When we self-regulate well, we are better able to control the trajectory of our emotional lives and resulting actions based on our values and sense of purpose. ~Amy Leigh Mercree, A Little Bit of Meditation: An Introduction to Mindfulness
I’ve received a few questions from some of you, and because I deeply believe that if one person asks the question at least two other people have the same question, but haven’t been able to ask, I want to share my responses with all of you.
If you have any other questions, please reach out and ask! I am happy to answer either via email or we can hop on Zoom for a 30-minute chat. Simply reply to this email and let me know!
How does TIE Basics differ from TIE Level 1?
TIE Basics differs from TIE Level 1 in a few distinct ways:
Length of program: Basics is three months in duration while Level 1 is six months
Material: Basics offers the first three parts of the TIE approach while Level 1 offers the first four. In the Basics program, I offer fewer exercises (though still enough for you to find what works right for you). In addition the amount of “psycho-education” in Level 1 is far greater and more in-depth than in Basics.
Cost: Basics is $79 per month and I offer several partial scholarships for this program as a way for me to serve the greater community and provide these tools to those who may not be able to afford or have the time for the more in-depth Level 1 program. Level 1 is $125 per month and I do not offer scholarships or discounts for it at this time.
Group Calls: Basics has three live group calls (one per month); Level 1 has thirteen live group calls (one every other week for our six months together).
General Focus: Basics looks at this work through the lens of self-care, while Level 1 looks through the lens of understanding and processing trauma.
How is Trauma Informed Embodiment™ related to self-care?
I deeply believe that caring for our nervous systems and bringing down our “baseline” from one of being activated and flooded constantly into a place of calm and presence is a vital part of caring for ourselves. In fact I believe it is the first and most absolutely necessary step in beginning to care for ourselves and it is were we truly need to begin before any other self-care rituals, practices or routines can take root in our lives.
After this basic first step of learning to care for our nervous system, I believe focusing our boundaries, and learning a new (embodied) way to view and enter into our boundary work is necessary. We need to not only be able to say no, first we need to be able to actually feel our no on a very visceral level, and then listen to it and honor it.
Finally, because humans are social beings and need each other, being able to be present in the current moment in our environment, in relationship with the other person(s) present, and within ourselves is necessary for us to help nourish and foster all of these relationships. This presence allows us to begin to see and know what is ours and what is theirs, to notice the very beginning stages of becoming triggered and thereby giving us the opportunity to calm our systems and change course before we have an eruption (and therefore a disruption in the way we are relating to ourselves, to our environment, and to other people).
These are all very important, and to me vital, ways for us to begin to care for ourselves and to deepen all our relationships (with Self, environment, and with others).
What if I am unable to attend the live the group calls?
While the calls are not mandatory, and will be recorded, I also strongly recommend attending at least two calls per month in person. There is so much gained from live interaction, being able to ask and have answered questions in real time, and building a community of support around this work.
That said, I also understand that the days/times of the calls may not work for every person, which is why all calls will be recorded. Recording links will be provided within one week of each call.
What if I don’t have a Facebook account? Is the FB group an essential component for this program?
The FB group is not an essential component. It’s there for folks who want it, and I do offer check ins and a discussion prompt three times a week, but it’s all related to what you are getting in the emails and will get on the calls. You do not need to create a Facebook account to be a part of this program.
Do you offer scholarships for TIE™ Basics? If so, how to do I apply for one?
I offer partial (up to 50%) scholarships for TIE™ Basics. If you are in need of a scholarship, please simply reply to this email or reach out to me privately on social media and let me know you are interested in a partial scholarship. I will then ask you what you can afford as a monthly or one time payment (up to 50% of the cost of the program) and set up a special payment link for you. Once you make the first payment I will finish your registration for the program.
I do not ask for any “documentation” of your income. I trust that you know what you and your household can afford to pay and that you value my work, and so will pay to the best of your ability.
Is this group open to both men and women?
Yes. This program is open for persons of any gender, including those who self-identify as men, women, or non-binary persons.
Are you limiting the number of participants for the TIE™ Basics program like you have in other programs and circles?
No. Because of the low price and that I offer partial scholarships, I do not limit the number of participants for this program.
I am a professional (coach, therapist, body worker, medical person) who works with people who live with chronic stress. Can I share any of the exercises we learn in the group with them?
YES! I encourage you to share the exercises with your own clients as you find appropriate. If you do choose to offer them PDFs of any of exercises, I do ask that you cite me as the resource (You will also receive PDFs of the all exercises for each section that will have my name and contact information on them; you are welcome to also share those with clients as you feel it is appropriate).
When does registration close?
The program begins on Tuesday May 1, and registration will close by Friday, May 4 at 10pm Pacific.
To register go to http://gwynnraimondi.com/tiebasics or click on one of the images at the bottom of this page.
I still have questions, can we set up a time to talk?
Of course! I’d love to set up a 30-minute chat to discuss any of your questions about the program. This is strictly a No Sales Call – I will not pressure you in any intentional way to sign up for the program. I want all participants in all my circles, group programs, and individual work to be working with me because they have intentionally chosen to be there, not because of some gimmick or sales tactic by me.
To start the process of setting up a call, fill out this form here and we’ll get a meeting scheduled.
If you’d like to learn more about the TIE Basics program you can click right here or go to any of the links below in the PS. If you would like to meet with me on Zoom for a 30-minute chat to see if this program is right for you, reply to this email or go here and fill out the consult request form. I’d love to talk with you and answer your questions!
Did you miss the essay and video series I created to introduce the topics and ideas we’ll be exploring in this program? If so you can find them at the links below:
On Safeness, Stabilization, & Self Care :: Definitions
Shifting from Overwhelm to Safeness & Stabilization
And here are a couple other essays I wrote talking about the TIE™ Basics program: