Wellness Discovery Dialogues ~
There are times when the words just don’t come easily, especially when describing our experiences to those around us — including our doctors.
Images, however, flow very easily into our minds and can help us get around barriers that are placed there as a means of protecting ourselves. Just as we once relied on images to tell a story before actual words came along, these five-minute collages are very effective in showing you those untapped gut instincts, thoughts, wishes and objectives that can help you answer your own question, without any interruption from the chaos of your days. The emphasis in using these globally-tested images is to temporarily set aside our tendency to over-analyze and to allow more fluid thinking to occur. This tool reinforces us to practice mindfulness in the moment.
These free-flowing collages are especially beneficial when it comes to addressing the concerns and uncertainties of living with a chronic illness. As patients, we hear a great deal of information regarding medical terminology, health management techniques, appointment dates and times, lab testing and results, and so forth. Our brains can become pretty burdened with keeping track of it all, sometimes leading us to feel overwhelmed, alone and unsure of how we are going to adapt to all the changes.
We are constantly bombarded with information through television, work, books, school, the internet and more. Just as our computers get locked up when we ask them to do too much at once, that circular holding pattern on the screen is what is also going on inside our hearts, minds and overall body…asking us to pause and let things catch up. These impromptu collages, using no glue or cutting anything, offer you a way to address your intuition’s ‘holding pattern’. Simply by asking yourself a question that comes to your mind, you let your chosen images do the talking for you – so that you can unlock and move forward with more confidence.
These collage conversations are not coaching or therapy, nor do they offer medical advice.
The intention, however, is for you to ask your chosen question, put together your own meanings, plans, and identify your specific needs. These Wellness Discovery Dialogues are now being incorporated into personal wellness plans through my collaborations with naturopaths, health providers, programs, counselors, coaches and service agencies. They can provide clarification on health behavior, personal goals and improve treatment adherence ~ helping make appointments and effort more productive.
Here is what some people are saying about their connection experiences~
“I was a bit unsure what to expect during the Wellness Discovery Connection, but Maria’s patient and understanding nature put me at ease immediately. Using images made me look at certain parts of my life in a new and different way. It was encouraging to think about things that I hadn’t before, and left me feeling a bit enlightened about my future.”
Leslie R.,
PhD Candidate in Sociology
“I was hesitant about the process at first, but am really enthusiastic after experiencing it! It is amazing how your subconscious chooses images that answer the question so accurately without you trying.”
Tamara S.,
Organizer, Portland-Area Fibromyalgia/ME/CFIDS Group
“I had a rough time with doctor appointments not giving me the information I was hoping for. I gave it a try and can’t believe how much better I felt afterwards. I realized that I was already taking care of myself and feel like I’ll be fine until the doctors come around. Thanks, Maria!”
Laurie M.,
Mom and lupus hero
Hard to describe, but amazingly gentle, these sessions are offered as quick pick-me-ups or time outs to regain some direction in your wellness management. They are not designed to be on-going counseling or coaching sessions, which is why they are reasonably priced and less than two hours long. The more often you take part in these collages, the easier they are to use and the more you get out of them each time you participate.
Here are some ways you can take part in this amazing communication method~
- Individual Wellness Discovery Connections ~ $25
- Small Group Wellness Discovery Connections (up to 10 participants) ~ $75 (e.g. family or girls’ nights, mom’s/ play date groups)
- Live Online Wellness Discovery Connections ~ $35 (Currently working on “live” online group options, but group sessions are available and can include a live facilitation session)
Also,
Group Discovery Connections (e.g. support groups, project teams, trainings, retreats, workshops and conferences) ~ Contact me for more information
When you’re ready to give it a try, simply email me and we will get the fun started!
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An Oregon community-based participatory research project using Discovery Dialogue is currently in development and recruitment will begin late Fall 2012. Visit the MLWT Calendar page (link on the main page) for updates.
There are times when the words just don’t come very easily, especially when describing our experiences to those around us — including our doctors. We are burdened with a lot of information coming from outside sources when trying to manage our health. These sessions are valuable in tapping into our intuition~ the source that makes us our own wellness experts.
My role is to facilitate your experience and act as your guide to addressing your chosen question, while helping clarify your own answer(s). By using pictures and images that are more readily absorbed by our brain, these quick sessions tap into your gut instincts used to inspire your days. During these sessions, the emphasis is to temporarily set aside our tendency to rely on words and to allow more fluid thinking to occur before our analytical way of thinking takes over. These sessions aren’t to bring out creativity but, instead, to open up a dialogue with yourself. Once you complete the five-minute collage, we begin a conversation and, as your gates are open, the fun begins.
These sessions are not therapy nor do they offer medical advice. These sessions are, however, based on what you already know, do, and have available to you. If during these sessions you believe additional resources are needed, I will work with you to find them.
These wellness sessions differ from coaching in that they are not requiring you to commit to months or years. These are purposely offered as quick pick-me-ups or time outs to regain some direction in your wellness management. That is why they are reasonably priced and limited to less than two hours. The more often you take part in these activities, the easier they are and the more you get out of them each time you participate.
Three options are available and an email to me will get the fun started :
Individual Wellness Discovery Sessions ~ A one-to-one opportunity to take some time for yourself and play!
Group Wellness Discovery Sessions (3-5 participants) ~ Grab some friends and celebrate the discoveries! These are fun, lively activities and they don’t have to be about health. The questions are determined at the time of the event.
Wellness Discovery Sessions are available online, too!
Now those of you outside Oregon and SW Washington can join in on the fun. Only $35 for 1 1/2 hour Skype time – audio only.
Discovery Sessions are only $15 from December 1st, 2011 through February 29th, 2012! These make great gifts to friends ~
