Past/Upon Request
These workshops are facilitated upon request and if you are interested you may inquire about the next time the workshop is running. These workshops can be facilitated for a group rate as well for corporations and organizations
Rise Up: Support & Strategies Group for People with PTSD
Cost: $300.00 / cost can be funded by external funding sources like extended medical benefits, FNHA, etc. Or, based on sliding scale. If you have questions, please email tricia@vkwellness.ca or call us at 604-413-7095
When: November 7th to December 12th , Tuesdays 7:00pm-8:15pm
Where- VK Wellness Yoga and Fitness Studio - 7053 Glacier ST
Rise Up is a support group for people with PTSD. The group will include discussions about evidence-based strategies that are focused on gaining insight and building resilience in our individual lives. Weekly topics include becoming mindful, emotion regulation, healthy coping skills, practicing new skills, new resources and the roles that different modalities of wellness can take in the PTSD journey.
This is a safe space for people to feel heard and understood.
National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (CMHA) Intro - With Kara Fogwell - Certified CMHA Psychological Health and Safety Professional
Cost $100
October 24th 6:30 - 8:30
This 2-hour training, led by Kara Fogwell, Certified CMHA Psychological Health and Safety Facilitator, provides an overview of the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. Participants gain insights into fostering mental well-being and safety of employees and team.
Holistic Anxiety Management
Description: Anxiety is a helpful experience for us that keeps us safe. However, often times we get stuck feeling like anxious for a variety of reasons. Some of us even develop anxiety disorders that will not go away without clinical treatment. This unique group offers an in-depth look at what anxiety is with an introduction to Acceptance and Commitment therapy treatment for this disorder. VK Clinical specialists will introduce you to lifestyle, herbal therapy, and yoga treatment for the relief and transformation of anxiety.
For more information, please join us for a FREE introduction to the program on April 26th at 5:15. Email info@vkwellness.ca to register.
Facilitators: Alana Rosenfeld, Clinical Counselling Student, Mara Jones, Clinical Herbal Therapist, Ciara Knapp, RN, certified yoga teacher, Kyla Mazurak, Certified Meditation Teacher.
Dates: TBD (4 weeks)
Location: TBD
Cost: $300 (Offered on a sliding scale)
Email info@vkwellness.ca to register
Restore- Meditation, Movement & Massage
Honour and renew your mind and body. A nourishing, restorative class to encourage balance and ease by calming the nervous system. Give yourself support with gentle breathing, movement, stretching, and self-massage exercises. Experience gentle (optional) relaxation touch/ massage techniques from Kyla. Relax and prepare the body and mind to go inward for a guided meditation.
Time: 3-4 pm
Facilitator: Kyla Mazurak, Certified Meditation Teacher & Massage Specialist
What to bring: cushion, blanket, yoga mat, a water bottle, and anything to help you feel more comfortable.
Explore- Mindful Art and Meditation
Give yourself permission to create and the freedom to express and play without judgement. A class exploring awareness through meditation and mindful art activities without a goal, allowing you to be fully immersed in each moment.
Time: 6-7 pm
Facilitator: Kyla Mazurak, Certified Meditation Teacher & Mindful Art Facilitator
What to bring: cushion, blanket, yoga mat, a water bottle, a journal and pen, and anything to help you feel more comfortable.
6- Weeks to Better Sleep
Ever feel like your sleep schedule is out of sync with the rest of your life? You're exhausted all day… but then can't sleep at night? Or maybe you feel like you are sleeping enough, but you are still so tired the next day?
This six-week program will give you the tools you need to improve the quality of your sleep and daytime energy levels by re-synching your internal clock with the rhythms of nature. You will be guided step by step through the process of creating your unique sleep schedule using lifestyle modifications, nutrition, herbs and stress management techniques.
Program Includes:
Four 1-hour bi-weekly group classes facilitated by Mara (zoom also available)
One 20-minute private phone consultation with Mara
Handouts, recipes and other resources every class
Email support for the entire six weeks
Exclusive discounts for my online dispensary and for Urban Earth Teas and WellnessFacilitator: Mara L. Jones, Clinical Herbal Therapist, Sleep Coach
Where: The VK Wellness Initiative 4313 Alberta St.
