Why I Chose to Pursue Mind-Body Medicine: A Physician’s Reflection on Certification
By Jessica Singh, MD
Disclaimer: I am the founder of Sukhayu Wellness. I have no financial disclosures with the Center for Mind-Body Medicine. The opinions in this article are my own, and not representative of those of the Center of Mind-Body Medicine. I am writing this article to share the powerful impact of mind-body techniques and their mind-body medicine training program.
I was recently asked by a well-respected physician leader in integrative medicine, “What inspired you to do the Center for Mind-Body Medicine’s certification program in mind-body medicine?”
It took me a moment to reflect before I could answer her in a way that did justice to this invaluable experience. After a moment of silence, I answered, “I enrolled in this program because it teaches universal skills for health and healing that enrich and transform peoples’ lives.”
I realized, however, that this question requires a more elaborate response to describe the value of this type of training.
In this blog post, I will share my motivation for pursuing the Center for Mind-Body Medicine’s certification program, its personal impact and key learning takeaways. It is my hope that others will consider this certification program to be a powerful tool in enhancing personal resilience, mitigating burnout and promoting a culture of wellness in the workplace.
Motivation
I first heard about this program many years ago from my mom. She is a retired internal medicine physician and took this program when the certification was just beginning.
She enrolled in the program because she wanted to empower herself. At the time, she had severe back pain that was not relieved by physical therapy or other supportive measures. She was told that her only choice was to have surgery.
Because of Dr. Gordon’s class, she learned how to heal herself. This experience was the beginning of her spiritual journey. She joyfully recalls her experiences twenty years later. She remembers the various techniques: including meditation, biofeedback, imagery, genograms, drawings, rituals and ceremonies, and the optional QiGong sessions.
She described a beautiful guided imagery session where she was instructed, “The closet is in your heart; you do the cleaning. Look inside your heart and see what is on the shelves.”
I, too, wanted to learn the techniques she learned and undergo this type of transformation for myself, and to help others.
I waited for years for my schedule to permit me to enroll in this program.
Finally, I was able to take the online certification program in mind-body medicine after graduating from fellowship in physician wellness. This was a critical time in my life - I was transitioning careers from practicing traditional allopathic emergency medicine, after thirteen years of education and training, to building a wellness practice.
After personally experiencing the powerful healing effects of holistic health modalities, such as yoga and Ayurveda, I decided to dedicate my life to enhancing the health and well-being of others, rather than solely focusing on illness and symptomatic treatment. In learning how to heal from burnout, enhance my own health, and empower myself to live joyfully with fulfillment, I was able to share that knowledge with others.
The Center for Mind Body Medicine’s training program appealed to me due to the universal, evidence-based nature of the mind-body techniques. I wanted to learn tools to improve self-care and empower people from all walks of life; these methods - including meditation, biofeedback, autogenics, imagery, drawings, journaling, mindfulness and movement, etc. - are not traditionally taught in medical education. By completing their certification program, I would learn how to practice these techniques and teach them in a small group setting under guidance and supervision.
Personal Impact
After spending many years training to become a physician, I had become all too aware of a critical gap in medical education: the lack of emphasis on self-care and healthy lifestyle. We are trained to focus on illness, rather than embrace a holistic approach to health and healing. While disease management is crucial, it alone fails to address the larger public health issues that plague the world, such as chronic disease, lifestyle borne diseases, and mental health.
“Health is a a “state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.”
~ World Health Organization
I was humbled to learn about holistic health for the first time while pursuing yoga teacher training in 2018 to enhance my own health and well-being after completing four years of residency in emergency medicine. It was the first time I was introduced to the World Health Organization’s definition of health. “Health is a a “state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.”
This experience inspired me to continue learning. During the many years of medical training I received, I was taught the pharmaceuticals and procedures are the central aim of our treatment and approach to medicine; there was no emphasis on lifestyle or holistic healing modalities. Discovering that there are other techniques to enhance health and healing shook my core beliefs. This knowledge has touched my life so deeply to the extent that I changed my life’s mission from allopathic medicine and founded Sukhayu Wellness - a wellness practice with the mission to enhance well-being on individual, community, and organizational levels by addressing the heart of the issues. (Sukh means peace and joy, and ayu means life in the Sanskrit language.)
I was fortunate to learn about mind-body medicine prior to completing the training through yoga, Ayurveda, and a mindfulness elective during residency (physician training). Along with this certification process, I also completed a holistic coaching mastery program (90 hours), Interactive Guided Imagery℠ certification (150 hours), and began a master’s of science in yoga – all while changing careers and starting a new business.
All of this knowledge greatly enriched my experience during the certification. Having deeper experiential knowledge of the techniques translated to a more impactful personal and group experience.
