For the past 18 months, I’ve been running a mindfulness and relaxation group in the community where my clinic is based. When I first set it up, I had no idea what to expect or, more honestly, whether anyone would actually come. I kept the structure simple: sharing “what’s been good”, introducing a mindfulness technique people could use between sessions when life felt overwhelming, and finishing with some guided relaxation.
What unfolded has been far more powerful than anything I could have anticipated. A few people came to that first session. They returned the following week, and the week after. Then they brought friends. Before long, we had a warm, welcoming group of around fifteen people. Some join every week, others dip in and out, but the energy stays the same.
One of the most remarkable developments has been the impact of “what’s been good”. Over the months, the group has grown braver, more open, and more connected. People have shared achievements they never imagined possible, from tackling long term fears to finally doing things they’ve always wanted to try. A community has formed. They greet newcomers with kindness, they encourage one another through the hard moments, and they celebrate each other’s wins as though they were their own.
A couple of group members have worked in mental health for years, and even they’ve commented on how unexpectedly transformational the sessions have become, which for me is quite remarkable.
What I’ve witnessed, week after week, is the quiet power of community. When people are given space to notice the good, to share their stories, and to be seen without judgement, confidence and self-esteem begin to flourish. My role is to facilitate, but they bring the heart of the session. It has been genuinely inspiring to watch.
I asked the group if they were happy to share their reflections, and with their permission, here’s what they offered:
“H H – I was referred to the group because I was very anxious and depressed. I had seen my GP and had my medication increased and he referred me to Eva who worked for MINT. I think that I was only referred because he asked me if I had thought of taking my own life and I had said ‘yes’. But I added that I was too scared to do it, so it probably didn’t count. Eva got me going out for walks every day and through her contacts I came to the Vassals centre. I am not sure how I managed to come to the first session. I think it is because it was mindfulness, and I thought people would be kind. I don’t think that I could have joined anything else on my own, well not then. The group means so very much to me. At first, I thought having to say something that had been good was too scary for me, but everyone did it so I wanted to fit in. Now I am happy to share because I feel safe. It is hard to say which bit is the best, maybe I don’t need to! The sharing at the beginning has helped me so much. People do things I would never consider, yet I know that they are fragile too. So that gives me strength when I am in a situation that is hard to cope with. I find joy in the little things now and it is wonderful to celebrate other peoples successes. The 3 things exercise helps me enormously when I am in the dentist or waiting at the hospital but I do find without Helen reminding me to breathe that I forget and that can spoil the effect! Sometimes I have to fight all the things rushing around in my head to really enjoy the meditation but most of the time it is really good. My favourite place is the beach where you discard all your bad thoughts in the footprints and then the tide washes them away. I can think of that when I go to sleep on nights when I have bad thoughts and just let them wash away. The group feels like a warm blanket where I am safe, and no-one will be judging me. I don’t think that I would be where I am now without it. I dread the winter months because I am always more down then. I feel that I can face the winter now with my Monday group there to support me.
SC – To say I was a sceptic is probably an understatement! I’d worked in Mental Health for almost 40 years (so knew all the theory!) and had undertaken CBT myself about 3 years ago for an increasing anxiety problem that was beginning to steal some of the joy from my retirement. I’ve been a very high and over functioning worrier all my life, (childhood trauma), but since menopause started about 7 years ago, the extent of things to be anxious about widened and looking back, I can readily acknowledge how bizarre some of the topics were.
I had read about mindfulness and was aware of an increasing evidence base, but still didn’t think it would help me when I first joined the group. The impact on me however has been quite remarkable. Helen is one of the most skilled practitioners I’ve met. I’ve most admired her complete lack of judgement, the warmth, acceptance, positivity and openness, all of which I think promoted trust and contributed to a bit of a eureka moment, when she told us that being anxious is actually a behaviour that I can choose to do or not. I can’t remove anxiety and neither should I want to, but I can choose to stop it spiraling and spoiling my life. Being kind to myself, prioritising self care, guided mindfulness techniques along with relaxation and the constant reference to ‘what’s been good?’, however small, have completely transformed my experience of managing anxiety.
I’ve recruited a few friends to join this last year who have all benefited too and we remind each other what we have learnt and what is helpful when we have particularly difficult stressors in our lives (which we all do). This unlikely group of individuals (which frequently changes), with very diverse personalities, led by this phenomenal skilled woman have become the highlight of my week, the activity I most value and the most useful therapeutic intervention I’ve ever experienced. It has literally changed my life and vicariously the lives of those around me. It’s been a privilege and a gift I am truly grateful to be a part of.
Anon – This is a friendly & inclusive group open to anyone. Feel heard without judgement. Everyone has problems but expressing 1 good thing demonstrates there are some good things happening which is quite powerful. The group is gradually opening up to each other.
. Mindfulness Technique (see, hear, feel) is effective at drawing attention to the here & now & can be applied at any time & place.
. Hypnotherapy Relaxation is restful, peaceful & calming & empties the mind of its worries & concerns at the time.
. The words we use to ourselves & others have effects & consequences. Tempering our words can help us think, feel & act in a more positive & productive way.
. Helen (Facilitator) demonstrates patience, kindness, inclusivity & is non-judgemental & generous/giving. She has the right tone of voice & personality for this type of work
. Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy/NLP does not address underlying historical issues. It has good effects in the moment/short term which may not last. Has to be practiced to build up momentum & resilience.
. Before/After. When I first came to this group I was a bit sceptical about how it could work or be effective but something keeps drawing me back & it is all the reasons above. However the most important one for me is the personality of Helen herself who is a great practitioner & advocate for Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy/NLP.
AS – Your classes help me start the week with courage, wellbeing and community, instead of housework, anxiety and procrastination!
“What’s been good?” is really powerful, forcing me to set aside prevailing negativity. This then snowballs, as my brain remembers all the other good things that have happened that week. I always look forward to hearing others’ stories of resilience, natural observations and family joy too. What a boon!
ST – A little feedback on Mondays sessions.
Although I am not very successful yet at being able to be ‘in the moment’ (still trying ! ), I have found that during the ‘ what’s been good’, section ,your comments on each persons contribution have been really interesting and helpful for me . E.g why we have found happiness in a particular instance and how we can use that to help us everyday”
What I’ve taken from this year is the reminder that connection itself can be profoundly therapeutic. When life feels heavy or health challenges make everyday tasks feel harder, having a space to gather, to share the good bits, to drop into the present moment, and to allow the mind and body to unwind can make a meaningful difference. Therapy is not always the answer. Sometimes, the simple act of coming together with intention and kindness is enough to help people feel a little lighter, more grounded, and more hopeful in their own way.
If you would like to find out more please get in touch helen@brainworkshypnotherapy.co.uk