Course Descriptions
Polyvagal Theory and Jesus as our Primary Co-Regulator will review
polyvagal theory – a concept that attempts to explain the ways our
autonomic nervous system (ANS) works. It helps to define the ways in
which our nervous system reacts and responds to stressors in life that
trigger chronic feelings of unsafety and anxiety.
Co-Regulation refers to how one person can help to calm another’s
emotions and nervous system. We are present, calm, understanding,
and reflective of what others convey both verbally and non-verbally.
Jesus, our Creator and Lord meant for us to have a healthy nervous
system that can be flexible and hold difficult things as needed so that
we can recover and be restored.
In this course we will explore:
- Ways we experience our nervous system in times of calm and in
times of stress
- How Co-Regulation is developed as children and the role it plays
in our lives as adults
- How Jesus specifically designed us to allow ourselves to be co-
regulated by Him, His Word, His teachings, and the Sacraments.
Through evidence based techniques and prayerful meditation and activities,
small group sharing, we will learn how to better trust God and allow
ourselves to be calmed by His Presence.
When Good Moms Feel Bad: A Catholic IFS Guide for transforming
guilt, anxiety, and anger into true motherhood and connectedness will
be based on the Internal Family Systems techniques found in Jessica
Tomich Sorci’s book, When Good Moms Feel Bad. We will explore all
your mom parts from a Catholic perspective along with the inner most Self;
which Brya Hanan refers to as “our imago dei” – the image of God - and
is our “birthright.”
In this course we will examine the lies moms may
have come to believe about motherhood, including the lie that it
should never feel hard or like a burden. We will then learn about our
most troublesome mommy parts. We will work to befriend them and
help them heal so that all of you can settle into true spiritual
motherhood which is the first mother vocation we have been given.
In The Expectation Gap course, we will look at author Steve Cuss's book
of the same name and explore the “gaps” between what we believe
about God and how we experience Him. The author gives three
examples of this:
1. I believe God loves me, but I don’t feel it.
2. I Believe God is with me, but I don’t see him
3. I thought I’d be further along by now
We will explore how what we believe about God and our life with him
can connect to our hearts and even our bodies!
We’ll attune to our inner critic and chronic anxiety and attend to them
utilizing strategies that include prayer and meditation, discussion
questions and small group sharing, and evidence-based practices.
Embracing Holy Intimacy invites married couples into a warm,
transformative journey designed to strengthen the spiritual and
emotional core of their marriage. Over six weekly sessions, couples
explore three deeply connected pillars
— accompaniment, vulnerability, and spiritual intimacy — each
receiving equal, intentional focus.
Couples will be guided by Neil and Nellie, who bring a blend of pastoral
wisdom, practical tools, and evidence based bonding techniques.
Together, they lead participants through:
Group discussions — creating a safe, supportive environment to
reflect and grow alongside other couples
Guided prayer experiences — helping spouses encounter God
together in deeper, more personal ways
Bonding techniques — drawn from research supported practices
that strengthen emotional connection
Practical exercises — giving couples hands on ways to apply what
they learn
Homework assignments — encouraging intentional practice
between sessions to build lasting habits
Midway through the course, a dedicated seventh week offers each
couple a private couple-to-couple check-in with Neil and Nellie — a
personalized moment to receive encouragement, ask questions, and
deepen their progress.
Embracing Holy Intimacy is open to all married couples seeking to
fortify their relationship, enrich their spiritual bond, and cultivate a
marriage rooted in trust, tenderness, and shared faith.