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  • Home
  • About Kaitlin
  • Somatic Workbook [Pre-Order]
  • Podcast & Blog
  • Learn with Kaitlin
  • Contact
  • FREE STRESS RELIEF TRAINING

Healing doesn't just happen through thinking — it unfolds as you learn to be with your body.

If you're constantly anxious, overwhelmed, or exhausted, your nervous system might be trying to tell you something.

The Somatic Workbook for Nervous System Regulation and Anxiety Management helps you move beyond just talking about your struggles—  and starts healing them in your body.

Pre-Order Now + Receive the Bonus Course Free
This is so much more than a workbook—it's a powerful toolkit that provides both immediate and long-term relief from anxiety. It’s an instant classic, a must-read for anyone who suffers with anxiety and trauma. Every page was vital—page after page of unique stories and personal examples, enlightening explanations based on medical science, actionable exercises that I truly wanted to do, and even visual aids that helped immediately clarify and simplify a very complex issue into a clear path forward. By the time I finished the workbook, I knew I was holding a resource that I would recommend again and again to every patient who suffers with anxiety. Thank you, Dr. Harkess, for the best book on anxiety I have ever read.
Laura Koniver MD
Laura Koniver, MD
Physician and author of The Earth Prescription
The Somatic Workbook offers an accessible, compassionate, and evidence-informed guide to understanding and regulating physiological state through body-based practices. Kaitlin Harkess integrates foundational principles of Polyvagal Theory with psychological flexibility and practical tools for healing, making this a valuable resource for those navigating anxiety and striving to reconnect with safety and self. This book will empower readers to explore the wisdom of their nervous system with clarity, kindness, and scientific grounding.
Dr Stephen Porges
Stephen W. Porges, PhD
Distinguished University Scientist, Originator of Polyvagal Theory
The Somatic Workbook for Nervous System Regulation and Anxiety Management

Using powerful approaches like ACT, IFS, polyvagal theory, and mindfulness, you'll learn to:

  • Soothe anxiety in the moment
  • Create a deep sense of internal safety
  • Release stress and stuck emotional energy
  • Stay grounded through life's ups and downs
  • Keep your inner parts from running the show
  • Build a body-centered self-care routine

Whether you're drowning in stress or just want to reconnect with your body, this workbook gives you the tools to feel better - for real.

Meet Dr. Kaitlin

Dr Kaitlin N. Harkess, PhD, is the author of The Somatic Workbook for Nervous System Regulation and Anxiety Management (PESI Publishing, October 2025), host of the Wisdom for Wellbeing podcast, and founder of holistic therapy practice Wisdom for Wellbeing. A Clinical Psychologist and long-time yoga and meditation teacher, Kaitlin has helped hundreds of individuals experiencing anxiety, overwhelm and burnout reconnect with their bodies and build resilience through integrative, evidence-informed practices. 

Kaitlin’s pioneering research was the first to examine how yoga impacts stress and mental health at an epigenetic level  (the science of how lifestyle affects gene expression), and she continues to advance the field as a Titleholder at the University of Adelaide’s School of Psychology. Kaitlin also convenes the Australian Psychological Society’s Yoga and Psychology Interest Group and regularly trains clinicians in somatic psychology. 

Based on Kaurna Land in Adelaide, Kaitlin balances her professional work with coastal walks, family life, and a love of the outdoors. Originally from the Canadian Rockies, hiking remains as essential to her wellbeing as her yoga practice.

Dr Kaitlin resting her head on a stack of psychology books while smiling

Pre-Order Today and Receive Exclusive Bonuses

When you pre-order The Somatic Workbook, you’ll gain access to a collection of resources designed to help you put the practices into action right away:

  • 🎁 Free Video Course — Somatic Skills for Everyday Resilience
    In this short, practical course, I’ll guide you through simple, evidence-based practices to regulate your nervous system and bring your mind and body back into balance. 

  • 📝 Downloadable Reflection Journal
    Extra prompts to deepen your self-understanding.

  • 🎧 Audio Downloads
    Short guided practices you can listen to on the go — like having me in your pocket. 

