This framework grew from two decades of one-on-one and group yoga therapy offerings.

Over the years I've watched clients arrive at turning points — finally understanding the protective logic of their own nervous system, making a subtle shift toward self-friendliness, or discovering that two parts of themselves in long-standing conflict could actually come into cooperation. These moments weren't random. They came from the weaving of these five pillars:

• Nervous system regulation:

  We'll explore the role of the nervous system and the basics of emotional regulation and polyvagal theory. We each have a tendency towards fight, flight or freeze and each requires a different set of tools and practices to bring us back to our parasympathetic or social engagement system. We'll explore the difference between hyper and hypoarousal and approach each with a different set of tools.

• Self-compassion:

  Self-compassion is the super-power we all need to feel safe and at home in our bodies. Without it, healing and integration is often elusive. Self-compassion training is an essential aspect of this therapeutic model.

• Deep listening::

  We take in information through our sensations, thoughts, emotions and images but our tendency is to default to only one or two of those pathways. Paying attention to all four, broadens our perspective and give us more access to our inner landscape.

• Somatic parts-work:

  Learning how to be in dialogue with different parts of our selves, our bodies, and our psyches helps us understand our emotions and our actions. Guiding somatic parts work is an excellent tool to support a deeper knowing of ourselves while building empathy and self-compassion.

• Deep imagery/active imagination:

  Our bodies and psyches often speak the language of metaphor. Inviting our imagination into the conversation gives us more access to our inner truths than our cognition alone can offer.