Wednesdays - April 10 - June 12, 2024

Minding Your Inner Monkey is an online, 10-week evidence-based workshop series designed to support you in breaking through the challenges of habitual stress. The workshops are founded on the principles of mindfulness and self-compassion which are now extensively researched and supported in the scientific literature.

Time: 9:30 Am - 12:30 Pm

Location: Online

Dates: Apr 10, Apr 17, Apr 24, May 1, May 8, May 15, May 22, May 29, Jun 5, Jun 12.

Price: OHIP covered. A fully-refundable deposit is also required to secure your spot in the group and to act as payment if there are multiple missed sessions.

Requirements for Virtual Participation: Participants must be in the province of Ontario for all sessions. (OHIP rules require patients and their MD to be in the province at the time of service delivery, even for virtual care). In addition, you must either be seen in-person once by Dr. Taylor, or have your family physician request a consultation regarding your care from Dr. Taylor in order to be eligible for OHIP-covered virtual care.

This course will benefit people who are: 

• Dealing with major life stresses;

• Dealing with challenges related to depression or anxiety;

• Committed to making real changes in their lives to help their bodies and minds relax into rest;

• Able to commit to all groups sessions, as well as daily, prescribed, Mind-Body Medicine practices;

• Willing to agree to the group guidelines.

Please note: This group is not a substitute for ongoing, individual psychotherapy.

Click HERE to start the Registration Process

Wednesdays - April 17 - June 5, 2023

Mindfulness is an evidence-based treatment for a number of mental, physical and stress-related illnesses, equal in efficacy to SSRIs, exercise, and psychotherapy. The goal of this group is to introduce the specific tools and skills of mindfulness meditation for motivated patients and/or health care providers struggling with habitual/chronic stress, chronic illness, chronic pain, caregiver fatigue, burnout, depression or anxiety.

Time: Wednesdays from 5:00 - 8:00 Pm

Location: Parry Sound Salvation Army, 61 Gibson St, Parry Sound, ON

Dates: Apr 17, Apr 24, May 1, May 8, May 15, May 22, May 29, Jun 5

Suitable participants:

• are dealing with stress related to a physical or mental health condition and could benefit from learning tools for stress reduction and mindfulness meditation

• are ready and willing to commit to coming to all eight sessions and to do one hour of home practice daily

• have a valid OHIP card

• are not dealing with active serious mental health issues (untreated PTSD, psychosis, suicidality, etc), an active substance use addiction, or life circumstances that prevent regular group participation

Description: 

Founded on the MBSR and MBCT curriculums, this workshop series will invite participants to learn about and practice training the three A’s of mindfulness: Attention, Awareness, and Acceptance. We will work with sitting, walking, standing, and moving mindfulness meditation practices. In addition, there will be an exploration of how to integrate mindfulness into daily life. Participants will have an opportunity to practice these skills at home and then bring their questions and discoveries to the group for discussion. There will also be a practical exploration of hindrances and challenges in practice as well as how to overcome them.

Cost:

This workshop is covered by OHIP for Ontario residents with a valid OHIP card. A manual will need to be purchased separately to support you during the program.

Click HERE to start the Registration Process

Friday, May 10 - Saturday, May 11, 2024

This two-day workshop will be co-facilitated by Dr. Shira Taylor, MD, and Melina Bondy, RP, and will engage the tools of mindfulness and somatic awareness to grow skills related to Interpersonal Boundaries. Yes, that most tricky and challenging area of life! Whether you are needing to shift your boundary patterns with family, friends, a partner or colleagues, this workshop will help you to better understand what subconscious blocks may be affecting you, and how you can work with them in order to grow the kinds of relationships you would like to have in your life. 

This workshop will focus on Self-Compassion, Deep Listening, and Wise Communication. It is part of a series that also covers physical boundaries and emotional boundary skills. Participants can attend a single weekend or the whole series.

Location: Quaker Friends House, 60 Lowther Avenue, Toronto, ON (St George & Bloor)

Start Date/Time: Friday, May 10, 9:15 Am - 4:30 Pm
End Date/Time: Saturday, May 11, 9:15 Am - 4:30 Pm

Registrants for this workshop series must:

• Have a regular mindfulness-based home practice (at least 4 days/week)

• Be currently in remission from severe mental illness (no active suicidal ideation, self-harm, hallucinations, untreated PTSD or dissociative disorders)

• Be able to commit to attending two full days of the workshop

• Be willing to uphold the group guidelines and ground rules. 

• Pay the registration fee, and arrange their own transportation and accommodation. We will suggest some local accommodation options, and can help connect participants who want to share accommodation and/or rides.

Cost:

Registration Fee: Dr. Taylor’s services are covered by OHIP for residents of Ontario. If you are a non-resident of Ontario, please email for further pricing details. A fee of $300 pays for the services of Melina Bondy (registered psychotherapist). If you have health insurance this will likely be covered by your health insurance. A $50 deposit is required to hold your spot in the workshop, and payment must be made in full at least two weeks before the start of the workshop ie by April 26th 2024.

Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available upon request. Please email for details.

Cancellation Policy:

A full refund will be provided for cancellations with 2 weeks notice or more (cancellation on or before Apr 26).
A 50% refund will be provided for cancellations within 1-2 weeks from the start date (cancellations between Apr 27 - May 3 2023).
No refunds will be provided for cancellations with less than a week’s notice (cancellations after May 3 2023).

Schedule:

Friday, May 10:
9:15 Am: Arrival
9:30 Am  - 12:00 Pm: First session
12:00 - 1:30 Pm: Lunch Break
1:30 - 4:30 Pm: Second Session

Saturday, May 11:
9:15 Am: Arrival
9:30 Am  - 12:00 Pm: First session
12:00 - 1:30 Pm: Lunch Break
1:30 - 4:30 Pm: Second Session
4:30 Pm: Closing and Farewell

Please bring your own lunch on Friday and Saturday. There are also many restaurants within a 10-min walk of the venue, if you prefer to buy lunch.

Click HERE to start the Registration Process