INTEGRATIVE CBT-YOGA (ICY™) PROGRAMME
“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
– Lou Holtz
ABOUT THE INTEGRATIVE CBT-YOGA (ICY™) PROGRAMME
The ICY™ programme is designed as a fusion between cognitive neuroscience, its application in the practice of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and the up-to-date science on the usefulness of Yoga practice in mental health. These modalities complement each other both in science and in practice. Both are aimed at training the mind which invariably leads to better physical, mental, emotional and, subsequently, spiritual well-being. Because mental stress, with its emotional outcomes, is today being recognized as a primary risk factor in many chronic diseases, techniques which help prevent or slow down the progress of such degenerative disorders without adverse side-effects are progressively being prescribed either on their own or as an adjunct to medication and medical interventions. The ICY™ programmes are mental health programmes delivered exclusively by Simone Micallef.
The ICY™ Initiation Programme is the one to start with first before proceeding to the ICY™ Practice Programmes. Since these are specialized programmes, an early commitment to the full programme on your part is necessary. This also ensures that you get the full benefit of the programme, which is aimed at assisting your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
ICY™ INITIATION PROGRAMME – GROUP SESSIONS
The group sessions of the ICY™ initiation programme is divided into specific modules aimed at providing practical guidance. Each module is 1.5 hours long and makes up the educational/practical elements relating to the ICY™ approach. These include:
Understanding: The basis of yoga practice in mental health and the cognitive neuroscience associated to it. The importance of the cognitive aspects including attention, awareness and concentration are emphasized.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Cultivating awareness and attention. Using these cognitive abilities to elicit the relaxation response.
Breathing Mindfully: Directing attention to the breath and learning to work with your breath adaptively.
Mind traps and Meditation: Being mindful of thoughts that create obstacles and taming the mind from unnecessary thoughts. Using meditation in your daily life – active and passive meditation.
Sound vibrations: Mantras and affirmations – creating resonance through words. Putting it together: Unifying theme – Connecting the elements.
Each module includes an introduction to the theme followed by practice. While it is recommended that the modules are taken in their order of presentation, this might not always be possible. Should a session be missed for some reason this can be replaced either online or during the subsequent season. Participants should follow the ICY™ initiation programme first since this gives the basics to the practice and how this benefits our health, particularly mental health. This will then enable students to move on to the ICY™ practice sessions in the future if they wish.
Reservations can be made by contacting us by email or text message on 9987 0269, indicating your interest. Once your place is confirmed on the programme, a letter confirming the dates and details of the programme will be sent out to you by e-mail a week prior to the start of the programme. This is a specialized health programme and the small size of the groups makes booking early in advance necessary to guarantee a place on the programme.
The dates for the next ICY™ Initiation Programme are as follows:
Thursdays 6.30pm: TO BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE
ICY™ PRACTICE PROGRAMME – GROUP SESSIONS
The practice programme is aimed at sustaining mental health. Like the ICY™ initiation programme, an appointment and confirmation letter for a place on the practice sessions is necessary. For the most part there are normally a block of 6 practice sessions for every practice season. This can vary depending on the season and will be announced ahead of the start of the programme. Each session is between 1hr to 1hr15mins. Reservation for practice sessions can be made either by sending an e-mail or a text message on the number listed above. Because places are limited early booking is recommended.
Dates for the ICY™ Practice Programme dedicated to the Earth element this season are held as follows:
Tuesdays 5.30pm: 3/09; 10/09; 17/09; 24/09; 1/10; 8/10
Wednesdays 6.30pm: 4/09; 11/09; 18/09; 25/09; 2/10; 9/10
Fridays 10.30am: 6/09; 13/09; 20/09; 27/09; 4/10; 11/10
All classes are offered live exclusively online with recordings of each class sent following each class. The next season of the ICY™ Practice Programme will be announced at a later date.
For further information, please feel free to contact us on info@healthinmind.com.mt.