1.
“As a naturopathic doctor I continue to search out and add holistic tools to my practice. My philosophy sees health and wellness as a fundamental expression of relationship with self, others, and nature. Over the years I have been considering taking the programs at the Center for Mind-Body Medicine. I was excited to join Dr Dietle’s online Mind Body Skills Group (MBSG), which was based on that program, so I could have a first-hand experience. Though I had only a few interactions with Drew previously, I was sure that I would benefit from the group because of how passionate he is about this work, his aura of light and warmth, and a love of fun that is contagious.
Drew created an 8 week session for our group. Each session he oriented us to a new skill and we practiced it together. These are some of the elements that made it so helpful for me: the skills are easy to learn, easy to incorporate into your daily life, and were even more powerful when practiced together. Drew is so authentic and easy going that I felt perfectly natural doing the shaking and dancing with 10 or so other people over video! Our group energy shift was palpable
afterwards. What I wasn’t anticipating was the depths that our group would go to together. Each week as we checked in, we opened up a little more. I was processing some old anger from a family situation that came up in my life, so it turned out to be really good timing for
me. It was an incredible gift to be witnessed through my struggle, I felt supported and better equipped to navigate the issue. Drew is unique in his ability to facilitate that kind of group experience. His empathetic presence combined with his sense of humor allow him to hold
the healing space with care and be with with what arises in each moment.”
-Erin
2.
What was it like to be part of the group?
“The group was a beacon of light. Having a place to fully release what’s real and happening in my life without a filter has been supportive and inspiring. On top of that, being able to hold solace for others to share themselves and their lives has also been healing and hopeful.”
How did this group benefit you?
“The group was beneficial on many levels. I learned many skills that I’ll take with me to assist in stress management, well being, creative endeavors and mindfulness activities to support a deeper understanding of myself.”
Would you recommend this group to others?
“Absolutely! I have already been telling friends about my wonderful experiences!”
Are there any areas that could be improved?
“The format was setup well and it moved fluidly from place to place within each session. You were an excellent and authentic facilitator! I’m so glad that you are providing this service to the world, it’s inhabitants need more of these groups!!”
What was your favorite activity or session?
“Many of the activities were swell and I enjoyed most of them. A few that really stood out were: the shaking for release, the genogram was wonderful in allowing me to see my family in a more organized manner and shined a brighter light on how my family has played a role in shaping who I have become. Finally, my favorite activity was shares at the beginning of each session. The shares lead to a sense of comfort and support that grew and grew throughout the sessions.
Thanks again! Excited for the last few sessions with everyone!”
-Ian
3.
What would you tell others?
“This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in mind-body awareness to work with a qualified and talented physician in an engaging and intimate group setting. Dr. Dietle has an amazing ability to hold group space and facilitate learning, integration, and healing. I walked away with skills I can use everyday as well as new connections and relationships with like-minded people. Highly recommended! “
What did you like about the groups, and what did you find challenging?
“The group I participated in was composed of several amazing people. As the group progressed we related to each other’s struggles and successes while developing true friendships. I found it challenging initially to open with people I didn’t know, but found that sharing the space together and offering each other’s perspective helped me develop bonds, facilitate my own healing, and deepen my awareness of mind-body connection.”
Are there ways that your life is different now compared with the beginning of the group? How did the groups support changes you have been making in your life?
“I still use techniques learned in the group every day to help with my high-stress profession. Having the support and insights from the group and Dr. Dietle helped me get perspective on my own challenges and find creative solutions.”
Do you have any constructive feedback for me on areas that could be improved, or concerns you have about the groups?
“The biggest thing is keep going. I do think there’s a market for this type of work – particularly with businesses and other healthcare professionals. With time your audience will broaden and more lucrative opportunities will present themselves.
If you start working with more “professional” crowds, it would probably be wise to have your background look super professional in addition to appropriate professional dress.
Otherwise I really enjoyed it. Thank you for having me participate.”
-Tristan
4.
“Thanks for inviting me to participate in these group sessions. It was a neat and unique experience for me. I will answer your questions as best I can.”
What would you tell others?
“That this workshop had a basis in meditative techniques and some self-reflection activities. But the primary focus was giving a space for individuals to share what’s going on in their lives or any struggles they’ve been having. If someone was feeling alone or felt like they were carrying the weight of the world on their own, this would be a great potential outlet to feel witnessed if that’s something they needed. Responses and feedback between each other during the sessions is minimal (without incorporating it into one’s own share), so it should be acknowledged the primary form of bonding comes from being heard and sharing time with each other. Drew is very personable and open, creating a space where one feels comfortable to express the deeper aspects of what’s on their mind.”
What did you like about the groups, and what did you find challenging?
“I enjoyed meeting new people, hearing about what was going on in their lives and sharing our struggles and finding similarities. Since I haven’t participated in many other group workshops or any others online, I can’t really compare and note what differences there are between others and what are the limitations from the online platform or the format of the sessions.”
Are there ways that your life is different now compared with the beginning of the group? How did the groups support changes you have been making in your life?
“To be honest, I haven’t had much other changes outside of the sessions that have been affected by it for me personally. There were/are times I would have thoughts about group members and what they were going through or what their lives must be like. It was nice to be able to share some frustrations with things going on occasionally and to be heard. But overall, since the focus was on output rather than cross-input, I personally didn’t have much to influence my life outside the sessions or to feel accountable. And that may not be the intent of these groups, and they’re great to be able to have an open space to get things off one’s chest, and that’s alright.”
Do you have any constructive feedback for me on areas that could be improved, or concerns you have about the groups?
“I understand the format is structured in a way to be conscientious of time and creating focus on the individual whose opportunity it is to speak. Overall, I enjoyed meeting up with the peeps regularly and think you did great at creating a flow and keeping things on track. :)”
-Anonymous
Waterbird Medicine 