LoveYourBrain Mindset Online Program FAQS

Our free six-week online Mindset programs offer peer support and tools for anyone looking to cultivate mental flexibility, physical strength, positive thinking, and more! Explore our FAQ page to learn more and discover which program is the best fit for you.

 
 

General Questions

What can I expect?

LoveYourBrain Mindset is a research-informed, six-week online program designed to build community and foster resilience through yoga, mindfulness, and education. Each week, participants receive emails with four tools, including pre-recorded yoga classes, meditations, yoga nidra meditations, and educational videos that focus on the following themes: resilience, mindfulness, intention, realistic optimism, positive thinking, and gratitude.

We offer two types of interactive programs that include weekly online meetups via Zoom, 1) LYB Mindset Group Discussion and 2) LYB Mindset Yoga. We also offer LYB Mindset On Your Own, which is self-paced and does not include  any online meetups.

What is the cost?

FREE! 

Can I participate in different Mindset programs at the same time?

No, you can only sign up for one type of Mindset program at a time (i.e., only sign up for the LYB Mindset Group Discussion OR LYB Mindset Yoga OR LYB Mindset On Your Own). If you submit an application for one program, please do not submit another application as it will cause delays and will prevent you from joining the program.

I loved the Mindset program! Can I sign up for another one once the six weeks are complete?

Yes! If you have already completed a LYB Mindset program, you are welcome to sign up for another LYB Mindset program at a later date. In fact, we know how helpful it can be to participate multiple times since you’ll take something new away from each new group, facilitation team, and where you are in your healing journey.

After completing the six week program, will I continue to have access to the material?

Yes! You'll continue to have access to the content by returning to the weekly emails and clicking the links that take you to the content on our website.

What about screen time? Is it okay to follow along if I recently sustained a head injury?

Every person and injury is different. Most recommendations state that a gradual return to screen time is needed post injury. You know your body best, and if needed, you can always follow along with your screen turned away from you.

If I have another type of neurological condition (e.g., miltiple sclerosis, long covid, etc. which program am I eligible for?

The LoveYourBrain Mindset On Your Own program is open to anyone within our community and can be completed on your own time at your own pace. To create a culture of shared experiences related to acquired brain injury, our interactive programs with online meetups are only open to this community at this time.

Can I share the program material with people who aren’t signed up?

No. It’s required that each person who wants to participate signs up through our eligibility form. This way, people will experience the program in the way we intend and benefit the most. When people sign up, we can communicate with them if they have questions, they’ll receive updates to the program materials, and we can solicit their feedback to continue to make improvements. 

I'm not receiving Mindset emails. What should I do?

Search your spam/junk/promotions/updates folder for emails from mindset@loveyourbrain.com. If you find Mindset emails there, add us as a contact to avoid future emails ending up in spam. If you don’t find Mindset emails in your spam/junk folder/promotions/updates, reach out to mindset@loveyourbrain.com for assistance.

What is an Affinity group?

Intentionally created spaces for people with shared identities or life experiences to gather.

Why do we offer Affinity groups?

We organized Affinity groups in direct response to requests from members of our community; from our desire to create affirming spaces for people with shared identities or life experiences to meaningfully connect, learn with, and support each other; and in alignment with our DEIAB commitments.

What Affinity groups are offered?

We offer a variety of Affinity groups based on our community’s needs and our capacity. These groups tend to vary each quarter. Here are examples of Affinity groups that we currently offer:

  • Caregiver Affinity Group: for people directly caregiving for someone with a brain injury, including offer support with activities of daily living (e.g., driving, cooking, organizing, hygiene, socializing, hobbies, etc).

  • Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Affinity Group: for people who identify as Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islanders, Latinx and other members of racially and/or ethnically non-dominant groups, including people who are multiracial and white-passing.

  • Chair Yoga Affinity Group: for people who are interested in or feel most supported by practicing yoga in a chair.

  • Veterans Affinity Group: for people who serve or have served in the military, naval, or air service.

Who leads our Affinity groups?

People are selected as Facilitators for Affinity Groups if they identify as a member of the particular group, express a strong interest in this leadership role, and have strong experience as a Facilitator.

Can I save the eligibility form and complete it later?

