Fiona Mckechnie completed mindfulness training with Bangor University in 2016 and our colleagues, Rebecca Crane and Taravajra, have written the foreword to her new book Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Managing Fatigue is based on an 8-week Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy programme, which addresses the increasing need for adapted mindfulness in the management of ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, Long Covid, and other chronic fatigue conditions.

Using current understanding and theoretical approaches to Long Covid and ME/ CFS, the book allows practitioners to understand how they can adapt their teaching to accommodate patients with specific needs and challenges, including adaptations for brain fog, approaches to rest, movement, daily activity and accompanying difficult thoughts and emotions. Contributions from people who manage ME, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue through mindfulness are included alongside practical guidance and detailed week-by-week session plans whether that’s in-person or online. This workshop will highlight the challenges of living with fatigue syndrome, with an overview of the adaptations and short mindfulness practices discussed in the book offered throughout. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion.

Mindfulness-based therapy for fatigue has been developed within the Bristol NHS ME and Pain Management Service. It is an adaptation of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. The adaptations have been developed over the past 12 years with participant collaboration and service evaluation.

This event is offered in collaboration with the Mindfulness Network Community Friends (MNCF) – an initiative to engage the wider mindfulness community and reach new audiences. Led by a Committee of Volunteers, supported by the Mindfulness Network, we work together to run a programme of donation-based events and inspiring content. You are welcome to visit the Community Friends area of our Community site, which is open to all, for more opportunities to practice and learn together: https://community.mindfulness-network.org/course/view.php?id=72

The workshop will take place online using Zoom from 7 – 8.30 pm UK time
Who is the event for:

The event and the book would be of interest to mindfulness teachers who wish to understand more about fatigue syndromes and adaptations of MBCT and MBSR and to therapists who specialise in fatigue wishing to learn more about a mindfulness-based approach to fatigue management. The book goes into detail about the ways in which self-management strategies outlined in current NICE guidance (2022) can be supported by a mindfulness-based approach.

The event may also be of interest to those living with fatigue and offers an introduction to mindfulness for fatigue.

Preparation for the event and what you will need:

In order to participate in the workshop, you will need:

A room where you can close the door and engage in the workshop away from family distractions. It is particularly important that confidentiality is maintained by ensuring that those who are not at the event cannot see your screen or hear the audio. It may be helpful to use headphones.
Log in via a computer that is resting on a hard surface and which has audio and a webcam. Please don’t use handheld devices.
A space for practice, a mat, cushion, and blanket may be helpful for your comfort.