommended daily home practice of between 20-40 minutes. These will be guided by the mindfulness teacher in each session, and via audio recordings for the home practice. Everything is optional, and you are encouraged only to do what feels safe and comfortable for you. The practices may involve lying down, sitting, walking and other forms of movement.

In the sessions, the mindfulness teacher will invite group members to share their experiences of practice. Again this is completely optional, and you are encouraged to share only what you are comfortable with. The sessions will include smaller-group discussions, typically with two to four people. If the class is online these discussions will be via break out rooms.

Facilitator

Ruth Sequeira

Ruth Sequeira is as senior trainer, supervisor and mindfulness teacher for the Sussex Mindfulness Centre. She is also a psychological therapist and the Mindfulness and Compassion Training and Retreat Lead at the Mindfulness Network. Ruth has a history of working in mental health services and until recently worked as a clinical lead in the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in Sussex. Ruth has a longstanding interest in mindfulness, meditation and movement, and is passionate about increasing access to mindfulness courses in different populations.

As a BAMBA UK registered teacher, she follows the Good Practice Guidelines, receives supervision for her teaching, and attends regular retreats and training.

Ruth Sequeira will be supported by assistant teacher trainee Dorota Szarecka.

How to book

Please note, we ask all those who book a place on this course to fill in an application form that will be sent to the facilitators. If you haven’t already, please head here to fill in the form.

The cost of the eight-week course is £250. We also offer a choice of two other options:

£275 – Supporting rate. You can support other participants to attend who are on a low income.

£225 – Supported rate, if you find yourself on a low income.

You can book here below
