Therapy
As a clinical psychologist, I offer therapy to adults and teens through Dwell Psychological Services. Specialties include mindfulness-based counseling for chronic pain and anxiety/depression, and clients can choose to integrate Christian spirituality (Protestant or Catholic) as desired. Residents of West Michigan can access in-person therapy in my East Grand Rapids office, and virtual therapy is also available in 43 US states (see list here).
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Reviews from clinical therapists "Dr. Irene is a highly effective & compassionate therapist who meets clients gently, honestly, & empathetically throughout their healing journey. She is mindful to create a confidential, safe & supportive environment for her diverse clientele to open up in!" - Shayne McNichols, LMSW "Irene's particular engagement in mindfulness and spirituality enriches the therapeutic experience. I highly recommend Irene!" - Kelly Powers, LMSW |
Online course
Christian Mindfulness 101 is a fully-online course, structured as 30 asynchronous lessons for participants to work through at their own pace. Lessons include instructional videos, reading, mindfulness exercises (formal and informal), resources, and opportunities for chat-based discussion.
While initially designed in 2020 as a tool for managing pandemic-related stress, the course has been updated to apply instead to more current stressors. The Mindful Christian book is recommended (but not required) for participants as a workshop accompaniment. Participants will leave with an understanding of what mindfulness is, how it can blend with Christian faith, and how to apply it in their own context.
The first session is available to try for free before buying the remainder of the course, which is priced to be affordable and accessible.
While initially designed in 2020 as a tool for managing pandemic-related stress, the course has been updated to apply instead to more current stressors. The Mindful Christian book is recommended (but not required) for participants as a workshop accompaniment. Participants will leave with an understanding of what mindfulness is, how it can blend with Christian faith, and how to apply it in their own context.
The first session is available to try for free before buying the remainder of the course, which is priced to be affordable and accessible.
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Reviews from course participants "Thank you for your fine course: one of the best I have ever taken!... I have found this course just what I needed at this time in my life. Integrating my Christian faith with a mindfulness practice was a struggle for me. Now, I see how both are perfectly complementary." – Bob T. "This course has given me a tidy toolkit to respond to some of those negative emotions that I try to avoid throughout the day. Instead of running from them, I can face them head on with these mindfulness practices, knowing that even if I can't solve all my problems, I can sit in them respectfully and curiously." – James K. "My biggest goal [has been] to “slow down” so I could change from being a hurried and tired person to a calm, flourishing person. I have been on this journey for a bit, but this course has really helped me move forward." – Teresa W. |
Other mindfulness-related training resources
If you are looking for more in-depth mindfulness training, you are encouraged to explore Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). MBSR is a secular, 8-week introductory curriculum on mindfulness that was developed out of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and it can be found around the world. (For courses in West Michigan, the Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness is an excellent resource.)
Integrating MBSR training with Christian faith may come naturally for you, particularly in conjunction with reading of The Mindful Christian book, or you may desire support in this area. One faith-based practice that has overlap with mindfulness is Centering Prayer, developed by Trappist monks and taught through Contemplative Outreach. Centering Prayer is a contemplative practice of focusing awareness on God's presence in the present moment - learning this practice can be a helpful companion to MBSR as you cultivate the practice of Christian mindfulness. (For Centering Prayer resources in West Michigan, check out the Contemplative Outreach of West Michigan website.)
Integrating MBSR training with Christian faith may come naturally for you, particularly in conjunction with reading of The Mindful Christian book, or you may desire support in this area. One faith-based practice that has overlap with mindfulness is Centering Prayer, developed by Trappist monks and taught through Contemplative Outreach. Centering Prayer is a contemplative practice of focusing awareness on God's presence in the present moment - learning this practice can be a helpful companion to MBSR as you cultivate the practice of Christian mindfulness. (For Centering Prayer resources in West Michigan, check out the Contemplative Outreach of West Michigan website.)