Bridgette is a clinical psychologist by professional training and has taught mindfulness-based approaches in NHS mental health services for staff and clients since 2002. She is a senior lecturer, trainer, and supervisor with the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice and the Mindfulness Network as well as a trainer with the Sussex Mindfulness Centre. Bridgette has a particular interest in mindfulness and compassion-based approaches in relation to social and environmental challenges and is part of the author group of the paper ‘Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Our Time: A Curriculum that is up to the Task’. As well as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Bridgette teaches, supervises, and trains teachers in the Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living programme.
Qualifications
- CMRP’s Teacher Training Retreats 1, 2 and 3
- Other CPPD trainings in different aspects of mindfulness based interventions (MBIs) with CMRP and SMC
- CMRP’s supervision training
- Advanced supervision training – Surrey and Sussex strategic health authority (SHA)
- Leadership training – Surrey and Sussex SHA
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology – Southampton University
Teaching-Training Specialisms
- MBCT in clinical settings (3rd sector, secondary care and IAPT)
- MBCT/ MBSR for health care staff
- MBSR for the general public
- Adapted MBIs in settings where the eight-week course is not advised (e.g. recovery college)
Supervision Experience
I have been supervising mindfulness teachers since 2011 and did the CMRP supervision training in 2012. I supervise both groups and individuals. I am trained in the use of the Mindfulness-based Interventions Teaching Assessment Checklist.
I have learned so much through my own supervision and believe passionately that good supervision supports the heart of ongoing professional and personal exploration.
Supervision Specialisms
- MBCT and MBSR
- NHS context
- Service development
- Supra-vision for supervisors
Personal Practice
I have been practising mindfulness meditation since 2000. This connection grew out of a committed Chi Kung and T’ai Chi practice and a growing interest in Buddhism after a friend lent me Pema Chodron’s book ‘When Things fall Apart.’ While beginning to engage in meditation through Shambhala Buddhism and the teachings of Chogyam Trungpa, Sakyong Mipham and other senior teachers within Tibetan Buddhism, I also began to explore mindfulness practice in the context of MBCT and MBSR. I found and continue to experience that teachings within both contexts enrich and clarify one another. A current theme in my personal practice is sensitively feeling into what is needed and to compassionate presence in relation to myself and others.
Research Activities and Interests
I am a teacher on the Live Mind trial with the Sussex Mindfulness Centre piloting a brief MBI for people with complex mental health challenges. I am also involved in research into the role of compassion in MBIs for healthcare staff.
