A graduate/postgraduate of Edinburgh and Aberdeen Universities ( BD Hons Counseling/Pastoral Care; ancient languages; ; PGDE; PG Dip Mindfulness Studies & Compassion; SIHR Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Dip Clinical Hypnotherapy/NLP; Mindfulness Teacher Training (MA); Mindfulness Supervision; Counselling Supervision).

EXPERIENCE

COUNSELLING/THERAPY

I have more than 40 years of experience working in various counselling, therapeutic, training and educational roles with both adults and young people. My approaches integrate person-centred,psychodynamic and contemplative psychotherapy, NLP, Hypnotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I am engaged in regular professional development working with trauma-informed approaches and polyvagal theory and have been involved with NHS chaplaincy service providing voluntary support in compassionate listening within GP surgeries. Much of my work is now somatic within the context of contemplative practice and psychotherapy and with subtle energy healing work which accesses the body's innate capacity for healing. 

TRAINING/SUPERVISION

As a teacher/trainer I deliver robust training in Mindfulness and Self- Compassion, Healing Relaxation. 

Workshop development and delivery include Cultivating Happiness; Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy & Psychology; Socratic Dialogue. Mindfulness Teacher supervisor with the Mindfulness Association and provide mentoring for  practitioners on a one to one basis. I deliver short meditation retreats in collaboration with other teachers, developing retreat themes and guidance. I developed and delivered regular CPD on Mindfulness and Compassion based programmes for teaching and admin staff in education sector and the EIS Teaching union and have presented at various conferences ( including the Scottish Association of Psychologists, Alzheimers Scotland, COSLA) on the impact of Mindfulness and Compassion on mental and physical health. 

RESEARCH (EDUCATION)

 'Impact of Mindfulness and Compassion practice on education staff stress and burnout' 

'Impact of Mindfulness & Self-Compassion on Exam and Performance Stress in adolescents'

I first became involved with meditation in1986, from within a traditional Buddhist setting, My first teacher was Akong Tulku Rinpoche who established the first Buddhist monastery in Europe, based in the Scottish Borders. His profoundly compassionate presence set me on the path to compassion for self and others and that first meeting changed the trajectory of my life. My own therapeutic process has also involved the Tara Rokpa process, developed by Akong Rinpoche. I have enormous gratitude for his kindness, compassion and guidance. I have been privileged to have had ongoing teaching from highly respected and experienced meditation teachers within this tradition to the present day. 

My current work includes a collaborative, Scotland-wide charity 'The Mindful Partnership' (SCO51766), which delivers training in Mindfulness, Self Compassion and Healing Relaxation, as well as Somatic Movement, supporting and building resilience in physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, within communities and 3rd sector organisations.

What she says:

“What I’ve ‘done’ feels less important than the 'heart' where action comes from.   Over the years I’ve become deeply aware of the ‘trajectory’ of my life – the thread that connects the many and varied experiences of darkness and joy, work, relationships... daily life. Our being human isn’t separate from suffering and challenges. The ‘mind’ is the major source of that suffering, whatever its forms. I saw this 'play out' at a young age, and made a commitment even then, that I needed to explore and try to understand this, in myself and others... I had no idea what this would involve... mentally, emotionally and physically. It is this 'promise' which touches me in the darkest moments of my own experience, in the darkest places .... witnessing that hope and possibility still resides, often unseen, where there appears to be none. I now know that, against the appearances, healing and transformation can be possible even in these darkest places of the human condition. Bringing this healing and transformation into being, facilitatiing this process which encourages clients to find those places in themselves, is an ongoing commitment, which I aim to bring to my work and my practice.” Christine Dewar

May any benefit which might arise from the activities on this site be dedicated to the happiness and freedom from suffering, of all beings, wherever they may be.