Trauma Informed Integrative Nervous System Regulation & Somatic Services 

Welcome to KOA

The face of KOA

Hello and welcome to my website. My name is Corinne Wilkie-Fessler, better known as Cori, and I am the face of KOA., my business.  I have been round the sun 48 times and see my life as a constant work in progress. I live in Edinburgh, Scotland, and I am the founder of KOA, the creator of the KOA: Unplugged podcast, and the Surrender series. My work is rooted in trauma informed practice and integrative nervous system regulation as well as somatic theory. I am passionate about creating  group spaces as well as some 1to1 spaces that are trauma informed, compassionate, inclusive and grounded in authentic connection.  I offer services in the community and collaborate with a variety of professionals and organisations.  This is my life’s work; I am my life’s work.

Trauma Informed Practice

Trauma informed practice is at the heart of everything I offer. It is not simply a framework or concept I refer to within sessions, but an approach I am committed to embodying across all aspects of my work.

For me, trauma informed practice begins long before a person enters a space. It is present in the language used in communication, the clarity of information shared, and the way people are supported to make informed choices about whether a space feels appropriate for them.

Across all of my offerings, I aim to create conditions that prioritise safety, choice, transparency and autonomy. Participants are clearly informed about what each space involves, including that my sessions are not therapy, and that participation is always optional. People are encouraged to move at their own pace and stay connected to their own boundaries, capacity and needs throughout.

I provide clear and accessible information in advance so that individuals can understand the structure of a session, the group context and what they might reasonably expect emotionally and physically. I welcome questions at any stage, including before attendance, and I actively encourage people to listen to their own responses when deciding whether something feels right for them. It is always welcome if someone decides that a space is not for them, as this is an important part of self awareness and embodied choice.

My work is grounded in phase one trauma work, focusing on safety, stabilisation and resourcing. The intention is not to move people beyond their capacity, but to support greater awareness of the nervous system, increased regulation and the development of internal resources over time. Where appropriate, I encourage participants to seek additional therapeutic support alongside group work, and to engage with a wider range of practices that support their wellbeing.

All of my sessions integrate theory, grounding and resourcing, ensuring that there is always choice and accessibility within the experience. I also recognise that trauma informed practice requires awareness of the wider contexts that shape human experience, including neurodivergence, gender, culture, identity, systemic influences and accessibility. Different people experience safety and connection in different ways and this is always taken into account.

Central to my approach is the understanding that I am not the expert on another person’s lived experience. Each individual brings their own history, body and nervous system. Trauma informed practice therefore requires humility, curiosity, ongoing learning and a willingness to listen and adapt.

My intention is not to create dependency, but to support people in developing their own tools for recognising and working with dysregulation, building resilience and moving through life with greater agency, self trust and choice.

Trauma informed practice is not something that can simply be stated. It is something that must be continually embodied, reflected upon and integrated into how space is held, how communication happens and how relationships are approached.

KOA values and principles 

• Safety
• Trust
• Choice
• Collaboration
• Empowerment
• Compassion
• Inclusivity (cultural, historical, gender, neurodivergence) and more

5 Principles of Trauma Informed Practice 

1. Safety
   Creating environments, physically, emotionally, and psychologically, where people feel safe and protected from the risk of re-traumatisation.
2. Trustworthiness
   Building trust through openness, honesty, consistency, and clear boundaries.
3. Choice
   Supporting individuals to have meaningful choices and control over decisions that affect them. Providing clear options helps to restore autonomy and respect.
4. Collaboration
   Working in partnership with individuals, groups, and communities. Emphasising shared power, mutual respect, and togetherness.
5. Empowerment
   Recognising and building on each person’s strengths, abilities, and resilience. Supporting people to develop confidence, hope, and a sense of purpose.

Three phase model underpinning KOA services:

In Scotland, the established approach to trauma intervention generally follows the three phase model originally described by Pierre Janet and later articulated by Judith Herman. This model is widely used in specialist trauma services and integrated into the national framework.

The three phases are:

1. Safety and Stabilisation (general group sessions and 1to1 sessions): The first and most crucial stage involves establishing safety and helping the individual manage their current symptoms. This includes ensuring physical safety, developing coping skills for emotional and physiological regulation (e.g., mindfulness, distress tolerance), and providing crisis intervention if needed. Recovery cannot begin without the person being safe from ongoing harm.
2. Processing Trauma (1to1 sesions): Once the person is safe and stable, this phase involves gradually addressing and processing the traumatic memories, often through specific therapeutic interventions. This stage aims to reduce re-experiencing symptoms and can also focus on mourning associated losses and making meaning from experiences.
3. Integration and Reconnection (1to1 sessions): The final phase focuses on moving forward, reconnecting with community and social networks, rebuilding relationships, and finding a renewed sense of purpose and personal agency. This stage supports long-term outcomes and post-traumatic growth.

