The Philosophy of The Sage Practice
Lara’s Sage Philosophy
Core Principles of Sage: Safety | Agency | Gratitude | Engagement
Lara’s Unique Evidence-Based Perspective on Pain
What Beliefs Inform Lara’s Methods
A Sociological Lens
The Healing Power of Groups
The Practice is Both Path & Destination
The “Sage” in The Sage Practice represents the 4 core principles of Lara’s work:
Safety, Agency, Gratitude, & Engagement
Safety: Create internal security to calm your nervous system & quiet your symptoms
Agency: Empower yourself with self-awareness, intentional choices, & new responses to old stimuli
Gratitude: Experience the transformative power of viewing your symptoms as a teacher
Engagement: Discover the healing power of groups and re-engage with what brings you joy, meaning, & belonging
“The wound is the place where the light enters you.” — Rumi
My Perspective is Unlike Other Practitioners’
After entering this field professionally, I have seen both its breathtaking impact and its blindspots. I have had 30+ years of personal experience with pain (and 17 life-upending surgeries), and mine is a “complicated” and persistent pain that has significant “structural”* as well as “neuroplastic”* components. Additionally, I have many years in clinical practice working with clients with a wide range of “structural” diagnoses (e.g., post-stroke dysautonomia, ALS, Parkinson’s, cancer, etc.). People with all kinds of conditions report the life-changing nature of mindbody empowerment: “healing” just has different meanings for different people. So I have ample evidence that contradicts the widespread belief in the field that ‘neuroplastic’ pain and ‘structural’ pain are a binary and that you must rule out the latter before treating the former. I argue it is not a binary but a spectrum, and no one should be excluded from the benefits of this work. My mission has been to change this blindspot, and I like to think I am beginning to have some success! (See my talks at Curable, etc.).
I welcome you, no matter what you have going on. Please give yourself the gift of doing this work. It changed my life, and if you choose, it will change your life too.
*Definitions:
“Neuroplastic” Symptoms are primarily arising from stress-induced bodily sensations in people who have not had a recent injury, have no tissue damage, and are told by doctors there is “nothing wrong” with them.
“Structural” Symptoms are usually caused by certain medical conditions, such as cancer, stroke, many neurological disorders, nerve damage, ongoing nerve entrapment or compression, traumatic brain injury, etc.
“I felt included at last [after seeing Lara’s Living with Structural and Neuroplastic Pain talk]! My condition is partially structural. I kept thinking I was doing something wrong because my symptoms didn’t stop. Now I know better. This gives me so much hope, a positive mindset, and freedom to continue pursuing the mind body connection! It has been life changing! Thank you so much Lara!!! — Anonymous Survey Respondent
Lara’s Evidence-Based Perspective on ‘Structural’ and ‘Neuroplastic’ Symptoms
Lara has indisputable evidence to support her perspective, through both her own personal three decades-long medical journey as well as her years of clinical experience with clients who also live with decidedly structural issues (e.g., her clients with post-stroke dysautonomia, cancer, Parkinson’s, etc.). Lara is a passionate advocate for people with structural conditions and their right to be included in not excluded from this field. See Lara’s talk: Living with Structural AND Neuroplastic Pain (among others) on the Curable app for more of her perspective.
Lara was among the very first in the field to argue that structural symptoms and neuroplastic symptoms are NOT a BINARY - but more of a SPECTRUM. The field originally presented symptoms as an either or binary, and unfortunately, most people still see it that way today. The vast majority of practitioners ask people to “rule out structural conditions” before they will work with them, and people with any structural diagnoses are often left without anyone to help them. Lara does work with people with complex combinations of structural & neuroplastic symptomatology. (It’s her clinical niche, and she’s Curable’s expert — with first hand evidence! — on the topic.). She only asks that her clients rule out emergency medical situations, for which they should seek emergency medical attention.
People with structural issues find profound benefits in doing this work. It is not just for those with primarily neuroplastic symptoms. Although their ultimate outcomes may be different - everyone gains something beneficial. Healing just looks different for different people. See Lara’s Being Your Own Advocate interview for her personal examples — and some of Lara’s self-created tools — for how she uses mindbody empowerment & neuroplastic methods to help her with her structural condition (evidence that this work can help you too, even if you have any structural issues).
The Beliefs that Inform Lara’s Methods
A Sociological Social Justice Lens
As a sociologist, Lara understands the therapeutic value of recognizing how our own personal history intersects with larger social structures. Social problems & structural inequalities are written onto our bodies — but as “patients,” we are treated as if our situation is a purely personal condition. A sociological perspective can dispel the alienation, shame, and self-blame that people living with chronic pain & illness often endure.
A Focus on the Healing Power of the Group
Living with pain or other chronic symptoms can be lonely & alienating. Healing must therefore be a social process. No one can do it by themselves. If you participate in any of the group coaching options Lara offers, you will understand — not just in theory, but in an embodied way— that you are not alone. Groups matter, groups can heal, and only groups enable the collective transformation that will take your healing to the next level.
A Practice that is Both Path & Destination
Lara named her practice “The Sage Practice” for several reasons (see above). The “Practice” part is intended as a reminder that to rewire your brain, empower yourself, and transform your life, you do have to practice. Finding your own inner wisdom takes time and making changes requires repetition. The good news is the more you practice, the better equipped you will be to face your fears and handle whatever challenges life throws your way. Engaging in this practice in your daily life you will find yourself empowered to tackle far more than whatever issue first brought you here.
Sage is wise, cleansing, and healing.
Derived from the Latin,
salvia: a healing plant;
salvere: to cure or to save;
salvus: safe, secure, and healthy.
