Meditation

If you're visiting this page, you're likely interested in meditation or are practicing already. Congratulations! Meditation is a powerful tool, capable of alleviating stress, improving health, and bringing you closer to your essential self. I'm here to make sure your personal practice serves who you are and what you desire.

Meditation has become refreshingly mainstream these past years, with classes available anywhere from workplaces to yoga studios to apps. If you've gone those routes and they're working for you, that's fabulous. I wish you much peace and clarity in your practice.

My offerings are directed more to those whose needs aren't being met. Not every meditation approach is a match for every person. In fact, when a particular technique is poorly matched (or taught by someone who hasn't been trained to teach) the result can be discomfort or even harm. This is why I've sought diverse meditation training and experience, including specialized teacher training, which I use in conjunction with my psychological understanding of meditation mind-types and mental health. The result is a meditation program tailored specifically to you.

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Meditation Offerings:

I offer instruction for individuals and for groups, as well as case consultations for meditation teachers.
(If the latter is you, please reach out below.)

MEDITATION INSTRUCTION:

THE STANDARD (3-4 sessions, individual)

THE STANDARD is my most popular meditation option, appropriate both for beginners and established meditators. Each session dedicates nuanced attention to your specific evolving needs. We might, for example, use the mind-type assessment to establish a primary practice intended for daily use, which we would adjust and supplement over the next sessions with additional meditation practices and tools. 

For established meditators, we might use our mind-type assessment to identify less-developed areas for meditation expansion, which we would then monitor and hone over the arc of our sessions, supplementing with advanced techniques and other meditational tools for as-needed use.

Each session of THE STANDARD lasts one hour and includes:

• Establishment and instruction in a primary technique (if not already established);
• Check-in on previous instruction and practice;
• Identification of areas for further adjustment or expansion;
• At least one in-session meditation session;

The STANDARD package also includes at least one 5-10 minute recording of audio instruction, as well as email check-ins. STANDARD sessions can be spaced according to your needs and convenience to fall weekly, monthly, seasonally, or less predictably, over the course of one year. New meditators establishing a primary practice are recommended to meet roughly weekly.

STANDARD meditation sessions can be conducted by ZOOM anywhere in the world. Non-video phone calls aren't recommended. On occasion, in-person sessions may be possible in the NYC area.​

The tUNE-UP (SINGLE SESSION, INDIVIDUAL)

The TUNE-UP is best-suited for meditators who have already completed the STANDARD, or existing meditators whose practice is generally working, but who may be experiencing some stagnation or mild friction. Individuals who are interested in meditation, but have some hesitation or concern, may also prefer this single session option. 

Each meditation TUNE-UP session includes:

• A Mind-Type Assessment (if not completed previously, or if your answers have significantly changed);
• Analysis of your current practice, experience, and goals;
• Any relevant adjustments to your current practice;
• Potential tools to supplement your practice.
  

TUNE-UP sessions can be either forty-five minutes or one hour, depending on your needs and whether you'd like the session to include a meditation.

Your TUNE-UP session can be conducted by ZOOM anywhere in the world. Non-video phone calls aren't recommended. On occasion, in-person sessions may be possible in the NYC area.

THE GROUP (Single session)

This single-session group option is perfect for wellness events, corporate retreats, school reunions, or any other environment in which a collection of people can benefit from guided stress reduction and take-home tools. 

The Vichara GROUP includes one 30-minute phone call in advance of your event to determine the meditation form best suited to your organization. The GROUP meditation session itself can follow either of the following two formats:

1. 20-30 minutes: Brief explanation, guided meditation practice, gentle return to awareness.
2. 45-60 minutes: Same format as the 20-30 minute version, but with more detail, a longer group meditation, and the opportunity for a meditation-related Q/A at the end.

A 5-10 minute meditation recording will be available to your group at the conclusion of our session.

THE COURSE

The COURSE is our most conventional group meditation offering. It involves four sessions of 1-hour meditation instruction, spaced either daily or weekly. The COURSE is ideal for in-office corporate trainings and other groups who gather regularly (such as book clubs, yoga teacher trainings, etc.) 

The most common COURSE format dedicates one session to each of the four primary meditation mind types (Present Moment Awareness, Calm Focus, Energized Body-Mind, and Transcendence / Unified Consciousness). Individuals will be taught to identify their most compatible technique for regular use, while also assembling a toolbox of meditation techniques for different circumstances and needs. This format can be adjusted to a larger goal, such as workplace productivity or stress management, with relevant techniques drawn from each approach. 

As with the GROUP, the COURSE includes a 30-minute phone call to establish your preferred structure and goals. One 5-10 minute recorded meditation will be available to your group at the conclusion of each session.

Getting Started

​​Marisa K. Mickel, LCSW-R
80 Fifth Avenue, Suite 903a
New York, NY  10011

(646) 504-5254
marisa (at) vicharacenter.com

Curiosity piqued?

Reach out to request a phone consultation, book a session or class, discuss an interview / speaking opportunity, or simply float a question. I'd be happy to hear from you.