It is important to note that these phases are not always linear; people may move back and forth between stages as needed. The entire process is client-centred and collaborative, tailored to the individual’s needs and readiness.  In my group sessions I work with the first phase and focus on resourcing and stabilisation only.

Welcome to KOA

Welcome to KOA, a trauma informed, inclusive, integrative service that meets you where you are. My name is Corinne Wilkie-Fessler, better known as Cori, and this is my life’s work. I am here to support your journey toward greater self-awareness, personal growth, more resilience, and a deeper, more compassionate connection to your nervous system.  I offer 1to1 and group services in both commnunity and organisational settings.

Research shows that working with the nervous system through somatic as well as integrative trauma informed practices promotes greater self-awareness and balance, resilience, increases energy levels, and deepens somatic insight. Leaders in the field such as Bessel van der Kolk and Arielle Schwartz highlight how nervous system informed, body based approaches help individuals feel more resourced, restore a sense of safety in the body, and build healthy, sustainable resilience. In a world where we are often overstimulated, surrounded by stress, and living in ongoing states of dysregulation without even realising it, we need to try something different, working with the body, not just the mind.

Learning to integrate integrative nervous system and somatic practices in my life has revolutionised how I manage dysregulation, trauma symptoms and stress. I have become a more resourced individual and a more embodied professional.  Imagine how it could empower you!

The evolution of KOA

With over 25 years of experience in a variety of professional settings, roles and running my own business for over 10 years,  have seen first hand how long-term stress, dysregulation and trauma can impact us. These experiences have made me deeply aware of the importance of recognising and managing these stressors, not just for individual wellbeing, but to culitvate supportive, thriving organisations, teams, and systems. I have learnt how important trauma informed practice is and that it is not just a skill, it is the  foundation of sustainable  personal and professional growth.

Throughout my career, I have held a variety of roles that have shaped my understanding of people and systems. Some highlights include working in early years education for over 7 years, including as Head of School; spending more than 12 years in community justice; supporting survivors of sexual harm as a counsellor for over 4 years, running my own LTD company as a systemic coach and being the face of my current business KOA since 2019. I have learnt how important it is to have a work, life balance, to embody boundaries, compassion and authenticity.  Being an embodied, more nervous system aware person and professional is now my main aim.

On a personal note, I bring my own lived experience of trauma, which has profoundly shaped my personal and professional journey. It was not until my late 30s that I began to consciously face, accept, and work with my trauma. During my trauma recovery journey, I recognised that I had spent much of my life in survival mode, that my body had carried the impact of these experiences, and that I had become overly self sufficient and self reliant, often finding it difficult to let others truly in. This trauma response impacted all parts of my life and did not serve me.  Since what I call my awakening, I have been committed to creating greater balance in my life, developing a more regulated response to challenges, creating spaces where I feel safe enough to grow and fiercely advocate to have my voice heard.

Alongside this, I bring my lived experience of ADHD, which has given me a deep understanding of how neurodiversity influences thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. Although I was diagnosed as a child, I only became aware of this in my 40s, at which point many of my life experiences began to make sense. For much of my life, I felt misunderstood and was often perceived as overly emotional or reactive. I now recognise this as part of who I am, rather than something that needs explanation or justification.

My Approach

Through my ongoing journey of self-discovery, I have explored mindfulness, somatic practices, yoga, nervous system regulation and other supportive approaches that help restore balance and build resilience. I am more resourced and more able to navigate life. It is not easy, but I know I am a powerful work in progress.

KOA was born from the understanding that when individuals are adequately resourced, they are better able to navigate challenges, cultivate compassion, deepen self-awareness, and embody more balance. This is not only empowering, it is genuinely transformational.

KOA responds to the challenges many of us face in this bumpy life.  It is rooted in empowering people to reclaim their power, reconnect with their bodies, better understand their nervous system, make intentional, informed choices, set healthier boundaries, and create space for themselves while navigating life’s ups and downs. When we are more nervous system aware it is a game changer and impacts how we approach our work, our relationships, ourselves, our lives.  We have more energy, more capacity, are more emotionally aware, more somatically aware and can embody our most authentic selves.  In a world where exhaustion is often rewarded, toxic positivity encouraged, overworking praised, toxic resilience seen as a strength, and trauma and mental health remain taboo, KOA is a reminder that you deserve to live a more balanced life, one where you can feel fulfilled, not overwhelmed.

