Post-Workshop Reflections

Hello collaborator!

The Everything But The Words workshops were so wonderful - thank you for reading about them, and so much gratitude to those who joined me. I loved the questions that you asked, getting to know you and your dogs, and the feeling of being at home, in my community.

As per me, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on the workshops, and this has given me opportunity to remember some important things and to discover some wonderful desires.

An important thing I remembered is that my nervous system is very sensitive. I have always had sensory hypersensitivities, and due to the trauma I have experienced in my life, my body also wears down quickly when under stress. Sometimes this means I need more rest and solitude, and other times it means having a low appetite and difficulty sleeping. I am getting better at tracking these changes as I explore ways of working that are more sustainable.

A wonderful desire that has emerged from this is to build offers in ways that maintain ease, while also cultivating that sense of community I found so nourishing during the workshops. I’m thinking about group offerings that include breath work and gratitude journaling with our dogs, a space to share our grief when our dogs pass on, and learning opportunities that allow us to connect in playful curiosity.

I will be taking some time off from now until next Tuesday to continue resting, reflecting, and dreaming up my next offerings.

Until then, please read below to be reminded of the 1:1 offerings that are always available.

Image shows Sharon, seated in moss green leggings and sleeveless black-and-white dog print top, while catching eye contact with Muggins, a black-and-white floppy-eared pup who is laying by their side.

Photo by Tom Fox * @tomfoxphotos * tomfoxphotos.com

Co-Regulation Coaching - for you!

A 1:1 virtual program that supports your trauma recovery while incorporating the gifts afforded by the dog who lives with you. With your dog, build a daily routine and a toolbox of soothing strategies so that you can listen deeply to your body, connect better with your dog and others, and do the things that matter most.

Sliding scale pricing available!

Explore: Co-Regulation Coaching for humans

Co-Regulation Coaching - for your dog!

A 1:1 virtual program that supports your dog’s trauma recovery while transforming your relationship with them. Help your dog build skills to balance the rhythm of their nervous system and communicate more effectively so you can mutually flourish.

3 spots available to start as early as Thursday, October 13!

Explore: Co-Regulation Coaching for dogs

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

Image shows Sharon, smiling radiantly, while standing amidst 3 women. Two of the women are holding small dogs in their arms, a white and tan Jack Russell named Dex, and a white and grey terrier mix named Caspy. The dogs are wearing therapy dog vests.

From left to right: Jane (holding Caspy), Jessica, Sharon, Susan (holding Dex).

In another life, I worked with a program called Lend A Paw, which provided training and mentorship to humans volunteering with their dogs in Animal Assisted Activities (AAA). AAA take place when a human and dog team visit with people in need of warmth, compassion, and social connection. While directing this program, I supported 60 human-dog teams and coordinated their visits at 16 sites around Los Angeles.

The first humans I worked with in Lend A Paw were Jane and her daughter, Jessica, who (both then and still) teach a self defense program at ECF Kayne Eras School. They had adopted a sweet pup named, Caspy, and told me they wanted to bring him (and others) to the school. And Caspy would never turn down an opportunity to meet another human (or to eat another treat ;-). So, we went to the school. I’ll never forget how touched the teachers were seeing the students connect with these dogs and their handlers in such meaningful ways. It was because of this work that I went on to study occupational therapy. Caspy, Jane, and Jessica went on to mentor other dog-handler teams, and they expanded their visits to include a cardiologist office and the Westside Regional Center.

That was 13 years ago. Yesterday, Jane reached out to tell me that Caspy has been laid to rest. Thank you, sweet Caspy, for your kind and gentle presence. Thank you Jane and Jessica for your enthusiasm and leadership. I am so grateful to have done that work and to continue exploring the myriad ways that dogs bring magic and connection into our lives.

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

In warmth and light,

~ Sharon ~