Meditation Exploration Series
This program will introduce participants to four different meditation practices, including mindfulness meditation, visualizations, loving – kindness practices, and mindful walking or movement. Join our instructor, Kyla, to experience a tasting of the many different ways you can meditate.
Ages: 16+
Facilitators: Kyla Mazurek, Certified Meditation Teacher and a Mindfulness Art Facilitator
Time: 6:45 – 7:30PM
Where: Powell River Recreation Complex
FREE Leadership Workshop - Cultivating Psychological Safety in the Workplace
In collaboration with Powell River Chamber of Commerce and the City of Powell River
Psychological safety at work is the experience of trusting your environment, including your leadership and others in the employee group. It is a key factor in employee retention, engagement, wellbeing and reducing missed time at work. Join Kara Fogwell, RSW, RCC, and Vanessa Coray, B.Comm, B.Ed, in this workshop discussing the concept of psychological safety, why organizations are becoming socially responsible, and why these experiences matter for employees
We look forward to having you join us for this free event.
Following this workshop you will also be invited to stay for an promotional presentation to learn more about what The VK Wellness Initiative can offer you as a leader and your organization. We offer a wide variety of professional services for employers including workshops, employee wellness assessments, program development and constellation, and EFAP services that fit your population.
Facilitators: Kara Fogwell, RCC, RSW & Vanessa Coray, B.Ed., B.Comm, M.Ed student in Leadership
Email: info@vkwellness.ca
Time: 7:00-8:30PM
Location: ARC
Working with Trauma
Trauma changes everything. After experiencing a traumatic event, or following early life and childhood trauma, we are often left with a body, mind, and spirit that no longer serve us well. Deb Dana is a renowned Clinician and author who developed a program called "Befriending your nervous system". She offers an approach that reshapes your nervous system back to a state of safety, from which you can begin to live again. Her work is based on Steven Porges Polyvagal theory used in somatic trauma treatment.
In this group we will be working through Deb Dana's new book "Anchored". She walks the reader through the process of befriending the nervous system. Sheena Lee, Registered Clinical Counsellor, and Alana Rosenfeld, Clinical Counselling Student, will facilitate this group to offer clinical support as needed.
Facilitators: Sheena Lee, RCC, and Alana, Clinical Counselling Student
Time: 4:30-6:00 initial session
Location: The VK Wellness Initiative
To register email Alana@vkwellness.ca or call 604-413- 7095
From ECO-ANXIETY To ECO-HOPE
Make sure to Follow-up the "Remembrance day for lost species" with this powerful integration program that supports the transformation of eco anxiety to eco-Hope. If you experience eco-anxiety you are not alone. Eco-Anxiety is becoming more and more common and is now a recognized expereince in behavioural health literature. What we have learned is it is real as well as an essential factor in eco related action.This event is a combination of education and Eco-therapy to help you understand your eco-anxiety
Facilitators: Several VK Wellness Clinical Specialists
Time: 4:00PM to 6:00PM
Location: TBD
Mini-Mindfulness Meditation Retreat
Ages 18 & up
This offering is for anyone interested in a brief guided silent retreat, using primarily MBCT meditations. This is ideal for a restorative and relaxing break. This program is offered as an add on to the MBCT eight week series but if you are not registered in MBCT you can still attend as this is also open to the public. A light lunch will be provided as part of the program for a mindful eating practice.
Time: 10:00-2:00
Instructor: Kara Fogwell, RSW, RCC
Location: TBD
Love Your Body- Weight Management Group 2022 Challenge
CHALLENGE RUNS FROM NOVEMBER 16- DECEMBER 7
This is a start up group for our new LOVE YOUR BODY program that supports healthy weight management whether you want to lose OR gain weight. Our pathway to change is not a diet. Instead, we focus on creating healthy habits and learning to have a better relationship with food and your body. This is a nutritional and psychological health program designed to create long-lasting supported change in your overall physical wellbeing.
What is included in the 3 week challenge?
- 4 online sessions LOVE YOUR BODY 1-hour groups
- Cherie is your Holistic Nutritionist who will support you the entire month! Through email, you can ask her any question you have during this challenge!
