Mindful stress reduction series
May-June 2026
What if stress is not something we simply have to manage, but something we can be learn to understand and gently support ourselves through?
Imagine exploring wellness and mindfulness-based practices through an experience that gently weaves together evidence-based approaches that include knowledge sharing, animals, sound meditation, nature, nervous system regulation, breath, and slow, intentional movement.
Take a moment to feel into that possibility…
What if the body, mind & nervous system already holds the wisdom for regulation, resilience, and self compassion, and we simply need the space and the tools to listen.
Join facilitators Kirsten Hargreaves (Registered Clinical Counsellor) and Jessica Valentine (Holistic Wellness Practitioner) for a six-week Stress Reduction series exploring wellness and mindfullness based practices, neuroscience, equine and nature based experiences as well as live sound meditation and gentle nervous system regulation movement practices.
Kirsten and Jessica will guide you through evidence based, embodied approaches to support nervous system regulation, stress reduction, and mindful self-compassion, creating space for awareness, restoration, and meaningful connection with ourselves, our relationships, and the ways we show up in our personal and professional lives.
Registration is now open. The series begins May 2026.
Series information
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It is for people who are seeking a slow and intentional way of taking care of themselves and their nervous systems while reducing stress and creating a sense of resilience.
This series is a good fit if you:
Feel drawn to learning practical nervous system regulation tools in a gentle, embodied way
Are curious about how mindful movement can help reduce stress and improve body awareness.
Value reflection and meditation as supportive tools for building resilience and meaning-making
Are seeking consistency and continuity rather than one-off experiences
Appreciate learning within a small group that honours pacing, consent, and lived experience.
Want low barrier tools, methods and approaches to stress reduction and mindful self compassion that you can return to again and again with ease in daily life.
Feel called to connect with others in a learning and experiential environment in a way that is grounded, relational and intentional.
This series is especially supportive for those navigating situational or chronic stress, transition, emotional overwhelm, or a desire to feel more resourced and empowered when it comes to physical, emotional and mental health.
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This series may be covered under extended health benefits as it is being delivered and co-facilitated by a registered clinical counsellor. Email hello@thewildspirit.ca for more information.
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Each session follows a consistent and supportive rhythm, allowing participants to build familiarity, confidence, and embodied understanding over time. The series is intentionally cumulative, with each session gently building on the last.
Each session is unique to the arc of the series and will be shaped by the environment, subject matter and facilitator.
Each session will include an aspect of knowledge sharing, a restorative rest and reset experience, activity, reflection as well as shared discussion.
The education aspect of the series will be delivered in the form of knowledge sharing through lecture, handouts or visual presentation as well as experiential learning is built into each session.
The focus is not mastery or performance, but developing relationship and trust in the body and minds natural capacity for regulation and restoration.
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Mindfulness & Stress Reduction Series – May 2026
A six-week experiential workshop series exploring mindfulness and stress reduction, nervous system regulation, and holistic wellness practices through breath, movement, meditation, equine and animal invited experiences, and reflective integration.
SESSION 1 – May 14th 6-9 PM - Mission, BC.
Introduction to Mindfulness & Stress Reduction and the Neurobiology of Mindfulness: How mindfulness impacts the brain, stress response, and emotional regulation.
SESSION 2 – May 21th 6-9 pm, Mission B.C.
Breath, Movement, and Meditation and the Neurobiology of Nervous System Regulation
Exploring how breath, gentle movement, mindfulness and sound meditation influence the nervous system and support regulation and grounding.
SESSION 3 – May 28th, 6-9 pm, Langley B.C.
Animal & Equine Invited Mindfulness Practices
Experiential mindfulness practices focused on co-regulation, presence, and relational awareness with animals.
SESSION 4 – June 4th, 6-9 pm, Langley B.C.
Equine & Animal Invited Mindfulness Practices Continued
Deepening animal assisted mindfulness practices and reflecting on relational patterns and applications.
SESSION 5 – June 11th, 6-9 pm, Mission, B.C.
Integration and Practice: Nature based mindfulness practices, reflective journaling.
SESSION 6 – June 18th, 6-9 pm, Mission B.C.
Mindful Connections and Restorative Practices
Shared meal and outdoor fire (weather permitting) focused on community, restoration, and closure.
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The series will take place on Thursday evenings from 6-9 pm at various locations in Mission and Langley, B.C. on:
May 14th, May 21st, May 28th, June 4th, June 11th, June 18th
To support physical, mental and emotional wellness there will be light and nutritious food and beverages provided. It is recommended that participants come with what they need to feel well fed and nourished. For example, veggies and dip, power balls/bars, water and tea.
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A progressive introduction to nervous system regulation practices
Foundational understanding of nervous system anatomy and function
Evidence based, low barrier stress reduction tools you can use between sessions and beyond the series
Opportunities for reflection, rest, meditation, and integration through sound, movement and journaling
A small, intentional group experience that honours pacing, consent, and lived experience
This series invites you to slow down, listen to your body, and cultivate a sustainable relationship with regulation, connection, and restoration.
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Payment Options
The investment is $790 (including GST).