  • We would love to offer this option, however at this time we don’t have the technology to make it happen.

  • Since Mindset Interactive program applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, it is possible that the program you selected to enroll in will be filled during the time it may take to return to the application.

What does LoveYourBrain do with the information requested in the eligibility form?

We use the information collected on the form to assess whether people who apply to our programs meet our eligibility criteria, which vary by program and can be found on our website. We never share or sell any personal or health related information with outside parties, and our data storage system has near HIPAA-level security.

We also collect different validated outcomes (quality of life, resilience, positive affect, cognition), but they are only used if people give permission by answering 'yes' to a question about using information for research purposes. We do not use these assessments as a screening tool for eligibility in the program. Instead, these outcomes inform our ongoing research about the effectiveness of our program.

Mindset Group Discussion (Interactive)

Who can participate?

Individuals ages 15+ who have sustained a TBI (including concussion) and other types of acquired brain injury (e.g., stroke, anoxia, and tumor) and their caregivers. Caregivers are welcome to attend a program with the person whom they support, or they are welcome to attend on their own. For more information on Caregiver specific information, visit our ‘Caregiver’ section below.

Why is there an age minimum of 15 years old?

One of our core programmatic values is addressing the greatest unmet needs for people within the TBI community, and research shows that concussion is most common among adolescents 15 to 19 years old. Furthermore, our program includes a group discussion component that provides a space for mature, self-reflective conversation about life experiences that may not be appropriate for or relevant to children. We do require that anyone under 18 has parental consent.

What can I expect from the 45 minute online meetup?

A LoveYourBrain trained Facilitator will guide a discussion about the week’s themed topic and invite the group to participate in a discussion around the weekly theme. Remember, participation includes active listening, too!

Do I need to apply to the program?

Yes, everyone must be registered and accepted for this program. There is a separate program application for each program: Mindset Group Discussion, Mindset Yoga, and Mindset On Your Own. You can find the applications on this page.

When can I sign up?

Programs are offered four times a year in October, January, April, and July. We open registration several weeks in advance here on our website. If you don’t see any programs available on our website, it means there are no openings at the time. You can sign up to be notified when the next programs open.

I missed registration. What now?

If you missed registration this round we encourage you to sign up to get notified when programs open using this form.

How often can I sign up?

You can sign up for this program as many times as you like throughout the year (though please only sign up for one program at a time)! We know how helpful it can be to participate multiple times since you’ll take something new away from each new group, facilitation team, and where you are in your healing journey.

How do I access everything?

The day before your program start date, you’ll receive an email with the four tools and instructions for how to access your first meetup on Zoom! Once a week for six weeks, you will receive an email with links to each week’s materials. These emails will come from mindset@loveyourbrain.com - make sure to add us as a contact so we don’t end up in spam!

What do I need to participate?

For the online meetups, we recommend a reliable internet connection, using a laptop or desktop computer (and headphones if you wish), being in a stationary place with soft lighting and minimal background noise, and connecting through video so we can see your face! We discourage participants from dialing into the meeting from their mobile devices.

Who are the Facilitators for the group discussion?

Our Facilitators represent diverse individuals who have a personal connection to TBI and deep commitment to serving this community in the long term. All Facilitators have been trained in the LoveYourBrain Mindset curriculum and facilitation best practices, and bring unique knowledge and background to each discussion. You can read their bios and see their photos on our Program Leaders page.

If I miss a session, can I join another group?

No. Each group is on their own timeline with the material and it might not line up to join in with another group. We also feel that it’s important to build trust and community and it could be disruptive to have people joining later.

I can no longer attend the Mindset group, what should I do?

If you can no longer attend the Mindset group you signed up for, you have the option to transfer to another program or withdraw by completing this form. Please do your best to submit the form before your first meetup, so we can give your spot to someone else.

Mindset Yoga (Interactive)

Who can participate?

Individuals ages 15+ who have sustained a TBI (including concussion) and their caregivers. Caregivers of people with TBI are welcome to attend a program with the person whom they support, or they are welcome to attend on their own. For more information on Caregiver specific information, visit our ‘Caregiver’ section below.

Why is there an age minimum of 15 years old?

