What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the mental practice of being attentive to and accepting of experiences in the present moment. Practicing attention involves bringing awareness to in-the-moment experiences such as sound, breath, or thinking. Acceptance is the practice of adopting a non-judgmental, curious, open, welcoming, and compassionate stance with our inner and outer world experiences.

 

What are the Benefits of Mindfulness?

The benefits of practicing mindfulness is well researched, showing improvements in self-compassion, emotional regulation, stress management, interpersonal communication, and mental resilience skills. Simply put, we feel better about ourselves and others when we pause to practice slowing and noticing.

 

Why Practice Mindfulness in a Group?

Mindfulness skills take practice, and we think it is helpful to have the support and encouragement of others while caring for your mental health. We are all some version of there and some version of not yet there. Together, we will help you build a habit of mindful awareness as you build a better relationship with yourself and others. Think of Being Me as being your “mindfulness buddy.”

 

Who Can Benefit from Mindfulness?

All humans. We all have brains. We all have bodies. Everyone can benefit from strengthening the mind-body connection.

 

Will I Be Bored?

Perhaps? There can be some discomfort while practicing mindfulness. The group experience is designed to be interactive and engaging. You can expect moments of silence and observation along with times of movement and interaction.

 

Is It Normal to Feel Nervous about Group Therapy?

Yes, it is normal for people to feel apprehensive and nervous when considering participating in a group therapy experience. Growth and discomfort are good buddies, and sharing our stories with others is vulnerable work. To ease discomfort, our therapists intentionally cultivate a warm, nurturing, and confidential environment for all group participants to feel comfortable exploring their present-moment experiences.

 

Do I Need to Pay for the Group?

Yes, please!  You can use your insurance and we will bill your insurance company on your behalf. We are in-network with BCBS, U-Care, Mayo Medica, MEDICA, Tri-Care, United Health, Health Partners, Atena, and Preferred One. Please know if you choose to use your insurance, you will need to attend one individual therapy session at Flourish to establish care before starting the group. Prior to your first session, our practice administrator will review Flourish’s billing policy with you and answer any questions. This conversation is also an opportunity for you to discuss personalized billing arrangements.

 

 

If you prefer to use private pay, the cost is $520 for all 8 group sessions. For more information, give us a call at 507-993-7731 or email us at flourish@flourish-counseling.com

 

What If I Already Have a Therapist?

Awesome!  You can still join our group and keep your individual therapist.  Also, you don’t need to have a therapist to join the group. Although we do think therapists are fantastic! If you would like to use your insurance, you will need to attend one individual therapy session with a counselor at Flourish to establish care. However, you can continue to see your other therapist for individual therapy while attending group therapy at Flourish.

 

What If I Need to Miss a Session?

We highly recommend attending all eight sessions. But we get it; life happens. If you need to miss a session, you may be able to schedule an individual make-up session, depending on the group therapist’s availability.

 

Do I Need to Bring Anything?

A notebook and a pen might be handy. But if you forge, we have extras to share.

 

Is Talking in the Group Required?

You can share as much or as little as you prefer. At Flourish, sharing and listening are equally valued. We’re delighted you showed up.

 

Can Enroll in the Group More Than Once?

Yes. Yes, you can.

 

How can I register?

To begin the registration process, please fill out the Being Me interest form.

Our office coordinator will contact you within two business days.

 

Other Ways I Can Learn More About Caring for Mental Health?

Check out our Yoga + offerings, individual therapy opportunities, or our pregnancy and postpartum programming for more ways to take good care of you and your brain.