What I Offer

I offer bespoke trauma informed supervision, mentoring, workshops, retreat days, wellbeing sessions, limited 1 to 1 sessions, training, and more, each tailored with care and intention to the specific needs of the individuals, groups, communities, and organisations I collaborate with. When I work with you, experiential practice and theory meet so you feel empowered and resourced. My work is choice led and you are encouraged to explore what works for you without judgement.

I specialise in working with groups, although I do offer 1 to 1 sessions to a small number of clients. I am passionate about group work because this is where the power of co-regulation, shared experience, and authentic connection can take root. In these collective spaces, we explore somatic awareness, build resilience, and create pathways to deeper understanding, compassion, and embodied learning. These spaces normalise being human and our life experiences, empowering us to see our uniqueness as a superpower. They allow us not only to grow individually but to heal and thrive in connection with others.

Your Journey with KOA

This work is about returning home to yourself, at your own pace, in your own way, with guidance that respects your autonomy, honours your body’s wisdom, and supports your ongoing journey. The more self-aware we are, the more we understand our nervous system and how to navigate it, the more we feel balanced and more resourced.

If you or your organisation are ready for meaningful change, contact me for a connection call to discuss next steps or book one of my running community sessions to experience what I do.

My integrative approach is underpinned by:

• Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness (TSM)
  Developed by David Treleaven.  Supporting you to build mindful awareness at a pace that feels safe enough, gentle, and nurturing, particularly suitable for individuals navigating the impact of trauma. The approach is invitational and empowering.  I am trained as a mindfulness teacher and specialised in TSM by undertaking David Treleaven’s Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness Training Program, training to advanced level.
• Trauma Informed Systemic Coaching and Family Constellations Theory
  An approach that recognises how early life experiences, generational patterns, family systems, trauma and current relational dynamics shape your world and choices. Family constellation work is a therapeutic process that helps you explore and bring awareness to inherited family patterns, intergenerational trauma, family systems, your role in that system and unresolved dynamics. Through this work, you may gain insight, release entanglements, and foster more authentic and healthy relationships.  This modality highlights gender imbalances, political changes, cultural differences, patterns of beliefs and more so we can better navigate our systems.  My integrative approach is rooted  in the theory that we are all part of complex systems, joinlty we explore your roles within those systems, unconscious patterns and dynamics.  Systemic coaching can also be adapted to organisational settings and understanding how teams function, connect, thrive.  I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Systemic Coaching and Supervision.
• Trauma Informed Practice and Theory
  I am trained to specialist skill level in trauma work.  I provide accessible theory about the nature of trauma, its impact on the brain, body, and behaviour, and offer practical tools to promote more awareness. Understanding and education is a powerful step toward self compassion and recovery.  All my offerings are trauma informed with an emphasis on inclusivity, empowerment, choice and an aim to avoid re traumatisation.
• Compassionate Mind Work (CMT)
  CMT is part of compassion focussed therapy, developed by Paul Gilbert.  CMT practices allow us to cultivate more compassion towards ourselves and others with accesible resources. This work helps soften inner criticism, build emotional resilience, and create space for deeper awareness.  I am a qualified CMT trainer.
• Trauma Informed Yoga and embodiment 
  My approach combines movement, breathwork, embodiment and mindfulness to promote somatic awareness.  You are encouraged to fully embrace your body and emotions with presence and compassion. Body based practices support you in building trust with your inner experience and creating deeper alignment between your mind and body.  I am trained in  trauma informed yoga, embodied resilience, yin, vinyasa and restorative yoga with over 350 hours of teacher training.
• Nervous System Regulation  and Somatic Practices
• Practical, nervous system based techniques designed to soothe and rebalance your nervous system. Learn how to recognise and respond to stress signals in your body, fostering a greater sense of safety, presence, and emotional ease.  My approach includes psychoeducation and an integrative approach.
• Somatic practice are body centred approaches that help you gently tune into physical sensations and emotions. Through slow, intentional movement, vocal exercises, mindfulness practices and breath, you can rnavigate sensations and reconnect with your inner sense of self. My practice is inspired by the work of Peter Levine, Bessel Van Der Kolk, Scott Lyons, Tara Brach and Arielle Schwartz (just to name a few), and I have trained with these inspiring professionals.  My main qualifications are in integrative somatic trauma therapy and a postgraduate certificate in traumatic stress studies.
• Sound Therapy
  Harnessing the regulating power of sound including singing bowls, the drum or voice to restore harmony within your body and mind. This playful, creative therapy can promote more relaxation, reduce anxiety, and regulate the nervous system.  It can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and stimulates the vau nerve.  I am trained as a sound therapist and sound massage therapist.
• Reiki
  A gentle complimentary therapy, rooted in energy healing that supports your emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Reiki sessions aim to balance your energy system, promote relaxation, and create space for inner peace and calm.  I am trained to Master/Teacher level. in human reiki and level 2 in animal reiki