- Support and education with VK Clinical Counselling team during group
- Clean up eating habits with healthy easy weekly meal plans which include recipes that are perfectly balanced with all the MACRO's you need AND a grocery list.
- Daily emails with information that you need to keep going, motivation that will inspire you and quick daily workouts everyone can do.
- Weekly check in's with your personal Holistic Nutritionist and/or Clinical Counselor. Each week we will focus in on what you are experiencing and how you can change your relationship with both food and your body.
Once this challenge is finished you will be invited to join our more comprehensive program that will meet bi-weekly starting in the new year! So stay tuned.
Facilitators: Cherie Seidler, NNCP, Alana Rosenfeld, Clinical Counselling Student
Mindfulness Exploration (for youth & parents)
"The purpose of this group is to introduce the practice of mindfulness and to encourage the creative exploration of these concepts individually and collectively. Mindfulness can have a powerful impact on how people think, feel, act, relate, perform and collaborate at work. Participants will participate in weekly mindfulness practices during therapy and are encouraged to explore in a home practice. The principles of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) will be used to guide the practice, review supports used in the development of being present, and focus on what is happening moment to moment."
Character Exploration and Team Building
"Participants will take an individual scientifically-validated survey that identifies personal character values and strengths. Upon exploration of survey results, they will be able to harness the power of their most positive traits, improve their relationships, enhance their overall wellbeing, build resilience, and strengthen their ability to overcome problems. The team report combines the Character Strengths Profiles for multiple individuals into one comprehensive report of the team’s strengths. This report is perfect for anyone working with a group of individuals that would like to better understand and utilize the team’s unique configuration of character strengths and how to use strengths to create a more cohesive, satisfied and productive team. This report provides multiple perspectives so we can explore the strengths of the group, as well as the unique strengths that each person brings to the team."
Length: 4 hours
Cost: $1200 + $20pp for assessment
Emotional Intelligence Program
"Social skills and relationships are part of the larger theory of emotional intelligence (EQ). This workshop series on emotional intelligence will explore the numerous benefits of management EQ on the effectiveness of leadership. Participants will be introduced to the basic theories of emotional intelligence and participate in experiential exercises to aid in the understanding of personal EQ. They will learn the basic EQ theory, why management EQ matters, new ways to enhance management-employee relationship, emotional/behavioural management strategies, and much more!"
Length: 2 hours
Cost: $600
Fuel Your Body to Reduce Anxiety and Stress
We all have daily responsibilities that can make us feel overwhelmed and stressed. While we cannot take away your stress, what you eat or don't eat can help determine your response OR your reaction. Learn about the gut brain axis, how serotonin is produced and what foods should you eat daily to ensure you can easily handle everyday stresses. Receive a full stress relieving meal plan with a grocery list and all the recipes you will need to keep your fridge and pantry ready for anything life throws at you.
Sat 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Mindfulness Art Workshop
Give yourself permission to express yourself in a mindful, creative way with three drawing exercises, after a short group guided meditation. The goal for the art pieces is simply to bring awareness to each moment during the activity and be fully immersed in the process with no judgement.
Sun2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Intro to Clinical Mindfulness-based Treatments - FREE SEMINAR
This two hour course is intended for all audiences, but might be particularly helpful if you are a HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL looking to understand better how mindfulness-based interventions might support the health and recovery of your patients. Kara Fogwell, Registered Clinical Counsellor and Registered Social Worker, is a Trained Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Facilitator through the Centre for Mindfulness Studies. Mindfulness practices offer the change to change you overall health and well-being and can address key maintenance factors in many disorders such as major depressive disorder, chronic pain, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders and so much more. The course will introduce you to the cognitive mechanisms of mindfulness and how they can encourage neuroplasticity and behaviour change. Kara will also review two specific types of clinical treatment including the research related to effectiveness of the programs for various conditions; Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness Integrated CBT.
Facilitator: Kara Fogwell, RCC, RSW
Location: Virtual
Meditation and Mindfulness Summer Series
Add some restorative activity to your summer by attending one OR ALL of our meditation classes this summer. Kyla Mazurak, Certified Meditation Teacher and Mindful Art Facilitator, will be guiding these offerings. The following classes are being offered:
All classes will happen at the Pilates Studio beside Iguanas restaurant on Glacier st.
