MindfulWell Foundations Program®

MFP

An 8-week online program

Understand your patterns, reclaim your response.

The MindfulWell Foundations Program® gives you practical, evidence-informed tools to understand your nervous system, work with the patterns shaping your responses, and build skills you can use independently long after the program ends.

Apply now
Why this exists

You know your patterns. The way certain moments make you react before you've even decided to. The relationships that seem to bring out the same old story, again and again. The thoughts that feel less like thinking and more like weather.

Understanding why isn't the same as being taught how — and most of us were never taught how. The Foundations Program® is built to close that gap: practical, evidence-informed tools for understanding your nervous system and your patterns, paced gently over eight weeks so they actually become part of how you live.

"You don't need a diagnosis to deserve a better relationship with your own mind."

What the program covers

Three foundations, built one on top of the other.

Nervous system literacy

Polyvagal theory and the window of tolerance, translated into plain, practical language.

Working with your patterns

An introduction to the shadow, and a workable vocabulary for the patterns shaping your responses.

Practical tools

CBT reframing, self-compassion practice, and a regulation ladder you'll actually use.

You don't have to work this out alone

Learning at your own pace doesn't mean learning by yourself.

Each week's videos and worksheets are yours to work through in your own time — but you're not doing this in isolation. A small cohort of women moves through the program alongside you, with one optional live session each week to bring it all together. Can't make it live? Every session is recorded and available within 24 hours.

The 8-week journey

A steady build, week by week.

01

Orientation & safety

How the program works, shared agreements, your first grounding practice.

02

Your nervous system

Window of tolerance, polyvagal theory, your own nervous system profile.

03

An introduction to the shadow

How patterns show up emotionally, behaviourally, and relationally.

04

Awareness

The observing self, "name it to tame it," a daily check-in practice.

05

Acceptance & self-compassion

Practical acceptance and Kristin Neff's three-component model.

06

Working with thoughts

The CBT cycle, cognitive distortions, a four-step reframing process.

07

Regulation — practical tools

Extended exhale, orienting response, co-regulation, your regulation ladder.

08

Consolidation

The full check-in practice, and your post-program plan going forward.

What you will develop

Skills that outlast the eight weeks.

  • A working understanding of your nervous system and the window of tolerance.
  • A vocabulary for your patterns — and a more workable relationship with them.
  • Practical awareness, self-compassion, and regulation skills.
  • CBT tools for working with unhelpful thought patterns.
  • A realistic post-program practice you can sustain entirely on your own.
What's included

Everything you need, week to week.

Self-paced

Work through it your way

  • 3–5 short video lessons each week
  • One guided audio practice each week
  • One downloadable reflection worksheet
  • Accessible from any device, any time
Held by

Amy Reis Williams

Counsellor and somatic facilitator, and founder of MindfulWell. The Foundations Program® is built around Amy's own ShadowCognition Theory®, blending polyvagal theory, somatic practice, and mindfulness with a whole lot of warmth. Every session is held with patience and genuine respect for wherever you're starting from — you won't be pushed here. You'll be met.

Before you apply

A few gentle questions

Do I need any experience?

None at all. The program was built with complete beginners in mind, just as much as anyone already familiar with this way of thinking about themselves.

What if I miss a live session?

No problem at all — every live session is recorded and available within 24 hours. Live attendance is always optional, never required.

Is this the same as therapy?

No. This program is not a substitute for individual psychotherapy or psychiatric care. Enrolment includes a brief intake and screening form to make sure it's the right fit for you at this time — if you're unsure, please reach out before applying.

How much time does it take each week?

Most weeks take somewhere between 45 minutes and an hour and a half, spread across the videos, worksheet, and audio practice — plus the optional live session if you choose to join.

Places are held for you here.

NZ$390 · 8 weeks · small cohort, women 18+ · next cohort now open, places limited.

MindfulWell Foundations Program® — Supporting Minds, Embracing Wellbeing. This program is not a substitute for individual psychotherapy or psychiatric care.