While the course sticks to the main format designed by Kabat-Zinn, Emily adds her own unique insights and learning, making it original and refreshing while still being based on a proven method. I came away from this course with a deeper understanding of myself, and with tools to get through difficult times... and just every day! Doing the practice from week to week built up a solid experience of mindfulness practice, which made it easier to carry into my life after the course. Emily continuously stressed that we should DO the practice--though not judging us if we'd had an off week--and I think that was an extremely important aspect that merited the repetition. The consistent practice during the class was concrete proof that we could continue on our own after the class ended. I enjoyed doing this in a group where we could share our questions and felt free enough to do so without being judged. I really felt that we were on a journey together, and that by being in class, I was supporting my fellow classmates, just as they were supporting me.
- MBSR student November 6, 2016
Just to say that I reluctantly (I'm not a big fan of group training) took Emily's MBSR course in the fall... I was quite surprised at how effective the training was for me with stress reduction and lowering anxiety. Emily is a fabulous teacher with a generous spirit, warmth and grace that is not often found. I would work with Emily again...gladly."
~Brian January 15, 2015
My husband and I took Emily's Mindfulness and relationships course in 2014. Throughout the workshop, Emily created a very safe and cordial environment. We both left the workshop with valuable tools and skills that have helped us communicate with less judgement and more kindness and compassion in the couple.
Personally, I found these skills to be helpful in other relationships as well, with family, friends and work colleagues. My husband also wished to express that this was his first experience in a Mindfulness or personal development workshop, and he felt immediately at ease. He thought that Emily was very welcoming of all participants regardless of their experience. I would definitely recommend this workshop. Thank you Emily!
~ Janice February 23, 2015
By the way, my anxiety has been completely manageable since the class began 5 months ago, almost not even present anymore. It was truly a life altering experience for me, and I am deeply grateful to you (and Jon Kabat-Zinn).
~ A.Z. January 15, 2015
This class was really pleasant. It was a nice way to start my friday mornings and got me through a difficult time. I was very satisfied with the MBSR class.
~ M.C. June 30, 2016
A quick note to thank you for your patience, devotion and respect in which you granted to everyone who comes in. You have forwarded us the gift of self-love and how to turn towards and appreciate the present moment.
~ A.L., former MBSR student June 30, 2016
Emily’s Self-Compassion Workshop made me realize just how challenging and detrimental it can be when we constantly judge and criticize ourselves for our perceived shortcomings. A key focus of the workshop was the discovery of effective tools and practices that help you recognize when your inner critic is being very harsh. These have helped me manage my own experiences in a more mindful and loving way. I can’t thank you enough Emily for this workshop. It truly has changed the way I see myself and others.
~ Karen June 30, 2016
Emily has truly helped me through our regular meetings, the strategies/resources that she shares with me, and the longterm support that she provides me in the healing process, which involves a great deal of personal commitment, work, and responsibility. I can personally testify to how mindfulness, self-compassion, and psychotherapy in a supportive/learning framework helps me heal in huge ways and essentially, helps me to evolve to be more myself. I have so much gratitude for this work, this practice, and so much gratitude for Emily, her practice and spirit.
- VN November 6, 2016
The MBSR mindfulness workshop taught by Emily has changed the rhythm of my life. I am more present with myself and others and I savour each day as a new adventure. Learning to meditate has opened a new perspective on my life path. Emily has the talent to turn us towards mindfulness through group workshops of great simplicity, sweetness and good humour.
~ Violaine Dasseville, Psychologist and Art Therapist January 15, 2015
I am very grateful to Emily for sharing her knowledge and generously bringing mindfulness in our lives by offering this course. I have tried for many years to integrate meditation into my very busy and sometimes overwhelming schedule with limited sucess. Committing to this 8 weeks course made me become engaged in the process. What made it very powerful was sharing with the group about the obstacles as well as the beautiful dicoveries along the way. Mindfulness meditation has helped me become more connected with myself and my emotions. This was a gradual process that naturally unfolded as the weeks went by. I did not feel like I made an effort to 'change myself' or 'change my life' other than putting effort into developing a regular meditation practice. But then, it was my practice that changed me in a very subtle but profound way. Feeling more connected with myself means I am more genuine with myself and others.
Also, I no longer find use for my former bad habits which served to cope with some of my difficult emotions. I have a calm, safe and simple place to go now: within myself! I hope you find this too.
~ Marie February 23, 2015
I felt connected to everyone in this group and I thank each and everyone of them for leaving me with something. For having taught me something and for just listening and not judging. For once in my life I did not feel like I had to stage anything nor play any part or role apart from being myself. I thank you mostly Emily for shedding light to this and for making me realize that playing a part may be a survival skill in society ( work place etc.) but does not have to be a way of living - and letting go - just being yourself is ok as well. Thank you. I needed that. I am still left with memories of our classes.... this is my way of feeling it is not the end but the beginning of a wonderful journey. Thank you ALL once again and thank you Emily for making something I thought was impossible possible!!”
~ Student Mindful Self Compassion group 2016 June 30, 2016
You are a remarkable counselor and woman and I just wanted to let you know that. You gave us permission to be sad and angry but you always gently turned us toward each other and nudged us closer to enable empathy and healing and feeling positive and hopeful and I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart.
TC Couples therapy client July 26, 2015
I would like to tell you my story...... One day, my daughter told me that she thought I was more nervous than usual. And a few days before, I had received the announcement for the MBSR course. I knew, this was for me. To tell you, I was not sleeping a single night, being awake from 1:00 to 6:00 am every night......I was very concerned about family situations, not knowing how to react and staying close to my feelings. So I registered for this course, I practised every day and I started again sleeping through the nights. I noticed that I was more calm towards others and I made better decisions. I recommend this approach very strongly and I thank Emily."
~ Hélène January 15, 2015
I just wanted to tell you how much I've enjoyed taking the MBSR course with you. Not only have you been the perfect instructor -knowledgeable, patient, soothing and accepting - but your follow through is incredible! It's been a thoroughly enjoyable experience!
~ Valerie June 30, 2016
"I took the eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) workshop with Emily and in short, it made a huge difference in my life—both in stress reduction (read in: depression) and putting a lid on my anxiety,"
~Nanci Murdock December 1, 2015