For more information, including cost, please clink the link below.
Self-care Aromatherapy Products
This class is for anyone wanting to create a unique and custom self-care routine. Using essential oils, this class offers a brief introduction to aromatherapy and a chance to create a safe, personalized blend to mix into a massage oil, bath salts, and a body scrub to take home. A short group guided meditation will be given to set an intention for the type and purpose of the blend created.
Where: Pilates studio next to Iquanas restaurant on Glacier
Facilitator: Kyla Mazurak.
VK Silent Retreat
"Join mindfulness based cognitive therapist Kara Fogwell, Registered Clinical Counsellor in 4 hours of guided mindfulness. Location in Qathet Powell River area TBD."
Creative Writing Workshop
Ages 16 & up
This 12-week workshop is addressed to anybody who has the desire to write and isn’t sure where and how to start. These small group workshops (no more than 10 participants) give the opportunity for time and space for your writing. Each workshop session has its own theme proposed by the facilitator.
Cost: $15 per session for a 1.5 hour workshop (register for as many as you'd like)
Location: Poolside Room
Register
Drumming for Soulace
Ages 19 & up
This weekly 1 hour workshop will provide themed guided meditations facilitated by drumming from the instructor. Examples of themes include self-forgiveness, letting go, embracing change, loving oneself. Themes are adaptable to the audience but will most likely have a mental health tone to them. The cost of this program can be covered by most extended medical benefits.
Instructor: Vednidhi Teeruthroy, RP, RCC, CH, MFT
Cost: $80/4 classes
Moving Through Inherited Family Trauma
Ages 19 & up
This workshop will cover the work of Mark Wolynn on inherited family trauma. It will look into understanding how previous generations affect who we are, our responsibility for action, and moving towards a fulfilling life by changing dysfunctional patterns. The cost of this program can be covered by most extended medical benefits.
Instructor: Vednidhi Teeruthroy, RP, RCC, CH, MFT
Cost: $100/4 classes
Whole Foods Workshop (with meal prep)
Ages 19 & up
Each day we meet we will be learning about whole foods and holistic lifestyle. This program is designed for those wishing to learn how to cook easy and nutritious meals without breaking the bank and how to incorporate it into your lifestyle and your families. Our meals will consist of prepping your menu for the week and ensuring you are getting all the right balance of nutrients in every meal.
Instructor: Cherie Seidler, NNCP, SFL
Cost: $120/4 classes
Pregnancy and Postpartum Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Ages 16 & up
Join us for this eight week group that will support expectant and new parents to identify your stressors and triggers; explore expectations, relationship challenges, body image, and shifts in your identity; normalize your experience; practice assertive communication and problem solving; build community and connect with other parents; and strengthen parent-baby attachment. Babies welcome. A second parent/guardian may join at no extra cost. The cost of this program can be covered by most extended medical benefits.
Instructors: Kara Fogwell, RSW, RCC and Sheena Lee, MSMid, Masters in Counselling Student (MACP)
Location: Elm Room
Cost: $200/8 classes
Calm & Cool
This series teaches kids how to deal with worry and anxiety through games and science experiments. Sessions incorporate neuroscience education, mindfulness practices, and stories. Also included is safety training such as helping children learn when it is best to listen to anxiety or when they may want to activate their calm and cool. The cost of this program can be covered by most extended medical benefits.
K-Grade 2 - Ages 5-7
Instructors: Tarra Tipton, Registered Social Worker and Nicolas Marius, M. Philosophy
Location: Westview Elementary School
Cost: $100/4 classes
Grades 3 - 4 Ages 8 - 10
Instructors: Tarra Tipton, Registered Social Worker and Nicolas Marius, M. Philosophy
Location: Westview Elementary School
Cost: $100/4 classes
Calm & Cool Adults
Ages 19 & up
How can you activate your calm and cool? Neurobehavioral science is giving us many tools that we can now use to change our life experience for the better. This program teaches and practices these scientifically proven strategies to develop your stress resilience for a more positive lived experience. Class 1: Learn about what stress is and how it impacts the body. Class 2: The cost of prolonged stress. Class 3: Self-awareness development and your personal stress profile. Class 4: Strategies for increasing resiliency and your personal stress resiliency plan. The cost of this program can be covered by most extended medical benefits.