My offerings (contact me for a free connection call if you are interested in any of the below services):

• 1to1 trauma informed integrative, somatic therapy sessions for a small number of individuals. 
• Community Offerings
• I am passionate about making my services more accessible in our community and was actively involved in the Salisbury Centre Community Empowerment Project from 2024 to 2026, offering nervous system regulation, compassion focussed, somatic, and trauma informed workshops.
• Since 2025 I have  been facilitating trauma informed somatic workshops for women at The Art and Spirituality Centre, which are free to attend and funded through grants.  I am currently working with Streetreads, part of Simon Community Scotland.
• I also have been working with Yellow Beacon since 2023, offering community online mindfulness courses and practice sessions as part of their community enterprise funded courses.
• Bespoke sessions for organisations and their client groups
• Clients: inclusive, trauma informed workshops, training and tailored sessions designed to meet the specific needs of your client group or offer them something new e.g. a sound bath, meditation, somatic workshop.
• Organisations: drawing on a varied professional background, I create offerings that align with the values, priorities and aims of your organisation.  Choose from my services to create something bespoke e.g. embodied resilience, trauma informed practice in action, mindful teams.  I have worked with The Carers of East Lothian, Visit Scotland, Simon Community Scotland, Microsoft, Barnados and The Ripple Project to name a few.
• Integrative, Trauma Informed and Nervous System Regulation Group Sessions
  Facilitating group spaces that support somatic reconnection, co-regulation, learning, personal growth, and resilience through embodied, relational, somatic and reflective practices. These sessions include an introduction to the autonomic nervous system and trauma informed principles.
• Group Based Professional Training
  Delivering interactive, trauma informed training for individuals, teams, organisations, and professional groups seeking to deepen their knowledge and skills. These trainings are tailored to the needs of the client. Choose from my services menu and create a bespoke training that meets your expectations. Some examples: trauma informed team work, embodied leadership, navigating stress, resilient teams.
• Bespoke Group Workshops, Retreats, Wellbeing Workshops, and Team Building
  I offer tailored group sessions for teams, private groups, and organisations, fully bespoke to your needs. Choose from any of my services to create a combination that works for you, designed around your goals and group dynamics. These offerings include wellbeing workshops, retreat days, and team building activities, a beautiful way to come into the present moment, cultivate more rest in the body, build resilience and prioritise wellbeing for your team or private event.  Choose from my services and create something unique.
• Group or 1to1 Trauma Informed Embodied Supervision and Mentoring
  I offer reflective, trauma informed supervision and mentoring in a group or 1to1 format to support peer learning, ethical practice, and professional development. My approach is designed to support trauma aware, embodied professional growth.  By working actively with the nervous system, professionals can cultivate more compassion, build resilience, be authentic and step fully into their power.  I currently faciltate a women only trauma informed supervision group for wellbeing professionals and work 1to1 with professionals (this is a closed group).  To discuss 1to1 or organisational team supervision contact me to plan a free connection call.
• Surrender Somatic Series ©
  A series focussed on somatic education, awarness, and empowerment. A variety of online and in person webinars, workshops, a support group etc offered within a supportive group space designed to help you reconnect with your body. Rooted in compassionate mind practices, mindfulness, somatic resources, embodiment, yoga, trauma psycho-education, and nervous system regulation, the Surrender Series offers a compassionate and integrative approach to learning about nervous system regulation. Together, we create a safe enough, inclusive environment to explore what it means to soften, release, and come home to yourself at your own pace. This series also includes a support group.  I offer various workshops in the community, however all my surrender series sessions can be booked individually by organisations.  After each session, resources are shared and follow up practice ideas.
• 8 Week Compassionate Mind Training or Bespoke Compassion Focused Workshops
  I offer an 8 week Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) program or tailored compassion focused individual workshops designed to cultivate more compassion, self-awareness, and emotional resilience for individuals or groups.  This can be adapted as needed to make it more bespoke.
• KOA Unplugged – The Podcast
  A raw and authentic podcast featuring open conversations with professionals passionate about trauma-informed work and nervous system regulation. New episodes released every two weeks. Honest, real world discussions on healing, growth, and professional practice.
• Sound Bath Experiences & Bespoke Sound Sessions
  Immersive sound bath experiences and customised sound sessions designed to promote deep relaxation, mental clarity, and nervous system balance for individuals or groups.
• Mindfulness Retreat Days, Workshops & 8-Week Courses
  Trauma informed mindfulness offerings, carefully tailored to support safety, choice, and the needs of individuals or groups. Available as retreat days, workshops, or 8 week courses.

