Mindfulness and Stroke

‘Jody is one of the wisest women I have known. Her story is inspiring and jaw-dropping.‘Ruby Wax, author of A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled; ‘This remarkable story begins with its author suddenly close to death - as if on a raft floating towards it. But the raft turned. She returned to life - but, in so many ways, not the same one at all. The book is witness to Jody’s own persistence and openness, to Frances’s wise encouragement, and to the gentle help of family and friends. It is written so that we, when this happens to us or to our loved ones, may also find the courage to discover new ways of living life.’ Mark Williams, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Oxford

JODY MARDULA is a psychotherapist and supervisor whose professional background in addiction counselling, training and services management culminated in a role as Director of Counselling, Supervision and Training for CAIS, The North Wales Drug and Alcohol Agency, from 1987 to 2006. Jody was also for many years a highly respected practitioner, trainer and examiner in the field of Transactional Analysis (TA). In 2007 she joined the team at the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice at Bangor University, UK, and in 2008 she was appointed the Centre’s Director. She left her post after suffering a second stroke in 2012 and continues to train and teach at a reduced level. She has written numerous journal articles and is the author of chapters on mindfulness in therapy in several edited books.

DR FRANCES VAUGHAN is a clinical neuropsychologist with a background in cognitive and neuropsychology research. After a PhD in cognitive science, and a series of neuropsychology research posts in hospitals and universities around the U.K, Frances went on to train as a clinical psychologist in Bangor. She worked in a service for people with dementia, and later, the North Wales Brain Injury Service. She developed and was Director of a clinical neuropsychology training program for clinical psychologists. More recently, Frances developed a neuropsychological service to support families living with a brain injury, and carried out research into the effects of learning to practice mindfulness after a brain injury. Frances has an Honorary Senior Lectureship at Bangor University.