In relationships and workplaces, many people find themselves saying “yes” when they really mean “no.” They avoid conflict, mold themselves to fit others’ expectations, and struggle to voice their true needs. This is known as fawning, a survival response deeply rooted in the nervous system.

Fawning often develops when early experiences teach us that being agreeable ensures safety, whether from a parent, caregiver, or larger social system. Unlike fight, flight, or freeze, fawning is a people-pleasing survival mechanism that prioritizes keeping the peace over honoring one’s truth. Over time, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, resentment, and a loss of authentic self-expression.

Through somatic coaching, individuals can develop an embodied awareness of their patterns, learn to regulate their nervous system, and cultivate the safety needed to express their truth without fear.

One of the main reasons clients seek my support is twofold: they struggle with self-esteem and feel disconnected from their sense of purpose. 

Many carry a deep-seated sense of unworthiness that seeps into their daily lives, shaping their behaviors and relationships in ways they may not even realize. This experience is unfortunately widespread. We live in a society that often measures our worth by productivity and achievement, and many of us grew up in environments that reinforced this idea. 

Generations before us had little understanding of emotional intelligence, nonviolent communication, and the lasting impact of trauma. As a result, many adults find themselves navigating life with an internalized sense of judgment and a relentless inner critic. 

In this article, Ann Weiser Cornell explores Inner Relationship Focusing as a tool of healing. Ann, who has taught IRF for over 35 years, describes this method as “a somatic practice that puts the body at the center of emotional healing.” The technique, rooted in the pioneering research of Eugene Gendlin, offers a revolutionary way of understanding emotional wounds, attachment trauma, and the process of self-healing.

Most of us think of our nervous system as something that just happens in the background. But it's actually the conductor of your entire life experience. Every feeling, memory, and reaction is filtered through this incredible biological system. Think about it like this: When you remember a delicious meal, it's not just a mental image. Your body responds with mouth-watering sensations, perhaps even a warmth in your stomach. That's your nervous system in action! It's constantly communicating with you through physical and emotional signals.

Imagine a therapy approach that doesn't just talk about your trauma, but helps your brain actually process and heal from painful experiences. Welcome to the powerful world of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) combined with Parts Work – a revolutionary method for understanding and healing your inner landscape. EMDR is like a gentle reset button for your brain's traumatic memories. Using bilateral stimulation (typically side-to-side eye movements), this therapy helps your brain reprocess difficult experiences, transforming how traumatic memories are stored. Think of it as helping your brain file away painful memories in a way that doesn't keep triggering you.

I want to talk about something many of us are navigating—acute and chronic high stress. Specifically, in the aftermath of disasters like the Los Angeles fires and the turbulence we witness globally. I believe we have an opportunity to look at trauma differently, to normalize and de-pathologize the human response to high-stress situations and bring in resources that specifically attune to our physiology in times of high stress.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or EMDR for short, has become a widely and commonly used technique for treating PTSD. For many practitioners, it is the top choice for a starting point. As the years have passed and more research has been conducted, what once was heralded as a trauma treatment has seen expanded use. It has seen some transformation and is no longer just an intervention but a comprehensive approach to psychotherapy. 

There is a synergy between Yoga Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in facilitating comprehensive trauma healing. Drawing upon the insights of 30 years of teaching and an understanding of the Kosha model and Ayurvedic principles, this integrative approach offers a holistic framework for understanding and treating trauma.

Our breath is a window into our bodily state (nervous system state) and is also the fastest way to modulate our bodily state and intervene at the physiological level. By changing our physiology, the breath has the power to affect our nervous system state and the emerging feelings, emotions, behaviors, and thoughts.

Eco therapy, also known as nature therapy or “green therapy”, is a therapeutic approach that taps into the healing power of nature to address various mental and physical health issues. Drawing inspiration from the vast expanses of natural resources and the calming effects of the great outdoors, eco therapy offers a holistic path towards healing and personal growth.

As partners become more familiar and comfortable with each other, it is natural to begin moving from the “honeymoon phase” into a more mature type of love. Some couples may choose to throw the towel; however, with a commitment to growth, couples can continue to deepen their connection far beyond the initial rush of new love. Intimacy coaching is one tool that can help couples accomplish just that.

By embracing emotions as valuable sources of information and guidance, EFT helps individuals develop deeper self-awareness, cultivate healthier emotional responses, and empower them with the necessary resources to confront challenging situations with resilience and strength.

Mindfulness is the art of being in the present moment, aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. Emerging from a long line of ancient traditions, mindfulness therapies present an antidote to the stress of fast-paced modern life. They focus on bringing the practitioner back into the present moment and away from ruminating thoughts and anxiety.

We recently caught up with Rising Woman founder and author of “Being the One”, Sheleana Aiyana to talk about Creating Conscious Love.