The greatest thing in all of education is to make our nervous system our ally, instead of our enemy.
~ William James, 1890
The Portable Calm
Eight-Week Online Training
In 2017, Dr.Tollison and colleague Gaea Logan, LPC-S, CGP launched The Portable Calm. This eight-week evidence-based online training program was originally created for global mental health and medical professionals, humanitarian aid workers, educators, and others on the frontlines of trauma. Experience has taught us it is valuable training for any one seeking a greater sense of calm and / or developing a contemplative practice. The underlying fabric of The Portable Calm is drawn from key concepts, insights, and cutting edge research at the intersection of neurobiology, somatic intervention, contemplative practice, and group psychotherapy. Supported by recent research, the program emphasizes the sustaining value of cultivating compassion.
The Portable Calm is Level 1 of our Contemplative-Based Trauma and Resiliency Training (CBTRT).CBTRT Level 2 was developed for those interested in leading Portable Calm groups. The research and other resources foundational to The Portable Calm are available at www.portablecalm.org.
Photo by Bill Bruzy www.bruzy.com
Pilot Study Results
We collected pre/post program data to test the efficacy of The Portable Calm protocol with 60 participants. Our participants spanned 17 time zones, five continents and represented diverse culture and gender orientations. They were divided into four small online groups. We used the World Health Organization's Wellbeing Assessment Survey (WHO-5) to quantify potential qualitative change in well-being and resilience. The participants who completed the full 8 weeks realized statistically significant increases in their scores.
The biggest change in the eight weeks was a new, reliable and deeper sense of calm in their lives.
Find more information at www.portablecalm.org
Register for The Portable Calm at www.sutra.co
Books and Training
Develop a Group Program!
Develop a Group Program!
Develop a Group Program!
SOS! stands for "sense of self." The book offers a framework for creating a group program in schools as well as other settings and is recommended as a resource by American Group Psychotherapy Association. Buy the book direct from Pro-Ed,Inc at www.proedinc.com.
Online training available!
Contact Dr.Tollison through this website.
Evidence-based Interventions!
Develop a Group Program!
Develop a Group Program!
This is a how-to-book. It is useful resource with strategies for intervention with complex trauma and acute trauma intervention. Foundational to all intervention is that caregivers begin from our own calm.
Books available from Pro-Ed, Inc.
Online training available!
Contact Dr. Tollison through this website.
Portable Calm
Develop a Group Program!
Portable Calm
Portable Calm is a book in progress. This book is written to accompany the online program and/or as a guide in developing the Portable Calm practice on your own. As a resource, the book will provide an understanding of the theoretical framework foundational to our program along with text and audio for developing the Portable Calm practice.
Coming soon!