Instructor: Tarra Tipton, Registered Social Worker
Location: Rehearsal Room
Cost: $100/4 classes
Art Expression for Kids
Ages 5 - 10
Let’s get creative! These fun art expression sessions will be held in a beautiful art studio where kids can connect with their own creativity by using different mediums (watercolors, acrylic, pastels). In this space, there is no “right” or “wrong” artwork.
Instructor:
Location: Art Centre Qathet Public Gallery
Cost: $90/6 classes
February workshops
We are now offering programs uniquely designed to promote climate action and support those experiencing climate distress.
Parent - Teen Mediation
Ages 13 & up
We will discuss and work through ways of breaching the gaps between communication and perspective that so often develop between teens and their caregivers. By developing a structured yet fluid approach to navigating your family’s communication patterns we will work on concrete ways to bring about better understanding of the meanings beneath the conflicts arising in your family unit. We will talk through manageable ways to de-escalate and resolve conflict using different ways to think about rules, concepts such as intent vs. impact and communication skills generally. You will gain insight into how to bridge the gaps between communication and perspective in order to develop greater shared-understanding within your family-communications.
Instructor: Angela Voht, BC, MA Candidate, Certified Family Mediator - Family Mediation Canada & JIBC
Location: Elm Room
Cost: $120 for a family of 3/$15 per additional family member
Mindfulness Exploration for Youth
Grades 5 - 7
Mindfulness is a great tool for helping youth with many of the stressors they experience. It can help with intense emotional experiences like anger and anxiety. It is helpful for stress related to school and friends. It is also helpful for sleep and relaxation. Some students even find it can help with concentration and focus at school. In the Mindfulness Explorations program, you get the chance to try mindfulness out and learn about how it might be something you could use as a healthy activity in your life. This group also involves games and activities that will help you get to know yourself and your needs a little better too. We look forward to seeing you at group soon!
Instructors: Tarra Tipton, Registered Social Worker and Sheena Lee, MSMid, Masters in Counselling Student (MACP)
Location: Westview Elementary School
Cost: $100/4 classes
Food and Climate Connection
Ages 16 & up
Food plays a significant role in our daily lives and influences our carbon footprint and health. This 4 week course will focus on your environmental wellness and will help you discover daily food choices as tools to routinely reduce carbon emissions. Each week we will discover the connection between our food and the climate based on scientific facts and will have hands on kitchen experiments to strengthen and nurture our relationships to food. Based on the Planetary Health Diet and Ecological Footprint report of Powell River, we will explore together high and low carbon emission food.
Instructor: Elena Martin, PhD, Nutritional Scientist
Location: Supper Room at Dwight Hall
Cost: $80/4 classes
Mindfulness Mediation Series
Ages 19 & up
Join instructor Kara Fogwell for a six week meditation group. She will offer guided mindfulness meditations for present moment awareness. This group is for anyone interested in group meditation and deepening their personal practice. Beginners and those new to meditation are welcome. The cost of this program can be covered by most extended medical benefits.
Instructor: Kara Fogwell, RSW, RCC
Location: Elm Room
Cost: $100/6 classes
Natural Approaches to Anxiety
Ages 19 & up
A hands-on workshop providing natural tools to help manage stress and anxiety. Topics will include nutrition, herbs, aromatherapy, and lifestyle. Participants will make and take home a tea blend and an aromatherapy blend.
Instructor: Mara Jones, Clinical Herbalist, Integrative Sleep Coach
Location: Elm Room
Cost: $40
Silent Mindfulness Mini Retreat
Ages 19 & up
This offering is for anyone interested in a brief guided silent retreat, using primarily MBCT meditations. This is ideal for a restorative and relaxing break. This program is offered as an ass on to the MBCT eight week series but if you are not registered in MBCT you can still attend as this is also open to the public. A light dinner will be provided as part of the program for a mindful eating practice.
