Questions, gently answered.

Many people find it hard to get a practice going, or to keep it going on their own. The structure and commitment of an eight-week course, the support of a teacher and the company of a group can make all the difference.

There's a lot of practice in each session and as home practice in between, so you build a habit that might otherwise be hard to establish. Hearing other people's experiences is also surprisingly enriching.

Some sessions include a body scan, done lying down (or sitting or standing if you prefer), and gentle mindful movement, so comfortable clothes are best.

Ideally you'll have a clear space where you can lie down, in a room where you can close the door and won't be disturbed. A yoga mat is helpful but not essential. A chair, cushions and a blanket can all help you stay comfortable. It's worth letting others in your household know you're on the course, to avoid interruptions.

You'll need Zoom on a desktop, laptop or tablet, with a webcam and microphone, and a stable internet connection. Headphones or a headset are useful if you have them.

Yes. You'll receive a PDF workbook and worksheets by email, covering the ideas behind each session and the home practice for each week. Audio files of the guided meditations are sent before the first session.

Please add my email address to your trusted contacts so nothing goes astray, and check your spam folder before getting in touch if something hasn't arrived.

Research suggests the course isn't well suited to people in a current episode of depression or experiencing suicidal thoughts. The group format can also be difficult for some people with social anxiety. It may not be suitable if you're experiencing addiction or are in early recovery, psychosis or PTSD, or if you've recently been through a loss or trauma.

If any of these apply to you, or you have any other mental health condition, please contact me before registering so we can talk about whether now is the right time. You can read more on the Is it right for me? page.

It partly comes down to preference. Having someone close to you on the same course means you can support each other and make space for home practice together.

But learning mindfulness is ultimately a personal journey, and there will be invitations to share your experience with the group. Consider whether you'd feel comfortable doing that in front of someone you know. One option that works well is to join courses that start around the same time, so you can still support each other while keeping your own space to learn.

Groups are small, usually around 10 people. I aim for at least eight and never more than 16, which keeps the group lively and supportive.

A course can still go ahead with as few as six, which is enough for meaningful discussion. In the rare case that there aren't enough participants, I'll let you know as early as I can. Sometimes that means waiting until closer to the start date, as every effort is made to fill each course. You're always welcome to ask for an update.

Yes. Each session includes moments where sharing is encouraged, but there's never any pressure to speak, and you can always talk to me privately after a session.

If you do share, everyone is asked to treat what's said in the group as confidential. The group is designed to be supportive and compassionate, and many people find sharing gets easier as the weeks go on and their confidence grows.

Yes. Everyone completes a short questionnaire as part of registering. It helps me understand anything I should be sensitive to during the course, and lets me arrange a follow-up call if that would be helpful.