A Conversation About the Meeting of Two Models
moderated by Michael Miller
As meditation finds its way into more lives — and more therapy rooms — a meaningful question is emerging: what happens when these two powerful approaches to wellbeing meet?
This intimate conversation brings together one of the world’s leading Vedic Meditation teachers, with two highly experienced Chartered Counselling Psychologists who are also long-term meditators. The result is a rare dialogue from people who know both worlds from the inside.
Together they’ll explore:
- how Vedic Meditation and talk therapy each address the same human struggles — and why the differences matter
- what meditation brings to a therapist, both personally and in the room with clients
- the accelerated shift that becomes possible when both approaches are working together
- real examples of what opens up when a person has access to both
Join us as we dive into what becomes possible at the intersection between the ancient and the modern, and why the exchange is so necessary.
Meditation and Modern Psychology: A Conversation About the Meeting of Two Models
- Tuesday 19th May, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
- Notting Hill Gate
- This event is free to join (it does not include a Group Meditation)
This is an in-person event only and won’t be streamed online; it will be released later as an episode of the Speaking of Meditation podcast.
Jillian Lavender is one of the world’s most experienced teachers of Vedic Meditation and the author of Do Reset and Why Meditate? Because it Works. As co-founder of London Meditation Centre and New York Meditation Center, she has taught thousands of people to meditate.
Originally from New Zealand, she held senior roles in global publishing before training as a teacher in India and the United States. She now teaches, writes, and coaches in meditation, leadership, and Ayurveda.
Her work has been featured in major international publications, and she works with people from all walks of life seeking greater clarity, resilience, and balance.
Dr Sarah Jane Khalid is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist who offers a thoughtful, compassionate space for people navigating life’s challenges and emotional struggles.
With a wealth of experience across the NHS and private practice over two decades, she brings both depth and sensitivity to her work, gently integrating evidence-based therapy with mindfulness and coaching to support meaningful, lasting change.
Grounded in empathy, respect, and clinical excellence, she helps individuals reconnect with their strengths, build resilience, and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of possibility.
Dr Fiona McKinney is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist and psychotherapist with 25 years in private practice in London, working with individuals and couples. She runs a general practice with a specialism in substance and process addictions.
She has consulted widely with treatment centres in the UK and Europe, developing clinical programmes, training and supervising clinical teams. Fiona leads retreats and presents at conferences in the UK.
Her clinical approach and research interest centres on the role of affect dysregulation as a common substrate beneath most psychological presentations, locating her clinical approach within a contemporary relational framework.