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Have people mentioned feeling a sense of support when they are around you?
Our one year part-time PG diploma in Mindfulness based Counseling-Listening with Embodied Presence is an opportunity to refine this skill with greater attunement to be of benefit to others.
This program is in collaboration with St. Mira’s College for Girls, Pune (affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University).
The course is unique in its mindfulness based approach and focuses on inner listening & self-care of the practitioner. The course is immersive and application oriented with just sufficient theory to supplement an experiential understanding of what it means to hold space for another.
To be there for another, we need to encounter ourselves deeply and so the course design includes self-reflection, engagement in non-sectarian mindfulness practices, personal sessions with experienced counsellors/listeners and peer sessions.
Course Highlights:
- Experiential & Application Oriented
- Ongoing Individual & group supervision from experts
- Basic theory of counselling, Personal Work & Mindfulness practice
- Small Class size for engaging learning experience
Key Modules:
- Attentiveness in the listening space
- Compassion and Empathy in the listening space
- Listening for insight and from a field of awareness
- Group Process Work
- Applications of Counselling to Specific Groups
- Ethical Issues in Counseling
Course Objectives
The training program focuses on cultivating moment-to-moment attention to various layers and dimensions within oneself, the other, the relational field and the larger field of awareness. Participants learn to respond and support from an attentive and attuned space fostering a process that is fluid, dynamic and empowering.
During the course, participants learn:
- Attentiveness: To stay attentive to what is going on within themselves, with the speaker and in the listening space
- Authentic Response: To authentically respond in a way that is supportive to the client’s process.
- Open & Inviting Presence: To meet people with an open, warm heart of love; grounded and centered irrespective of what is encountered
- Inner Process Awareness: To draw the attention of the speaker to their own inner process uncovering inherent wisdom
- Somatic Awareness: To integrate body awareness and somatic resonance in the listening process
- Recognition of Specialised Help: To recognize when there might be a need for specialized help and respond accordingly.
STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM
The comprehensive course spans approximately 630 hours and encompasses diverse elements such as training modules, mindfulness practices, online supervision sessions, personal counseling sessions, peer exchanges, and the facilitation of individual and group sessions.
The training modules are supplemented by online supervision sessions dedicated to practice, sharing, and receiving feedback. Participants will receive feedback on their assignments as well as on their submitted reports (that includes written and audio recorded sessions).
Participants are required to receive and offer counselling sessions in between the in-person sessions, thereby adding dimensions to the listening process as they go along.
The Program is offered in two formats:
- Join the program in a fully online format
- Join the program in a hybrid format - participants can attend a few modules online and the rest in-person in Pune.
Course Dates
- Module 1 - August 1-3, 2025 (online for everyone)
- Module 2- September 12-14, 2025
- Module 3- October 10-12, 2025
- Group Supervision 1- November 15,16, 2025
- Mid-term Evaluation- 30th November, 2025
- Module 4- December 12-14, 2025
- Group Supervision 2- January 10,11, 2026
- Module 5- February 6-8, 2026
- Group Supervision 3- March 7,8, 2026
- Module 6 - April 10-12, 2026
- Final Evaluation- 7th June, 2026
- Final Submissions - 30th June, 2026
The 40-day Mindfulness Practice (Integrating Compassion & Wisdom), starting June 21st, is a part of the program. It is included at no additional cost for all enrolled students.
Attendance and Completion requirements:
Participants need to attend all sessions. In case sessions are missed, it will need to be attended with the next batch at an additional fee. In addition to attending modules and group supervision, participants are required to complete the following as part of the coursework:
- 240 hours of mindfulness practice
- Conduct 24 individual counselling/listening sessions with others
- Conduct 26 individual sessions with peers
- Conduct 4 two-hour group sessions, one of which is conducted in class with peers and three other sessions in other organizations and groups
- Receive 2 Individual Supervision Sessions
- Receive 6 personal counselling sessions with recommended counsellors and listeners.
Diploma will be granted only if all course completion criteria is met. Those without a psychology or social work background will be certified in Mindfulness Based Listening with Embodied Presence. Those with a psychology or social work background will be certified in Mindfulness Based Counseling: Listening with Embodied Presence
PROGRAM FEE
The program fee is Rs. 75,520/- ( Rs. 64,000/- plus 18% GST).
It’s important to note the following:
- The fee does not cover the course requirements of 2 individual supervisions and 6 personal counseling sessions.
- Individual supervision with an approved Just Being Center supervisor is at an additional cost, currently charged at Rs. 2000/- per one-hour session. Fees may vary slightly incase of any changes to our overall supervision fee structure.
- For personal counseling sessions, participants can choose their own counselor, whether external or from Just Being and will need to cover associated expenses independently.