Instructor: Kara Fogwell, RSW, RCC
Location: Dwight Hall
Cost: $100
Meditation with anchors
For those with overactive minds who struggle with meditating because of distracting or overwhelming thoughts (maybe all of us?!). Both tangible and intangible points of focus, or "anchors", are used throughout this group guided meditation, providing a different way to approach meditation.
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
Ages 19 & up
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a clinically approved program for the treatment of chronic stress, depression, anxiety, or chronic pain. It combines mindfulness meditation with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help overcome chronic unhealthy thinking and mental health issues. Over the course of eight weeks you can retrain your mental and physical experience to be one of acceptance, calm, and restoration. The cost of this program can be covered by most extended medical benefits.
Instructor: Kara Fogwell, RSW, RCC
Gratitude meditation
A group guided meditation to bring more awareness to the things we are grateful for. This class helps us to recognize the power or gratitude and tap into where that is felt in the body. By connecting more deeply to a sense of appreciated for what we already have, we open up to receive more positivity, love and support.
Co-regulation Workshop
Since the beginning of time, people have been parents. And yet it does not always feel as natural and instinctive as it should. We are constantly being fed new information and we try to do it all. But what if we could be reminded of how trust our own instincts while truly connecting with our children?
In this workshop we will simplify the process, and get back to basics about sensory and emotional regulation.
Come learn more about how co-regulation works, and what we can expect when we return to this instinctive practice.
A workshop for parents and caregivers.
Location: Vancouver island university
Cost: $20
Facilitated by Nancy Van Zyl - Occupational Therapist
For more info, please email nancy@vkwellness.ca
Mindfulness bead bracelet
Create your own stone bead bracelet with the purpose of using it at home to meditate with. A variety of stone choices will be provided. A short group guided meditation will be given to set an intention for the bracelet and wearer.
Mindful Walking
PIE approved resourced funding
Started April 2021 (ongoing)
Weekly mindful walking group for students (and families if they desire)
"During these guided walks, participants learn the practice of mindfulness. They are provided the opportunity to tune into their present awareness using a variety of mindfulness practices such as yoga, meditation and music. Participants will reflect on their experience through writings and drawings in their own provided journal (included)."
Four 1-hr sessions
When: Starts April 2021
Where: Meeting at different walking locations in Powell River
Cost: $60 for series (family rates available)
Mindfulness for Youth Series
Aged 11-12 years
Started June 9th
Cost $20
"The purpose of this group is to introduce the practice of mindfulness and to encourage the creative exploration of these concepts individually and collectively. Mindfulness can have a powerful impact on how people think, feel, act, relate, perform and collaborate at work. Participants will participate in weekly mindfulness practices during therapy and are encouraged to explore in a home practice. The principles of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) will be used to guide the practice, review supports used in the development of being present, and focus on what is happening moment to moment."
Aspects of Mindfulness
SEPTEMBER 2021
"Join Kara Fogwell, mindfulness teacher, for a brief 4-week series where she takes a more in depth look at 4 aspects of mindfulness. These include beginners mind, Awareness, Acceptance, Non-striving. Each week a lesson will be taught and a practice will be introduced to the group. This group is appropriate for beginner and seasoned mindfulness students."
Mindfulness For Emotional Resilience (MER)
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
"Emotional resilience is when you are able to calm your frantic mind after encountering a negative experience. MER is a short-term, trauma-informed program and can be accessible to people dealing with emotional instability. Promoting emotional resilience for employees can have a direct impact on their overall productivity and help them maintain a better quality of life. In this workshop, participants will develop emotional resilience by becoming aware of their inner potentials. The only thing that differentiates an emotionally resilient and an emotionally fragile person is the way the former chooses to ‘respond’. Participants will learn how to respond in an emotionally resilient way."
Length: 4 Sessions 1.5 hours each
Cost: $25 per session
Family meal planning
Join us in learning how to plan meals the entire family will enjoy. Learn the importance of the macros required daily to ensure the family is getting what they need to stay focused on their responsibilities and have more energy. Understand what kids actually need to grow and have more balanced moods and learn tips and tricks to stay prepared so you don't have to constantly worry about daily meal prep. Once people register, a form will be emailed out for "family preferences". Each family who joins will get a full meal plan created for their entire family to enjoy.
Activity meeting dates
