How I came into teaching mindfulness

I attended an MBSR course in 2011 when I was working full time in a high-pressure job and supporting a dear friend who was in the final stages of a terminal Illness. It offered me a space to be still and silent and with myself, in a world that was not that. It was after this that I became genuinely interested in mindfulness and meditation and started to attend regular insight meditation retreats. 

Mindfulness weaved in and out of my life during this time and then in 2019 I attended the teacher training in MBSR, again at a time when another close friend was in the final stages of a terminal illness. It was very timely and supported my grief and need to be completely present with what was unfolding. It became a very solid and important part of my day to day life from then on.

In MBSR we learn that all things about ourselves are welcome. Everything is included and ok. Where we are is the perfect place to be. How generous and loving and liberating! I love bringing this to each MBSR I teach and witnessing the changes that can occur in people when they give themselves permission to just be here. Nowhere to go. Nothing to do. No-one to be.

Background

• BA (Hons) Psychology
• Postgraduate Cert Clinical Psychology
• Diploma Remedial Massage
• IFS Level II
• MBSR teacher since 2019
• 33 years’ experience as a psychologist working in women’s health, community mental health, education and private practice
• 15 years of regular meditation practice and yearly attendance retreats

Specialisation

Jannelle has worked extensively with people presenting with grief, anxiety, depression, fatigue and trauma. Her own personal experience assists her to deeply understand and be with others on their journey. The main modality she utilises in therapy is IFS which she finds refreshingly creative, incredibly supportive and ultimately life changing.

Jannelle is also interested in group work. She is a longtime passionate African and Samba drummer and has offered group programs to women and youth at risk in the past. Jannelle has also offered shorter mindfulness groups as well as combining her passion for creativity in developing groups in art journalling which explore inner processes and utilise creativity for expression. 

Teaching Philosophy

We are all the same and we are all connected. Your experience is my experience. We all struggle with the same stuff.  When we know that, we can be together on this journey. Powerful things can happen when we are together in a space that is accepting, resonating, light, welcoming, and safe. That’s the kind of space I hope to create each time I teach.