About Merge
Know a little bit more about us
Know a little bit more about us
We have an undiluted belief that humans have the potential to find balance in a world where balance is misunderstood and undervalued. At Merge Programs, we believe this comes from understanding the power that lies in our differences and using these to counteract the often overwhelming pressures and expectations which wind their way into our lives.
You, our clients, bring unique perspectives, and in collaboration with our professional expertise, our therapists tailor programs to specifically meet your needs and support you to achieve your potential.
We use evidence-based physical, social and psychological strategies so that no matter what your age or stage of life, you can feel empowered you to use the skills and knowledge gained in treatment to enhance your sense of well-being and balance.
There is a growing body of research demonstrating the positive impacts that mindfulness-based therapies can have on psychological wellbeing across the lifespan. Firstly, however, let’s be clear on what mindfulness is, and as importantly, what it is not.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Programs (MBCP) are derived from the meditation practices of Buddhist philosophy. The evidence base for mindfulness dates back to the late ’70s. One key U.S. theoretician in this field is Jon Kabat-Zinn from University of Massachusetts Medical School. Kabat-Zinn has popularised the neuropsychological value of meditation. In brief, mindfulness aims to promote “the intentional self-regulation of attention so that it remains focused on present moment experiences (i.e. thoughts and feelings) as they arise. The second component is an attitude of openness, acceptance, and curiosity toward whatever arises.” (Baer, 2014)
Unfortunately, as is often the case with effective therapeutic frameworks, MBCP has also been misinterpreted as a means of achieving relaxation and calm and eliminating stress reactions. While this is often a side effect, it is not the goal. The goal of MBCPs is to allow the individual to observe thoughts and feelings without judgment. It is a cognitive processing and attentional skill which, when practiced, allows an individual to find enough mental space to make choices promoting functional coping. My definition of mental space is that teeny weeny period of time between thought and action, during which we are empowered to choose our behavior rather than immediately reacting with an explosive expression of emotion. Mental space allows us to regulate emotion and is a key skill that children and adults need to self-manage.
Merge Programs runs structured group sessions to develop and implement Mindfulness-Based cognitive practices.
Children
Worry management
Mindfulness sessions
Emotion coaching
Growth mindset
Managing school/exam stress
Navigating communication at home
Social Skills development
Self-esteem and self-acceptance
Adolescents
Managing exam/school stress
Mindfulness sessions
Managing Peer relationships
Navigating communication at home
Self-esteem and self-acceptance
Understanding body image
Building resilience
Growth mindset
Social Skills development
Self-esteem and self acceptance
Couple
Conflict management
Emotion coaching
Working through infidelity
Stress management
Communication skill development
Pre-marital programs
“Self, Other, System” training
Navigating separation
Adults
Managing anxiety and depression
Mindfulness sessions
Working through chronic health issues
Establishing work/life balance
Recovering from relationship break ups
Navigating communication at home/work
Rehabilitation after workplace injury
Trauma counselling and management
Older adults
Understanding grief and loss
Managing retirement
Mindfulness sessions
Working through depression
Stress management
Managing chronic health issues
Social networking and engagement
Parents
Understanding child development
“1-2-3 Magic” programs
Emotion coaching
Promoting pro-social behaviors
Stress management
Navigating communication at home
Self-esteem and self-acceptance