Payment Methods
E-Transfer
Payment can be made by e-transfer.Credit Card
Credit card payments are accepted; however, an additional processing fee will apply.Extended Health Benefits
If you qualify for reimbursement through extended health benefits, full payment is required in advance. Participants are responsible for submitting their receipt to their insurance provider for reimbursement.Inclusivity
We are committed to creating programs that are accessible and inclusive. If the full cost of the program creates a financial barrier, payment plans may be available. Please feel welcome to reach out in confidence to discuss options that may support your participation.
Email hello@thewildspirit.ca for questions regarding payment.
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Registration is now open - Series begins May 14th, 2026.
To register for the series, please email hello@thewildspirit.ca.
We will reply with registration details, payment information, and next steps.
The experience
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Body & Mind
Each session includes gentle, low barrier, inclusive and trauma-informed nervous system regulation protocols to support body awareness, regulation, and self-connection for practical, accessible and supportive for everyday life integration and embodiment.
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Animals
Connect with horses, mini ponies and a variety of animals to experience Animal Assisted Mindfulness Practices
Experiential mindfulness practices focused on co-regulation, presence, and relational awareness with animals.
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Mindfulness
An introduction to mindfulness and stress reduction practices and how mindfulness impacts the brain, stress response, and emotional regulation. Learn evidence based approaches to stress reduction and the neurobiology of mindfulness and mindful self compassion.
“working with jessica offered me an immediate sense of safety and meaningful connection. she Guides with warmth and wisdom, each group session and one-to-one connection felt like a gift of care, presence, and gentle transformation.”
K.L, Mission B.C.
AN Evidence and relational based approach to mindfulness & stress reduction practices
What You Will learn & experience - Your body, mind & NERVOUS SYSTEM
An experiential introduction to mindfulness and stress reduction, sound meditation, and nervous system regulation through movement, breath, relational and reflective practice.
Understanding the Nervous System
Learn how the nervous system functions, including its basic structure and role in stress, regulation, and emotional wellbeing.
Regulation and Somatic Practices
Explore practical regulation techniques and gentle somatic body movements designed to support the release of held tension and pain patterns. Practices include fascia-release and nervous system regulation focused movement, postural awareness, vagus nerve toning exercises, breathflow and journaling
The BODY
These practices are designed to support whole-body regulation and resilience. Through consistent practice, participants may experience:
Increased breathing capacity and improved breath awareness
Improved digestion and circulation
A reduction in face, neck and lower back tension
Improved balance and coordination
Reduced pressure through the pelvic floor
Greater overall ease and embodied awareness
The Mind
Learn tools to support emotional and mental regulation, including:
Managing both chronic and situational stress
Moving through overwhelming emotions with greater steadiness
Shifting the felt intensity of challenging conversations or situations at work or in personal life
Grounding and slowing down when feeling overstimulated
Accessing insight through body awareness and subconscious cues
Connecting with inner guidance to support clarity and decision-making
Meet the facilitatorS
Kirsten Hargreaves, RCC
Registered Clinical Counsellor | Assistant Professor, UFV
Kirsten is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors, an Assistant Professor in the Child, Youth and Family Studies Department at the University of the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada, and a Wellness and Mindfullness Educator.
As a counsellor and educator, Kirsten is passionate about integrating mindfulness, relational practice, and nervous system awareness as key elements for personal and professional growth that support self-compassion, resilience, and wellbeing.
Kirsten’s work integrates therapeutic canine, nature-based, and experiential approaches that highlight the powerful role human-animal partnerships can play in supporting connection and emotional wellbeing. For more than a decade, she has partnered with her golden retrievers, Kona and Nalu, across therapeutic, community, and educational settings. Her work also includes partnerships with equine, pigs, goats, and miniature horses.
An internationally recognized speaker, Kirsten has presented on canine-assisted work internationally, including in Portugal and Ireland, as well as across Canada. She offers counselling and learning experiences from Namastables in South Langley.
Kirsten mindfulness and wellness practices into you own self care plan and can often be found recharging in nature, walking with goldens Kona and Nalu, being in, on, or near the water, and spending time with her loved ones and community.
jessica valentine, cst, nsrp
Nervous System Regulation Practitioner | Craniosacral Therapist | Somatic Body Worker | Compassionate End of Life Doula | Sound Meditation Practitioner
Founder, The Wild Spirit Wellness Studio
Jessica’s work is grounded in relational body-based nervous system practices that honour the whole person. She brings together training in nervous system regulation through the Institute of Applied Somatics with over eight years of experience as a bodyworker, and a trauma informed holistic wellness and sound meditation practitioner, grief coach and compassionate end of life doula.
Jessica’s approach is warm, grounded, and consent-based, with a strong emphasis on pacing, embodied safety, and practical nervous system support. Her work is also informed by her love of sound and music, animals and practices from her Celtic heritage traditions that honour the land, seasons, and cycles of life.
She is a Compassionate End-of-Life Doula and is currently completing her Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care at the University of the Fraser Valley, with plans to continue on to a Master’s in Counselling Psychology.
In her recharge time, Jessica enjoys singing, sounding, playing music, being in or on the water, walking in the forest or along the rivers, supporting cats as a volunteer board member for The Fraser Valley Humane Society or spending time with her fur family and husband.
