Date change for Yes-No Class!

Enjoy 10% Off with code COLLAB

Hello collaborator!

I want to inform you that I have pushed back the dates of the Yes-No Spectrum Class to Saturday 11/19 and Sunday 11/20.

I have been trying to listen to my body with regard to scheduling my offerings. As a person whose default response is a “freeze” in stressful situations, I have historically experienced a lot of numbness and difficulty feeling my body and knowing what I want or what feels safe for me.

This shows up with Muggins in a lot of different ways. When someone on a walk asks if Muggins is friendly, I have gone blank and not known how to respond; when walking with Muggins past other dogs, I have felt overwhelmed and forgotten what to ask Muggins to do.

This also shows up in my work when I am trying to schedule an offering and I can’t feel a strong leaning toward one date or another. In all of these situations, more information usually becomes clear to me, but not until after the “thing” has happened. I used to feel really frustrated with myself for not realizing something was a “no” for me until after, and my mind would go into major self-criticism combined with intense over-planning for next time. It was exhausting!

This is exactly what happened when I released the dates of the Yes-No Class! I immediately felt overwhelmed and noticed a tightness in my chest. I also noticed myself getting stuck in my thoughts and sinking away from social interaction with my partner. I thanked my body for these messages, and then went ahead and made the change.

This extra time and space shifts my body into a state of spaciousness, creativity, and enthusiasm, which will help me to enjoy the process (and the class) so much more! It will also help me to be more present for Muggins so that our interactions are full and present and nourishing, for both of us.

Image shows Sharon, a white female-bodied human seated on the floor next to Muggins, a black-and-white floppy-eared dog. The two are gazing lovingly at each other, appearing to share a thought and a smile.

This framework is based on: Polyvagal Theory and the Yes-No Spectrum (for humans) by Mia Schachter.

The Yes-No Spectrum Class

new dates

Saturday, November 19 + Sunday, November 20, 2022

2 days | 2 hours each day | 10:30am to 12:30pm EST

This virtual course provides knowledge and skills using 2 practical frameworks:

Day 1: We will start by learning The Yes-No Spectrum (for humans) to understand the nuance underlying the human experience of making decisions and responding to others. Then, we’ll play a “practice saying ‘no’ game with other humans to practice noticing how this feels in our bodies. Finally, we will practice breathing with our dogs to establish a foundation of trust that we can build upon.

Day 2: We’ll continue by learning The Yes-No Spectrum for Behavior to understand the role that perception of safety plays in participation in activities. Then we’ll watch a few videos to illuminate what these behaviors look like. Finally, we’ll practice interacting with our dogs and teaching them a “chin rest” - a tool they can use to tell you when they are ready to do something.

This class is for any humans who:

want to interact with dogs without force, coercion, or manipulation
identify as recovering “people pleasers”
are recovering from trauma and want to reclaim their agency
work professionally with dogs (CEUs pending!)
provide animal assisted interventions in their workplace
volunteer with their dog in therapeutic or learning environments

Sliding scale pricing and accommodations available!

EXPLORE: The Yes-No Spectrum Class

Recorded Classes & Video Tutorials!

I am so excited - I now have recorded classes and video tutorials for sale on my website! Intro to Co-Regulation and Everything But The Words are available now. I also have some really cool video tutorials for you, so you can receive detailed instruction on how to teach specific co-regulation skills to your dog!

*Video tutorials are included in each of the recorded workshops, and coaching clients receive links to tutorials that are relevant to their work, with no extra charge.

Explore: RECORDED CLASSES & TUTORIALS

Consulting is also available!

Adoption Consulting

Animal Assisted Intervention Consulting

Behavior Consulting

Sessions are 60 min each, conducted virtually, with sliding scale pricing.

Explore: CONSULTING SERVICES

Thank you so much for being here. As a being with a nervous system that is designed for social connection, this community not only supports me in feeling a sense of belonging, but also in being able to survive.

As a token of my gratitude, use the code COLLAB to get 10% off any services or products.

Many thanks for reading this - I look forward to collaborating with you!

In warmth and light,