Mind Body Workshops

1. How much does the program cost?
The total cost of the ten-week program is $1295.  The initial intake appointment is $200 and $1095 covers all ten sessions for you, three of which include your partner, lunch for both you and your partner at one session, the patient manual, a book, a CD, and your final assessment/consult.

Our weekend workshops are $595 if you register early, and $650 if you register the week of the workshop. Weekend workshops are a great way to integrate all of the tools we teach in our 10-week program in one weekend intesive. The cost of the workshop includes the patient manual, a book and a CD.

2. Are the Mind/Body programs covered by insurance?
We will provide you with an insurance form to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement at your request. Reimbursement will depend upon your specific policy coverage.

3. What is an intake appointment, and why am I required to participate in it?
The intake appointment is an initial consult and serves a very important purpose. It provides an opportunity for you to meet the program leader and for her to learn more about you.  At this appointment, you will also discuss what issues you would like to work on during the program. The final consult is important as well; it allows you to summarize your experience, reflect on your progress, and set new goals for your health. 

4. How does my husband/partner participate?
Partners are invited to attend three of the ten sessions.  By having your partner participate in the program, he/she can also benefit from the relaxation methods, communication exercises and other techniques taught in the program.  In addition, your partner can gain key insight into what you are going through.  We also provide one group session designed specifically for the partners.

We welcome full partner participation in our weekend workshops.

5. What if my husband/partner cannot participate in the program?
It is very helpful if your partner can commit to participating the program, but it is not a requirement.  We understand that schedules can be difficult to manage and not everyone can participate all the time.

6. What is the best time to start a mind/body workshop?
The workshop can be beneficial whether you participate prior to or concurrent with your medical treatment.

7. Where are the groups held?
We hold classes at 235 Avenida del Norte in South Redonod Beach as well as 2825 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 303 in Santa Monica.  Click here for the next available workshop.

8. How are the 10-week groups structured?
We meet in the evenings from 6:30 to 9:00, one day a week for seven of the sessions.  Three of the sessions take place on the weekend to ensure partner participation.  The first half hour of every group is reserved for sharing, followed by a discussion that includes some level of group participation.  Typically, the groups consist of six to fourteen couples ranging in age from twenty-five to forty-seven. 

9. What happens if I need to miss a session?
Participants are frequently unable to attend all ten sessions, however, we ask that you not miss more than two.  At the first session, a buddy will be is assigned to you. This person is there not only to support you emotionally during the program, should you need it, but also to take notes for you if you miss a session.  The group leaders are also available to answer any questions you may have.  In addition, the materials you will receive at the beginning of the program provide background information that can help you with any topic you might have missed.

10. I’m not always comfortable in a group setting.  How touchy-feely is this?
While there is a half-hour of optional sharing time at the beginning of each session, the rest of the time is structured to provide information on relaxation techniques, nutrition, exercise, and other topics. You do not need to worry if you are not comfortable in a group. You are not required to share and it is perfectly fine to just sit back and listen.

11. What if I get pregnant during the group?
We frequently have women with positive pregnancy results during the 10-week program. We have a well-defined pregnancy agreement to ensure delicate communication among other group members. Participants who get pregnant are encouraged to remain in the group because the skills we teach are beneficial regardless of whether or not you are pregnant, and newly pregnant participants usually find they still need the support.

12. I have secondary infertility. Can I participate in the program and will I feel isolated in the group?
We understand that the anxiety associated with secondary infertility can be challenging. Women who already have one child are welcome to participate in our program, however, those with more than one child are asked to meet with one of the program counselors for one-on-one instruction.

13. What is your cancellation policy?
If notice of cancellation is received twenty-four hours before your intake appointment (your first individual counseling session) and forty-eight hours before the first session of the program begins, you will receive a full refund (less a $50 cancellation fee). Cancellations received after the intake appointment are subject to the $200 intake fee, and cancellations received less than forty-eight hours before the program begins are subject to a $500 cancellation fee.

1. How does acupuncture work?
The ancient Chinese believed that there is a universal life force present in all living creatures.  This life force, known as Qi (pronounced chee), flows throughout the body along specific pathways called meridians.  If the flow of energy gets blocked, it can result in illness.  Acupuncture works to reprogram and restore normal functions by stimulating certain points on the meridians in order to free up the Qi energy.

2. Is acupuncture painful?
Because acupuncture needles are extremely fine and flexible, they typically do not cause discomfort when they are inserted.  When Qi has been influenced, a tingling, heaviness or a slight sensation of energy flow may be felt.  Treatment most generally results in a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.

3. Is acupuncture safe?
In 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners.  The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that they be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.  Our facility uses only disposable needles.

4. Who should perform acupuncture?
Acupuncture should only be performed by a licensed, certified practitioner.  All of our practitioners have met the strict training and examination requirements established by the State of California.  Additionally, we adhere to the standards established by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) for the safe and effective practice of acupuncture.

5. How many treatments are needed?
Acupuncture is primarily used to correct the underlying cause of an illness or disease.  Each person is different and the number of treatments required will vary depending on the severity and nature of the condition.

6. What conditions respond best to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
According to the National Institutes of Health, acupuncture may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of adult post-operative and chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, post-operative dental pain, addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, stress, and anxiety.

7. Does acupuncture increase pregnancy rates in infertility patients?
Several studies have looked at the effect of acupuncture on men with low sperm counts.  It appears that acupuncture improved sperm counts based on an increase in subsequent pregnancy rates. Several studies have also shown higher pregnancy rates for women who received acupuncture compared to women who lay quietly and received no treatment.  People who receive acupuncture report an increased sense of well-being, and a decrease in anxiety and depression. And because a reduction in stress has been associated with increased chance of pregnancy, acupuncture can be beneficial for individuals dealing with infertility.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 310.373.WELL (9355) or email info@mindbodywellnessla.com.