- If you plan to attend sessions in person at the Just Being Center at Pune, the cost for travel, accommodation, and food is not covered in the aforementioned program fee.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Graduation in any discipline and a willing heart to hold a listening space.
This course is also suitable for those already in the field of counselling.
At the end of the course you can offer listening sessions and/or counselling sessions (if you have a psychology background) to benefit the community either on an individual basis or as a part of the organization.
ADMISSION PROCESS
The following will be an ongoing process once you submit the application form:
- Submission of Application form
- Short-listed Candidate will be invited for Interview
- Final Selection
- Non-refundable deposit of Rs.15,520/- to confirm enrolment within 2 weeks of Selection
- Completion of formalities (Degree submission etc.) & Full fee payment to confirm seat
Important Dates:
- Last date to apply: May 15th, 2025
- Document submission, Full Fee Payment & Completion of formalities: June 15th, 2025
- Commencement date of 40 day program is June 21st and module 1 begins on August 1st, 2025
Kindly note:
- The admission is on first-come-first-serve basis.
- The seats are limited to 30 due to the nature of learning involved. Request you to apply early.
- We are offering all students enrolled in this program the opportunity to join the 40-day Mindfulness Practice (Integrating Compassion & Wisdom) that begins June 21st at no additional cost.
Sandy Dias Andrade
Lead Teacher and designer of the course
A gifted psychotherapist, trainer and workshop leader with 19 years of experience in the field, she has primarily trained in Mindfulness based interventions like Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Integral Somatic Psychotherapy (ISP), Biodynamic CranioSacral Therapy (BSCT), Focusing Skills Certification and is equipped in skills in cognitive, affective, somatic works as well as trauma resolution.
Sandy Dias Andrade is a psychotherapist in mindfulness and presence and founder director of Just Being, Pune. She is also a trustee at Connecting, an NGO involved in suicide prevention work. She was responsible for initiating the helpline service and has trained and mentored over hundred volunteers in ‘Mindfulness Based Active Listening’ as well as mentored other organisations and individuals in setting up listening systems.
Harini Raval
Co-Teacher
Harini is an associated counselor with Just Being and holds individual as well as Group therapy spaces. She facilitated Grief Circles for the community on behalf of Just Being Center in association with Connecting Trust. She also works in the area of strengthening leadership in education and child development.
Harini Raval holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from ‘College of Social Work Nirmal Niketan’ and a Doctoral Degree in Education from ‘University of Twente, Netherlands’. She has trained in ‘Mindfulness Based Counseling: Listening with Embodied Presence’ from Just Being & St. Mira’s and ‘Mindfulness & Presence Oriented Psychotherapy’ from Just Being Center.
Dr Jaya Rajagopalan
Supporting Faculty
Jaya is the The Principal In-charge at St. Mira’s College for Girls, Pune and has served at St. Mira’s as Head of the Department of Psychology. She teaches many theory-based modules on the course and brings the theory alive for students. She has an ability to teach in a way that makes theoretical concepts lucid and places them in a concise yet comprehensive framework.
She has actively designed courses to advance students’ understanding of psychology as a profession, designed curriculums for undergraduate programs with psychology as a specialization, taught varied psychology courses for undergraduate levels, including psychopathology, research methodology and counselling psychology. She is also responsible for developing several volunteering programs that were very popular with the community and students. She is also a coordinator of the Internal Quality assurance cell and is instrumental in launching a very successful mental wellbeing program for students.
Dr. Milan Balakrishnan
Guest Faculty
Dr. Milan Balakrishnan is a licensed psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health. He completed his medical degree from the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences followed by residency training in psychiatry at Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital. Dr. Milan is trained in both general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. Throughout his career, Dr. Milan has provided compassionate care to patients across the lifespan, from children to older adults. He has worked in a variety of settings, including community mental health clinics, inpatient hospitals, and private practice and Digital Psychiatry clinics. Dr. Milan has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.
Dr. Milan uses a variety of treatment modalities, including medication management, psychotherapy, and lifestyle interventions. He is also trained in neurostimulation and ketamine use. He is trained in Mindfulness based therapies. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Balakrishnan is a respected researcher and educator in the field of psychiatry. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented his research at national and international conferences. He has also been quoted in many newspaper and magazine articles. He is also a clinical professor at Masina Hospital, where he teaches medical students and psychiatry residents.
