CHRISTOPH
SPIESSENS
Founder of The Manchester Mindfulness Festival
MA in Teaching Mindfulness
Mindfulness Supervisor
BAMBA Registered Teacher
Insight Timer app Teacher (43k+ downloads)
Unmasked Mindfulness
Mindfulness without suppressing your neurodivergent traits or hiding your authentic self
Hi, I'm Christoph.
Mindfulness changed my life (following a panic attack on a busy Manchester tram).
That’s why I teach it.
And it might change your life, too. Or your organisation.
With my mindfulness workshops, courses, and talks, I bring secular, evidence-based, and neuro-affirmative mindfulness to individuals and organisations in practical ways.
I define Unmasked Mindfulness as exploring mindfulness without suppressing your neurodivergent traits or hiding your authentic self. This allows you to practice in ways that are accessible, safe, and effective for your own neurotype and personhood.
While I’m not a clinical neurodiversity expert, I bring lived experience as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) with some trauma-acquired neurodivergence. My understanding is shaped by personal experience, ongoing learning, and deep listening. I have supported many neurodivergent participants in finding their own way into mindfulness and applying it in ways that honour their unique experiences. My courses are open to all — neurodivergent and neurotypical alike — and I aim to create spaces that feel as safe, respectful, and inclusive as possible.
Upcoming Mindfulness Courses
Mindfulness for Life (MBCT-L)
Starts Sunday 4 May 2025
Sundays, 10 am - 12:15 pm UK, 8 weekly sessions + 1 retreat day, live online via ZOOM in group format
£250 + VAT.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Starts Tuesday 6 May 2025
Tuesdays, 7 pm - 9:15 pm UK, 8 weekly sessions + 1 retreat day, live online via ZOOM in group format
£250 + VAT.
PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK
"Kind, inclusive, respectful, professional. A well-held safe space."
MBSR participant
"I came to the course not having a great deal of mindfulness but I was aware that I wanted to try something to make me not feel the way that I was at that time. The course helped me to recognise signals & and how to deal with them head-on and how to incorporate mindfulness into my day-to-day existence."
MBSR participant
"Christoph is emphatic and compassionate, someone who is very easy to connect with. He is an active listener and holds space for everyone on the course to contribute or to catch up with any activity. I was very touched by his inclusivity and sensitivity; the way he supported every individual was really wonderful. I feel very fortunate to be able to join him and my fellow students on this recent course."
MBSR participant
Satisfied Corporate Clients Include:
Lexus UK | Alexion | Viridor | Expedia Business Travel | General Electric | ExpoStarsUK |
The Dining Club Group | Go Live Global | Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation | Women’s Business Club | Opus Trust Marketing | Social Interest Group | PRP Architects | Made by Zen | AIR Gallery Altrincham | UK Theatre | The Arches Festivals | ISS | DJH Accountants
"I really enjoyed this session, thank you so much for demonstrating a different take on how mindfulness can be used in day-to-day life. I found it really insightful and useful."
Industry Placement Coach, The Sheffield College
Christoph was one of our speakers at this year’s Atmosphere Festival in Worcester and gave a fascinating talk on Mindfulness. Christoph is a natural communicator with a wonderfully gentle delivery style, he clearly knows his stuff and our audience were thoroughly engaged with Christoph's talk. He was a pleasure to work with and I wouldn’t hesitate to work with him again on future projects."
David Edmunds, Festivals Director