And there’s one more bonus: you’ll go in the draw to win a Shakti Acupressure Mat and Pillow Bundle. Curious? The Shakti Mat is a powerful wellness tool that helps support relaxation and vitality. You’ll even find it listed as an Anxiety Aid section of the Somatic Workbook as a resource for calming and resourcing your nervous system.

FINAL Bonus for Health & Mind-Body Practitioners: Live Training

The Foundations of Somatic Psychology

Join this exclusive 75-minute live training designed for practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of somatic psychology and its applications in clinical and wellness practice.

🧠 What you’ll explore: Polyvagal theory, interoception, and the key frameworks underpinning somatic psychology — through both a scientific and experiential lens.
🎓 Who it’s for: Psychologists, counsellors, yoga teachers, coaches, and other practitioners interested in mind-body healing.
🕖 When: Monday, November 24th at 7pm Adelaide time (8:30am GMT)
📹 Can’t attend live? A recording will be provided to all pre-order participants.
📜 PD certificates available upon request.

Pre-order The Somatic Workbook today to secure your spot in this bonus practitioner training. Please note you would like to attend this training with your order note below, or simply email hello@drkaitlin.com

First, order from your chosen retailer:

Amazon
PESI
Barnes & Noble
Amazon Australia

Next, register to get your bonuses:

    This workbook helps readers build a compassionate relationship with their own bodies and emotions. Through simple, creative practices, it teaches people how to feel, reflect, and act with purpose—even when things get tough. Grounded in experiential wisdom and aligned with the processes of psychological flexibility, it’s a powerful tool for growth and resilience.
    Steven Hayes
    Steven C. Hayes, PhD
    Foundation Professor of Psychology Emeritus, University of Nevada, Reno and Originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
    The Somatic Workbook is a delight to read. This comprehensive yet practical guide will help you connect with your body and senses, soothe anxiety, and foster a sense of safeness and calm. Dr Harkess gently and skilfully guides her readers on a journey to self-compassion, weaving together personal stories with simple exercises and providing options to suit any reader. Wrap yourself up in this book. Your body and mind will thank you!
    Jennifer Kemp
    Jennifer Kemp, MPsych (Clinical)
    Author of The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism and co-author of The Neurodivergence Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD

    Follow me on Instagram

    ✨ Life of a (Published) Author ✨ What a week. ✨ Life of a (Published) Author ✨

What a week. One week since publication day, and I’m still catching my breath…  in the best possible way. 🩵

It’s surreal and deeply special to see The Somatic Workbook out in the world, and even sitting in the front lobby of @healingarts_studio - the very place I had the honour of witnessing this book land in someones hands last week.

Now amongst consutling, I’m diving into prep for the @anz_acbs Conference, where I’ll be offering a training on that includes somatic awareness to a room full of fellow psychologists, followed by a few more trainings in November. It’s all busy, but the kind of busy I relish in.

Sure hope my heart rate variability is high right now (somatic joke 😉).

Feeling grateful, grounded, and so excited for what’s ahead. 

If you’ve picked up a copy of The Somatic Workbook, I’d love to hear where you’ve been reading from or what’s resonated most so far, share below or tag me in your post or story.

#TheSomaticWorkbook #LifeOfAnAuthor #BookLaunch #SomaticPsychology #MindBodyConnection
    ✨ This is The Somatic Workbook… in real life! ✨ This is The Somatic Workbook… in real life! ✨

Still pinching myself that I get to hold it, and that it will be one week tomorrow since publication day with @pesipublishing. Almost seven days out in the world. 🩵

A little snap from Saturday night of me and my book baby at the launch here in Adelaide, on Kaurna land. I’ll share more soon, but for now I just wanted to pause and hold this moment of delight (pun intended 📖).

To everyone who came to celebrate, who’s picked up a copy, or who’s taken a few minutes to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads, a heartfelt thank you. ☺️
It might not seem like much, but those short reviews help this book find its way into the hands and hearts of the people who need it most. And what a world it could be if we all had a few more tools in this human experience 🤗

📸 @allison_marie_croft at @human.kind.studios 

#TheSomaticWorkbook #somaticpsychology #nervoussystemregulation #mindbodyconnection #booklaunch
    ✨ Shakti May Giveaway Winners! ✨ A huge congr ✨ Shakti May Giveaway Winners! ✨

A huge congratulations to our @shaktimat @shaktimats mat + pillow bundle winners!