5 Key Learning Takeaways
As a physician, we spend years in medical education. Teaching is part of our work, essentially in academic medicine, no matter what specialty we practice or where we work, whether it’s with colleagues, students, or patients. Traditionally, in medical education, knowledge is gained from someone who is an “expert” to another who is seeking the information. This is also the nature of mentorship, where one is guiding and sharing expertise with another. However, in medicine, the richest education is granted to us from the patients that we have the privilege to care for and encounter.
The mind-body skills group model is expanded upon the work of Dr. James Gordon, the founder of the Center for Mind Body Medicine, who is recognized for his use of self-awareness, self-care, and group support for healing. This model aligns with me as it empowers participants to become healers, to heal others, and to make life changing impacts in their community using simple, practical, cost-effective techniques. These groups have been proven to decrease stress¹, depression², anxiety, and sleep disturbance.³
In addition, as a facilitator, you are both a leader and a participant in the group. I found that the greatest learning experience comes from the group participants; we are all teachers and learn from each other in this model. Learning how to be present and actively listen are invaluable skills for all aspects of life.
1. The Art of Group Facilitation
The subtle art of group facilitation is not traditionally taught in medical education. As a part of the training, we are required to undergo supervision on a weekly basis while facilitating mind-body skills groups.
A component that I was made aware of, was the advice given to me by my supervisor, who taught me:
“There are three levels of awareness you must be aware of when facilitating a group – awareness of each individual participant, of yourself as the facilitator, and of the group.” ”
This multidimensional awareness is essential in effective group facilitation to create a supportive educational environment that enables respectful communication and establishes a safe space. Being aware of all these processes came more naturally to me through the certification process; however, this is an art that requires practice and takes time to develop.
2. Introspection and Feedback
Another element that helped was seeking feedback from participants after each session. Although I was excited to read the feedback, I was initially surprised to find that I was a bit nervous – for fear of criticism. However, the response was unanimously positive. Reading the participants’ powerful transformative life experiences reinforced my conviction in the group model and passion for doing this work.
Participants valued the “experiences, guidance and space to manifest a better life.”
Another participant responded, “the practice of listening to others and understanding their experiences can help me with my perspective and application of the skills learned.”
Participants also remarked that they “never felt alone or like an outcast.”
Each mind-body skills group met weekly for 8 weeks, and participants remarked they wished the group lasted longer!
Through feedback, I also learned things that people wanted more of, i.e., specific resources, and continuing support, that made the offerings richer. I learned to always ask for feedback with this work for personal and professional development, and to best meet the participants’ needs.
Through feedback in supervision, I discovered more about myself, my biases, and how they impact how I show up and interact with others. I realized that creating and maintaining the space of the group with respect and integrity, according to the Center for Mind Body Medicine’s model, is essential for others to gain the maximum impact and make their own self-discoveries. This enables connection, Oneness, and beautiful learning from the group.
Each participant becomes an integral part of the group, and has rich insights to share. I developed immense trust in the group process.
“Dr. Jessica has been a great instructor, coach and a friend throughout this journey of body, mind and soul sessions. Her positive and empathetic approach for all members in the group brings in a comfortable level for everyone to share things with heart and soul. Thank you Jessica for creating a safe place where we can speak our heart thereby healing and learning from each other.
Overall these sessions and group are a great source of strength, inspiration, self love, togetherness and a safe place to revive yourself with holistic approach. The best thing we learn is that our own mind, body and soul has the power to heal ourselves from every tough disease/circumstances, it’s just that we need to focus and realize our own inner self and strength.
Thank you again to dear Jessica, all group members and everyone who has dedicated their time to bring in this wonderful course and place to help mankind.
”
3. Vulnerability
Certification required 1:1 weekly supervision sessions after each small group session. My supervisor was also a physician; the process of being vulnerable in front of a colleague was very new for me. In the past – I have never allowed myself to be that open in front of someone who was in a supervisory role, and not a very close friend or family. In supervision, I had to reflect on how I was showing up to the group, as that directly impacts my presence for the participants in the group.
There were times during the supervision sessions where I unexpectedly shared personal details with my supervisor because I realized how they were impacting me. This was not required of me; I allowed myself to “let go” to experience personal transformation and become a better facilitator. I am forever grateful to my supervisor who created a space that enabled me to trust the process, without fear of judgment.
This was a big step for me, especially after many unprofessional encounters in medicine. I have been working hard not to let limited experiences of my past project onto the future.
I was also surprised to realize the depth of the imprints of the experiences during medical education, and that I stigmatized my own vulnerability to protect myself from displaying any signs of weakness. In medicine, we as physicians are trained to optimally perform and prioritize our work, regardless of adversity and personal circumstances.
