CHRONIC ILLNESS AND THE CARE-PARTNER RELATIONSHIP: A MINFDULNESS-BASED WORKSHOP FOR CARE-GIVERS AND CARE-RECIPIENTS

Many of us living with chronic health conditions rely upon the support of a care-giver. The care partnership that emerges from this relationship can be challenging. The challenges can include a multitude of communication issues, being with discomfort and suffering, and – frequently – a shift in the identity of both the care provider and the person needing care, as well as the lack of control experienced by both parties. These challenges can put a strain on all aspects of the relationship, including increased conflict, adverse mental and physical health outcomes, loneliness and the experience of being overwhelmed and/or immobilized.

 

This introductory workshop is designed to help participants with chronic pain and illness and their care-givers to cultivate and utilize mindfulness-based skills for the purpose of helping to navigate the care-giver/care-recipient partnership more skillfully. The workshop will include a mix of meditation and mindfulness practices, personal stories and learnings, along with practical strategies and perspectives designed to nurture and empower the care-recipient/care-giver partnership.

 

The instructors are experienced mindfulness meditation teachers who have lived experience with chronic health issues and with caring for people with chronic health issues. They will be sharing tips, practices, and perspectives that have directly helped them in their own treatment paths.

This workshop is associated with the 17-week course Inviting Chronic Pain and Illness to Tea (ICPIT) -- the next course starts in January 2025. This workshop is appropriate both for course graduates as well as for those who have not taken the ICPIT course. No meditation experience is required.