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Qualifications held at Rowanfearn As mentioned on the Rowanfearn homepage, my name is Claire Dodson and I have spent many years gaining as much experience in the physical and mental health fields as possible whilst attaining the following qualifications: Bachelor of Science (1st class Hons.) in Psychology, read at the University of Wales, Bangor. Master of Science in Cognitive Neuropsychology, read at Oxford Brookes University, Oxford. A certificate in Mindfulness Meditation for Health Practitioners, attained at Bangor University, Wales. Certificate in Humanistic Integrated Counselling, attained at CPPD (UK) London. Certificate in Counselling for the new millennium, attained at Wolverhampton University. First Degree in Reiki attained in Moelfre, Angelsey, North Wales. Second Degree in Reiki attained in Abbingdon, Oxofrdshire.
Qualifications currently being attained Advanced Diploma in Integrated Counselling, for which I am studying at the Iron Mill Institution, Exeter. After 3 years of clinical practice once qualified I will be able to attain accreditation by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Future Qualification aims To advance my knowledge and skills in humanistic approaches in personal development and therapy.
Evidence based practice: Aims and objectives at Rowanfearn Much has been learned about the benefits of relaxation and meditation in the medical and psychological fields of study. I am currently in the process of collating empirical reports that have looked at the various effects of relaxation and meditation to a persons health and well being. My understanding after attending courses, retreats, and whilst reading my degrees, is that generally relaxation and meditation can help reduce experienced levels of stress, improve an individual's immune system, reduce the effects of stress related illness- such as heart conditions and problems with the nervous system, and promote the body's natural healing processes- such as recovering from colds and flu. There is also evidence that suggests relaxation and meditation can facilitate learning, retention and recall of information thus aiding 'memory', and increase a persons self awareness and their awareness of their surroundings which can reduce the impact of emotional and psychological difficulties and illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. The degree of these effects of course depends upon a participants' initial state of arousal before, during and after sessions. It also seems possible that at least some of the variation of the results could be due to the technique of relaxation and meditation used, and the manner in which it is taught. The aim at Rowanfearn is to teach relaxation and meditation skills to groups and individuals that are specifically tailored to their needs, depending on the time they have during the day to practice, their environment, and what they will be doing when they meditate (believe it or not the practice and application of relaxation and meditation need not depend upon sitting on the floor in lotus position for hours on end, they could, however, be done whilst washing up!). Currently, there is a scarce evidence base in many complimentary therapies such as Reiki. From my professional experience I am convinced that this would be a very worth while fact to change. At Rowanfearn, individuals who receive any of my services are asked if they would like to help with research into the efficacy of the practices implemented. Clients and services users can do this simply by allowing information about what they experienced before, during and after each session to be used confidentially (i.e. all personal identity information removed) in gathering together information. This information would then be used in writing reports with the aim of furthering the development and understanding of the techniques used. All of Rowanfearn's services and practices are subjected to research due to the importance of furthering the development and understanding of techniques used in a therapeutic and developmental approach.
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