One of our core programmatic values is addressing the greatest unmet needs for people within the TBI community, and research shows that concussion is most common among adolescents 15 to 19 years old. Furthermore, our program includes a group discussion component that provides a space for mature, self-reflective conversation about life experiences that may not be appropriate for or relevant to children. We do require that anyone under 18 has parental consent.

What can I expect from the 75 minute online meetup?

The first 45 minutes include a gentle yoga class led by a certified yoga instructor followed by 30 minutes of facilitated group discussion about the week’s topic. Remember, participation includes active listening too!

Do I need to apply to the program?

Yes, everyone must complete an eligibility form and be accepted for this program.

When can I sign up?

Programs are offered four times a year in October, January, April, and July. We open registration several weeks in advance here on our website. If you don’t see any programs available on our website, it means there are no openings at the time. If you missed registration this round we encourage you to sign up to get notified when programs open using this form.

I missed registration, what now?

If you missed registration this round we encourage you to sign up to get notified when programs open using this form.

How often can I sign up?

You can sign up for this program as many times as you like throughout the year (though please only sign up for one program at a time)! We know how helpful it can be to participate multiple times since you’ll take something new away from each new group, facilitation team, and where you are in your healing journey.

How do I access everything?

The day before your program start date, you’ll receive an email with the four tools and instructions for how to access your first meetup on Zoom! Once a week for six weeks, you will receive an email with links to each week’s materials. These emails will come from mindset@loveyourbrain.com - make sure to add us as a contact so we don’t end up in spam!

What do I need to participate?

For the online meetups with group discussion, we recommend a reliable internet connection, using a laptop or desktop computer (and headphones if you wish), being in a stationary place with appropriate lighting and minimal background noise, and connecting through video so we can see your face! We discourage participants from dialing into the meeting from their mobile devices. 

For the live yoga class portion, we suggest using a yoga mat (or large towel), blanket to sit on, and two yoga blocks (stacks of sturdy books work well, too).

Who are the Facilitators for the yoga classes?

Our Facilitators are a group of diverse certified yoga teachers that have completed the specialized LoveYourBrain Yoga Teacher Training in how to adapt yoga for TBI. All Facilitators have also been trained in the LoveYourBrain Mindset curriculum and facilitation best practices, and bring unique knowledge and background to each discussion. You can read their bios and see their photos on our Program Leaders page.

If I miss a meeting, can I join another group?

No. Each group is on their own timeline with the material and it might not line up to join in with another group. We also feel that it’s important to build trust and community and it could be disruptive to have people joining later.

I can no longer attend the Mindset group, what should I do?

If you can no longer attend the Mindset group you signed up for, you have the option to transfer to another program or withdraw by completing this form. Please do your best to submit the form before your first meetup, so we can give your spot to someone else.

Mindset On Your Own

Who can participate?

Anyone! This online program is available to anyone in the brain injury community and beyond. This means individuals who have sustained any type of brain injury, caregivers, healthcare professionals, friends, family, or simply anyone interested in cultivating resilience through yoga, mindfulness, and education.

How do I sign up?

To participate, you will need to complete the sign up form on this page, confirm you have not been told by a medical professional to avoid yoga or meditation, and confirm you have read and agree to our liability form to ensure the program is right for you at this time.

How do I access everything?

One week after you sign up, you’ll receive an email with the four tools. Once a week for six weeks, you will receive an email that will contain the links to each week’s materials. These emails will come from mindset@loveyourbrain.com - make sure to add us as a contact so we don’t end up in spam!

What do I need to participate in Mindset On your Own?

We recommend having a reliable internet connection, using a yoga mat (or large towel), blanket to sit on, and two yoga blocks (or stacks of sturdy books) for the pre-recorded yoga classes.

When can I sign up?

 Anytime! This program will be on demand whenever you need it.  

How often can I sign up?

You only need to sign up once and save the six weekly emails. The content remains the same. By saving all your emails, you have continued access to the yoga videos, yoga nidra practices, meditations, and educational videos!

After taking the Mindset On Your Own program, am I eligible for other LoveYourBrain programs like the Yoga and Retreat programs?