✨ Emma Crook 💖 our in-person event prize winner!
Emma’s name was drawn at the end of the night (even though she had slipped out before the final call!), and the whole room gave a big round of applause for her. We’ll be getting her beautiful prize to her this week 💫

✨ Madison Dollarhide 💖 winner of our Pre-Launch Bonus Bundle draw!
Madison’s bundle will be posted out and we hope she loves diving in! 💛

A heartfelt thank you to Shakti for their generous support and for creating such an incredible aid for easing anxiety and nurturing calm. Your mats have become a true companion for so many on their healing journey 💆‍♀️

And thank you to everyone who joined in and celebrated this special Shakti * Somatic Workbook launch season. Your energy and presence made it such a meaningful moment. 💗

PS if you know Emma or Madison, give them a tag! You might beat me to getting into emails… it’s been a slow day here!
    I don’t quite have words for this one. After ye I don’t quite have words for this one.

After years of writing, healing, and hoping… to hold The Somatic Workbook for Nervous System Regulation and Anxiety Management, and share it with so many beautiful souls… it still feels surreal.

This moment was only possible because of the extraordinary people who’ve shown up (not just this week, but for years - and decades -before now).

To my family and dear friends 💕your love, patience, and encouragement have carried me through every chapter. I hope you know who you are and how much you mean to me. 

To the @pesipublishing team, thank you for believing in this project and bringing it into the world with such care. (And making sure the books arrived to Australia in time! Yey!

To @lea_mcvegan from Any Excuse events planning (the ultimate party planner), you made the night flow with such grace and heart. (And, the @jof.cafe nibbles were amazing!)

To @mariahgates (the most talented creative and the ultimate MC), your words, warmth, and sparkle made the evening sparkle. Alongside all the behind the scenes coordination - from nails to audio! 

To @allison_marie_croft, for capturing the magic in photos and all the detail aligning and space holding that is behind the scenes of the images, and @amyspringhall__ , for recording all this behind the scenes (and somehow creating this reel! …as I cocoon in bed settling my system from the rush of it all), I’m so grateful… and love the music choice! 🎶

To @tessaleon__ of @human.kind.studios for immediately offering to support me with such heart and opening your glorious space to us, and @heapsgoodyoga, for coordinating it all with patience and generosity.

And to @shaktimat for the beautiful mat + pillow bundles for the giveaways (I’ll be making a little announcement about the spiky magic winners later!).

To my amazing friends who offered me to borrow props, who came early, moved furniture, packed goodie bags, and helped create this atmosphere of warmth, you turned it into something as special as each of you. 

I’m humbled. Grateful. Beautifully exhausted. 💛

#TheSomaticWorkbook #BookLaunch #SomaticHealing #NervousSystemHealing
    You know how baking has its own rhythm? The right You know how baking has its own rhythm?
The right ingredients, the right temperature, the right amount of rest…

Our nervous system is the same. When we rush the process or skip a step, things don’t rise the way they’re meant to. But when we understand what helps us balance, what nourishes, soothes, and steadies us, everything starts to come together more easily.

That’s what The Somatic Workbook is all about: learning your own recipe for regulation and self-compassion. 🍰💛

#SomaticTherapy #NervousSystemHealing #TheSomaticWorkbook #MindBodyConnection #PsychologyTools #EmbodiedHealing
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    Dr. Kaitlin pays her respects to the Kaurna peoples as the Traditional Owner’s of the land on which she works and lives. Dr Kaitlin acknowledges that the Kaurna people have social, spiritual and historical connections to this land and their connections are as strong today as they have always been. She would like to extend this acknowledgment out to the Traditional Owners of the land on which you are based, and to acknowledge the Ktunaxa and Kinbasket Peoples of what is now called Canada, as she was born and gratefully raised on their traditional unceded territory.

    Mandala Artwork by Scarlet Barnett
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    Psychological Therapy Clinic in Adelaide