What to expect from me:

• An integrative, client led bespoke, where I actively use my toolkit of resources to create nurturing, supportive, safe enought spaces rooting in co regulation, choice and resourcing. 
• I am a highly experience professional with over 25 years experience in the social secor, including leadership roles and over 10 years experience in running my own business.
• I am professional, experienced, ethical, authentic, reliable, flexible, inclusive, creative and trauma informed.
• All my work is centred around nervous system regulation, offering gentle, accessible ways to manage somatic stress, improve wellbeing and navigate the impact of dysregulation.
• I am specialised in group work and experienced in creating supportive spaces across a range of settings, including charities, corporate settings and community groups, offering retreat days, workshops, training etc
• With years of experience in a variety of professional sectors, I help individuals build connection, resilience, and more somatic awareness.
• I am passionate about nurturing inclusive, welcoming spaces where everyone feels supported, heard, and valued. YOU do YOU.
• I am experienced in working with neurodivergence, learning needs and trauma.  I work with individuals where they are without judgment or assumption.
• Sessions can be held outdoors, indoors, or online, depending on what feels best for you and your group.
• I am committed to ongoing learning and growth, so I can offer the most supportive and informed services.
• Prior to any commitment of services, I offer a free connection call to discuss your wishes and my expectations. 
• I share resources and practice examples with attendees after all my offerings.

Group work:

My passion is group work and holding spaces where co regulation, connection and learning underpin the work.

I do offer occasional one to one sessions however around ninety five per cent of my work is group based.

My focus is on creating contained trauma informed spaces where people can learn, reflect and regulate together through shared experience and connection.

General group session agreement (adapted as needed for private bookings):

Terms, Conditions and Personal Responsibility

Before attending any session, please ensure you have read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy on this website.

By attending these sessions, you agree to:

• Do what is right for you and your body.
• Never push into pain or strain.
• Move at your own pace and remain in choice at all times.
• Respect that this is a judgement-free space.

Group Agreements and Confidentiality

Creating a safe and supportive environment is a priority. To help with this:

• Sessions are confidential, what is shared in the group stays in the group.
• No photos are taken in the sessions.
• These sessions are not therapy.
• There is no judgement.
• Please be mindful not to overshare personal trauma stories in detail. Sharing is encouraged, but the space should remain safe for everyone.
• These spaces are an opportunity for resourcing and learning.
• Avodiing re-traumatisation iand promoting a sense of increased balance in the soma s the priority
• Uniqueness and diversity is acknowledged
• We hold the space jointly

This space may not be for you if:

• You are looking for an instant fix or quick solution
• You are currently experiencing acute symptoms or feeling highly dysregulated (speak to Cori if you are unsure in advance)
• You are expecting therapy or crisis support within these sessions
• You are seeking intense unsafe cathartic experiences or approaches that push you beyond your capacity
• You believe that attending 1 session will resolve dysregulation or remove the need for ongoing inner work
• You do not currently feel able to engage with gentle body based awareness practices

If you are unsure whether this space is appropriate for you at this time, you are warmly encouraged to contact Cori before booking to discuss any questions or concerns.

These spaces are centred around safety, stabilisation, resourcing, and choice. The intention is to support learning, nervous system awareness, and gently reconnecting with the body without force, pressure, or intensity.

WhatsApp Group (Optional)

An optional WhatsApp group is available for participants who wish to:

• Reflect on sessions
• Share experiences
• Ask questions between sessions
• Share resources
• Keep uptodate with my offerings

After Each Session

After every session, participants will receive:

• Information sheets
• Optional practices or reflections for personal exploration
• Optional support from Cori if needed (resourcing, reassurance, next steps ideas, not therapy)

 

What now?

Find out more about my individual services by navgating my website.

Join me and book a community session. Feel free to book direct with me to avoid booking fees or book voa Eventbrite.

Contact me to discuss a collaboration or to simply plan a connection call to discuss my services or ask questions.

 

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