Maybe. Our Mindset On Your Own program is open to anyone in the brain injury community and beyond, who are interested in cultivating their resilience through yoga, mindfulness, and education. We have purposefully created this program to be as inclusive as possible. However, LoveYourBrain Mindset Interactive, Yoga, and Retreats have separate eligibility criteria based on their respective intentions, safety parameters, and our organizational resources. Please review the eligibility criteria for each program to see if they’re a good fit for you.

Caregivers

For the Mindset Caregiver Affinity group, who is eligible to attend?

This session is open to any individual who is in direct support of an individual living with brain injury (i.e, spouse, parent, partner, sibling, etc). Please note, that this specific Caregiver only session is not open to clinicians.

There isn’t a Mindset Caregiver Affinity group offered this round, can I attend another group?

Yes! Caregivers are encouraged to apply to another program if a Caregiver Affinity group is not available.

As a caregiver, what can I expect from this program?

We encourage caregivers to share from their lived experience instead of sharing on behalf of someone with a TBI. We intend for this program to expand caregivers’ understanding of TBI, what it means to be a caregiver, and how to support themselves and their caregiving role through mindfulness-based tools.

I want to attend an interactive Mindset group with the individual I support. Do I still need to sign up?

Yes! In order for us to accept you into any Mindset program, you must fill out the sign up form on this page. We encourage caregivers to sign up for Mindset just before or after the person they care for signs up, to ensure both people get a spot in the same group.

Clinicians

I’m a clinician, and have patients that I’d like to refer to take Mindset Group Discussion, Mindset Yoga, or Mindset On Your Own. Can I sign someone up?

Yes! We encourage clinicians to share information about the LoveYourBrain Mindset Group Discussion and Yoga programs with their patients and families. Because all people must sign up through our electronic eligibility form, you’re welcome to support patients/clients to complete the form (or complete it on their behalf with their permission).

I’m a clinician working in brain health. Can I sign up for Mindset Group Discussion, Mindset Yoga, or Mindset On Your Own?

Clinicians are welcome to sign up for Mindset On Your Own so that you’re familiar with the content and can support your own wellbeing.

We ask that clinicians without a lived experience of brain injury or caregiving not sign up for the Mindset Group Discussion or Yoga programs, however, all clinicians are welcome to participate in our Mindset On Your Own program.

I am a clinician or a support group leader. How can I include LYB Mindset On Your Own into the material I use in sessions?

Anyone can participate in the LYB Mindset On Your Own program, and that includes groups! We suggest that groups all sign up on the same day so that they receive the program materials from us at the same time every week. 

Zoom (virtual meeting platform)

Do I need a Zoom account to attend the online Mindset Group Discussion and Yoga meetups?

Yes! You can download the free version of Zoom here. It is important that you create your own account and sign into it each week to join the meetups. If your facilitator does not recognize the name on the account that you're joining the meetup from, they may not admit you into the session.

What do I need to prepare for the first meetup?

We strongly encourage you to test out Zoom prior to the first meetup. To prepare, it’s very important you download Zoom and test your audio/video connection from the device you’ll be using and in the location you’ll be participating in. If your reception is spotty, contact mindset@loveyourbrain.com for a Zoom dial-in option.

Please arrive in the Zoom room a few minutes early so that your group can start on time. If you arrive late, there is a chance you may not be admitted into the meetup.

How do I access the Zoom meeting?

There will be an access link in your acceptance email and you can use this same link each time. The email will also have a meeting password. 

Can I access Zoom using my smartphone?

Yes, Zoom has free apps for both iOS and Android, however, some features may be more limited than if using a desktop or laptop computer.

Do you have closed captioning during the meetups?

Yes, we do! Further, the prerecorded yoga sessions are provided via the YouTube platform and closed captioning can be turned on.

If I’m having trouble connecting to Zoom, can LoveYourBrain support me?

We do our best to ensure each participant is able to successfully join their weekly meetups. If you encounter any challenges please email mindset@loveyourbrain.com and someone on our team will get back to you within 48 hours.

Security and Confidentiality

Will the meetings be recorded?

No, we do not record any meetings. 

Will any photos be taken?

At the end of each program, we invite participants to be in a voluntary screenshot photo, which the facilitator then emails the group as a reminder of the time we had together. All participants have an option to opt out of the photo. 

What if I have more questions that aren’t answered here?

You can email us at mindset@loveyourbrain.com.