Is this you?

You know that reactivity interferes with your ability to access the skills you have been practicing. You recognize that turning towards reactivity requires vulnerability and learning to be present with uncomfortable feelings. You trust that the group structure I offer and your own resources will allow you to do some of this difficult work in our eight week series.

What's it all about?

In this 8-week class you will be introduced to a framework for working with reactivity. You will have the opportunity practice with common forms of reactivity you find in yourself and others; specifically these are defensiveness, anger, self-blame, and shut down. You will practice identifying the needs underneath reactivity. You will also have the opportunity to learn and practice requests and/or strategies to meet those needs and begin to dissolve the associated reactive patterns.  

This course incorporates principles, exercises, and content from Hakomi (also known as body-centered therapy) mindfulness (primarily from the Vipassana tradition), along with the consciousness, skills, and framework of Compassionate Communication.

You will study reactivity through experiential exercises, practice skills, and build resources that will help you can stay grounded in challenging moments.

How it works 

For each class we will begin with five minutes of guided meditation.  I will present a particular concept and skill. Then you will practice the skill in a short structured exercise.  You will hear questions and comments from previous participants both clarifying the material and debriefing exercises.

You will follow along with the video (60-90 minutes) and your handout (20-30 pages).  Some exercises you can do on your own and some are best done with another person.

As you take the course you can ask questions via email: [email protected]

Thank you so much for your participation and dedicating your time and energy to this important work. We look forward to connecting.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome!

    • Welcome! Download and Print this Handout for the Course

    • Getting the Most Out of Your Pre-Recorded Course
  • 2

    Week 1 - Definition of Reactivity & Anchoring

    • Week 1 Video
  • 3

    Week 2 - Expansive perspective, tender needs, & Resilience

    • Week 2 Video
  • 4

    Week 3 - Fluency with Requests

    • Week 3 Video

    • Healing Responses for Tender Needs
  • 5

    Week 4 - Four types of Reactivity & Physicalizing

    • Week 4 Video - Part 1 of 2

    • Week 4 Video - Part 2 of 2
  • 6

    Week 5 - Steps for Meeting Reactivity

    • Week 5 Video
  • 7

    Week 6 - Defensiveness & Not taking it personally

    • Week 6 Audio
  • 8

    Week 7 - Sources of Anger & Practicing with Anger

    • Week 7 Video - Part 1 of 2

    • Week 7 Video - Part 2 of 2
  • 9

    Week 8 - Blame & Shut Down

    • Week 8 Video

Be supported in your learning

  • Weekly Reminders

    Each week, you will get an email reminder encouraging you to login and complete content for the course. You have the option to manage this feature.

  • Learning Schedule

    If you get behind, you have eight extra weeks to catch up. This format helps support you in your commitment to stay engaged throughout the duration of the course.

  • Live One-on-One Connection

    Private sessions with Wise Heart's MCD Companions are offered to you at a discount while you are enrolled in the course.

  • Get Questions Answered

    If you run into questions during the course, you can send us an email at [email protected]