Through this training, I learned that my own vulnerability is not weakness, and stopped having stigma towards myself. Now, I am able to open my heart and be vulnerable in front of others. This has greatly enriched my ability to connect with others and embrace my own humanity.
As a result of this group, my interactions with communicating with others has changed. Physicians and other healthcare providers have to gather the maximum, relevant information in minimal amounts of time (as this is necessary to succeed in the healthcare system). Rather than jump in early in a conversation, I now spend more time observing and listening. Instead of giving my own insight, I facilitate the space for others to share their own wisdom and self-discoveries, as this is infinitely more powerful.
4. Reflection Through Process Notes
I was pleasantly surprised with the undertaking of writing process notes. Facilitators were required to write process notes after each group session. I wrote them immediately after the group ended, and I gained valuable insight while writing them. These notes enabled me to reflect on the events of the group, how the group was received by the participants, and ask questions.
I decided to incorporate process notes as part of the process moving forward with small group work – for my own growth and development, to further understand the participants’ experiences of the group process, and in future collaboration with others.
5. Source of Support
Showing up for these groups – to be able to facilitate despite everything else going on professionally and personally with my family, it brought out the best in me. When I started the Professional Training program last year, I had no idea where the certification would lead or what it would bring to my life. I started the program the day after my last clinical shift ever, and it gave me strength and clarity in moving forward with all aspects of my life, both on professional and personal levels.
On a personal note, at the start of the program, one of my most beloved personal relationships changed indefinitely. Having to navigate through personal issues while doing all of these trainings and establishing a new career was a sadhana (spiritual process) for me.
I am grateful for the support the community provided; it gave me strength and changed my life.
Application to Healthcare Settings
Mind-body medicine and skills groups are a powerful tool to mitigate burnout, both in enhancing workplace wellness and personal resilience. It is imperative that leaders are aware of this, as their support is necessary for systemic initiatives and cultivating community to create a positive culture change.
Read more about Justifying a Budget for Physician Wellness in my article published in Physician’s Weekly to understand the staggering costs of burnout, and why leadership support for wellness initiatives is essential.
Furthermore, the training from this organization is accessible as physicians and other healthcare providers receive continuing education credits for their education.
“Attending Dr. Singh’s mind-body group was a blessing in disguise as it happened at the most appropriate time of my life. The Covid pandemic took a heavy toll on me and I found myself struggling to get back my peace and harmony.
Dr. Singh’s kindness, simplicity and her willingness to promote wellbeing was palpable right from day one. Her easy to implement, yet powerful tools seem to work instantly.
The breathing techniques, autogenics, guided imagery, expressive meditations and various other tools to access the subconscious provide immediate relaxation and reveal the power of our mind.
I remember how her gentle guidance took me to an inner journey of Self-awareness, making me realize that I am the author of my story and that I can rewrite my story and live the life of my dreams.
Her one-on-one interaction with each member of the group was amazing where she patiently answered all the questions giving scientific explanations.
After completing her group both my inner and my outer worlds were harmonized and I found my peace and truth.
In other words I was transformed!!!””
Summary & Acknowledgements
Mind-body medicine teaches us that each person can be an expert in their own self-care, and that we each make their own discoveries. The process of certification in mind-body medicine and of any inner work, for that matter, is unique for everyone - but has the same ultimate objectives of enhancing individual and collective well-being.
In sharing this, I hope to inform and inspire others of the endless opportunities for self-care and enrichment to enhance individual and community well-being.
Mind-body medicine — health and healing — is a life-long art and science. The Center for Mind Body Medicine’s certification program has been an incredible journey. I am full of gratitude for this experience. I am thankful to have the opportunity to not only learn from, but become friends with kind, intelligent, and talented people along the way who dedicate their lives in service of humanity. I am also humbled and full of joy to be a part of a warm, gifted community of people who bring health, healing, and positivity into their communities.
I highly recommend this training to anyone looking to enhance their own self-care and the well-being of others. Thank you.
Call to Action:
Experience an upcoming mind-body skills group with Dr. Jessica Singh.
Email wellness@sukhayu.life to learn more about bringing this work to your organization.
If you would like to connect with me to discuss collaboration and how we can support each other, please email me directly at jessica.singh@sukhayu.life. I look forward to hearing from you!
Resources for Further Learning:
References:
van Vliet, M., Jong, M., & Jong, M. C. (2017). Long-term benefits by a mind–body medicine skills course on perceived stress and empathy among medical and nursing students. Medical teacher, 39(7), 710-719.
lsma, M. C., Jones, L. D., Staples, J. K., et. al. (2020). Mind-body skills groups for adolescents with depression in primary care: A pilot study. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 34(5), 462-469.
Staples, J. K., Gordon, J. S., Hamilton, M., & Uddo, M. (2020). Mind-body skills groups for treatment of war-traumatized veterans: A randomized control study. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy.