The following will be an ongoing process once you submit the application form: 1. Submission of Application form 2. Short-listed Candidate will be invited for Interview 3. Final Selection 4. Non-refundable deposit of Rs.15,520/- to confirm enrolment within 2 weeks of Selection 5. Completion of formalities (Degree submission etc.) & Full fee payment to confirm seat
Important Dates:
1. Last date to fill Application form: May 15th, 2025
2. Document submission, Full Fee Payment & Completion of formalities: June 15th, 2025 3. Commencement date of the 40 Day Practice is June 21st and module 1 begins on August 1st, 2025.
Kindly note:
- The admission is on first-come-first serve basis.
- The seats are limited to 30 due to the nature of learning involved. Request you to apply early.
Eligibility Criteria:
Graduation in any discipline and a willing heart to hold a listening space.
At the end of the course you can offer listening sessions and/or counselling sessions (if you have a psychology background) to benefit the community either on an individual basis or as a part of the organization.
This course is also suitable for those already in the field of counselling.
Please note:
Participants without an academic background in psychology/social work will be certified in Mindfulness Based Listening with Embodied Presence. Those with a psychology or social work background will be certified in Mindfulness Based Counseling: Listening with Embodied Presence
Just Being Center for Mindfulness & Presence is honored to announce the Lorraine Fernandes Memorial Scholarship, dedicated to honoring the legacy of Lorraine Fernandes, a cherished advocate for marginalized communities.
This scholarship aims to support individuals who are actively working to uplift and empower women & children from economically disadvantaged groups through education and community service.
It is intended for those looking to further develop their skills in holding space for others through our one-year Post graduate Diploma in Mindfulness based Counseling- Listening with Embodied Presence offered in collaboration with St. Mira’s College, Pune
Scholarship Overview
- Scholarship Name: Lorraine Fernandes Memorial Scholarship
- Purpose: To support individuals dedicated to working with women and children from economically disadvantaged communities
- Course: Post Graduate Diploma in Mindfulness based Counseling- Listening with Embodied Presence
- Scholarship Amount: Full/Partial Course fee based on the applications received
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the Lorraine Fernandes Memorial Scholarship:
- Current Engagement: Actively working with women and children from economically disadvantaged groups
- Commitment: Demonstrated commitment to community service for the above groups
- Education: Graduation in any discipline
- Nationality/Residency: Indian
Application Process
To apply for the Lorraine Fernandes Memorial Scholarship, candidates must submit the following documents:
- Completed Application Form for the Program: If you have not filled yet, submit HERE
- Application form for the Scholarship- Submit HERE. Keep the following ready:
- Personal Statement: A written statement (500-1,000 words) outlining your work with marginalized communities, your commitment to social justice, and how this course will further your efforts.
- Letter of Recommendation: One letter of recommendation from an individual familiar with your work and dedication to marginalized communities.
- Resume/CV: An updated resume or CV highlighting your relevant experience.
Selection Process
The selection committee will review applications based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated commitment to working with marginalized communities.
- Potential impact of the scholarship on the applicant’s work and community.
- Professional achievements.
- Strength of personal statement and letters of recommendation.
Key Dates
- Program Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
- Scholarship Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
- Announcement of Recipients: second week of June
- Apply here
- Email: justbeingcenter@gmail.com
- Phone/WhatsApp: +91-90110-36828
We look forward to receiving your applications and supporting the important work being done in honor of Lorraine Fernandes’s legacy.
Lorraine Fernandes
While Lorraine was the mother of two girls, many people who crossed her path, often thought of her as their mother. If one were asked to come up with adjectives to describe her, we are sure the following would be amongst the top 5 – loving, generous, kind, tall, warm.
Lorraine was a teacher by profession. She gave up teaching when she conceived her first born, although she, proverbially, remained a teacher for life. Her longest role was as the Lady of the House, a homemaker and it is a role she carried and wore with pride. Alongside this, she served on the Board of Trustees for the Lila Poonawalla Foundation for several years. At some point in her lifetime, she headed the Works of Charity, a social organization of the Mount Carmel Church that facilitated the education of several needy children, who are today pursuing careers of their choice. In addition, she proudly facilitated several inter-faith meetings with the purpose of creating understanding, building sensitivity, and bringing people of different communities together. Having lost her husband at a young age and despite her responsibilities towards her home and as a single parent, Lorraine’s strongest purpose and focus was her charity work. Much of this work was done quietly and she pursued it honestly and with honour, with the singular purpose of alleviating suffering & promoting self-reliance.
Lorraine was a chef par excellence and she enjoyed entertaining, cooking, and feeding people. She loved to embroider and several of her saris were hand embroidered by her. Her weakness was saris, she could not resist buying them and left behind an impressive collection of them. The love of her life was her husband, Alfred, and the bond they shared was rare. Lorraine passed away in November 2021 but she will always be remembered for her large-hearted warm persona, her beautiful smile, her kind heart and for being the giver of the tightest, warmest hugs.
