One main goal of traditional mindfulness and meditation is to bring awareness to the present moment by finding an anchor (breath, body, etc) and then noticing the pattern of discursive thinking that takes us out of the present moment.  While the awareness skills learned in these traditional practices can be very useful foundations, research suggests that for those of us who may have experienced a lot of adversity, mind training alone can elicit reactivity in the body and therefore not be appropriate for all people. As a result, some people have tried and then become turned off from “mindfulness” practice generally. PIEM™ addresses these concerns with a protocol that enhances nervous system stability, and flexibility, building the capacity to tolerate what somatic awareness reveals. With enhanced nervous system stability and flexibility, PIEM™ practitioners develop greater capacity to respond effectively to their own needs and those of the people around them..

Group experiences can be challenging for a wide range of reasons, all of which this group is designed to address. The group is highly structured, making it easier for participants who don’t like unpredictability. At the same time, the exercises are inherently flexible - modifications are offered to help each participant find the “just right” exercise for them. Participation is invitational - meaning nothing is required and you cannot “fail” at the protocol. If you are someone who sometimes experiences difficulty “tracking”, the facilitator assures no one is left out. While everyone’s overall experience will be enhanced by hearing from other group members, you’re not required to share your own thoughts with the group.

Time is our most valuable resource, and it should be allocated thoughtfully. So, what is more valuable to invest our time in than the well-being of ourselves and those we love? Designed as only eight online hours from the convenience of your home or office, the PIEM™ protocol has been shown to be one of the simplest and most efficient ways to improve your relationship with yourself and others. The nervous system stability it engenders will also help you make better use of your weekly one-on-one or family therapy.

The cost of PIEM™ at Nest reflects the extensive research and practice history that supported its development, the high degree of specialization of the facilitator, the intentional integration of the practice into the course of participants’ therapy, and the small size of our live groups, which are capped at ten participants, allowing the facilitator to give individualized attention to each group member. The 8-session cycle costs $960, which is $120 per session. If cost is an important concern, ask your therapist about opportunities we have made available for a reduced rate.

Nest has invested substantial resources in developing and launching the PIEM™ protocol as an integral part of our therapeutic offerings because we believe it works. We are highly committed to helping as many people access this unique and incredible resource as possible. We occasionally offer promotional rates, and we reserve a number of sliding scale spots for financial hardship. If cost is an important concern, let your therapist know, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Since PIEM™ is an integrated protocol taught over eight sessions, you must commit to the entire program. However, if you miss a session, you are welcome to make it up the next time it comes up in the cycle, availability permitting. We offer one make-up session without charge as a courtesy, while additional make-up sessions are charged at the full rate.

PIEM™ at Nest Behavioral Health is currently available to patients whose psychotherapist is a member of the Nest team or has an established collegial relationship with Nest, and whose therapist has suggested that this group would be a good fit for them at this time. If you aren’t working with a Nest therapist but would like to start, click here to request a complimentary phone consultation. If you are working with an outside therapist who has recommended this group to you, let us know, and we will schedule a call to confirm your eligibility.

This is a virtual group that meets several times a year for eight one-hour weekly sessions, typically once per quarter. The group typically meets on Tuesdays, either early in the morning or in the evening. Prior to the start of each cohort, we ask our participants about their scheduling needs and adjust the time of day accordingly. To find out when the next cohort is launching, contact us here.

Yes, upon completion of the PIEM group, you will be eligible for The Embodied Mindful Nest, an on-line mindfulness community that meets weekly for 30 minutes for a brief, facilitated PIEM practice followed by group discussion about participants’ mindfulness experience.