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Working with Afflictive Mind States: For Mental Health Professionals

Residential Program
Dates: Apr 11, 2018 - Apr 15, 2018
Days: Wednesday - Sunday
Number of Nights: 4 nights

Instructor(s): Bill Morgan and Susan Morgan

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Program Description:
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In our work both as caregivers and meditators, challenging mind states are part of the landscape. In Theravadin Buddhism these are known as the five hindrances. These universally experienced mind states occlude and obstruct clear seeing and ease of well-being. Often, however, our avoidant or aversive attitudes toward these emotional states create more tension and dis-ease in our practice. During this program we will turn toward what is difficult, and through reflection and guided meditation, we will learn to mindfully explore and more effectively relate to these difficult affective states. During our time together didactic modules, group discussions and mindful communication exercises will be offered. Outside of the meditation hall, silence is observed, including during meal times, in order to facilitate a deeper contemplative experience. Mornings and evenings are devoted to guided sitting and walking meditation. Participants will learn, both during formal meditation practice and in daily life, to recognize afflictive mind states when they arise; and to practice mindful and compassionate strategies for working with 1) restlessness, 2) with sloth and torpor, 3) with desire, 4) with aversion, and 5) with working with doubt. Note: 12 CEU's are available to psychologists and social workers.


Continuing Education:

This program is designed to meet the continuing education requirement for those whose state licensure boards require ethics credits for license renewal. However, we suggest that you check with your local licensing board to ensure this program meets their criteria. 12 continuing education units for psychologists and social workers have been approved for those who attend this program in full. We are not able to offer CEUs for counselors (NBCC). Please note that we charge a $25 processing fee for CEUs. More information is available here.

    About the Instructor(s):
  • Bill Morgan, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Cambridge, MA. He has participated in many intensive retreats in meditation practice over the past 40 years and recently completed a four-year meditation retreat at the Forest Refuge in Barre, MA. Together with Susan Morgan, he has been leading mindfulness retreats for 15 years.

  • Susan Morgan, CNS, is a psychotherapist in Cambridge, MA. She is a board and faculty member of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy and contributing author to Mindfulness and Psychotherapy. Susan has a longstanding meditation practice and recently completed a four-year meditation retreat at the Forest Refuge. She has been leading retreats, primarily for caregivers, for the last 15 years. Lovingkindness and mindfulness of the body are integral to her teaching.