A 16-week guided program for animal bodyworkers who are ready to stop self-sabotage and step into calm, confident action in their business.
Retrain your brain.
Shush the imposter voice.
Bring the same grounded confidence to your business moves that you bring to your hands-on work with animals.
Our next cohort starts February 24th, 2026.
You love the work.
It’s everything you dreamed of... helping animals heal, deepening the bond with their humans, and using your skills to make a difference.
As more animal guardians turn to natural, hands-on care in 2025, there’s a unique window to expand your practice and deepen your impact.
But when it comes to growing your business?
That’s where things get… uncomfortable.
Maybe you:
Freeze when it’s time to ask a client to rebook
Avoid raising your rates because you’re “not ready yet”
Put off reaching out to referral partners (again)
Second-guess whether you’re even good enough
And you’re tired of feeling stuck- not because you don’t know what to do, but because your inner saboteur keeps slipping banana peels under your best intentions.
It’s not you. It’s your brain.
Those self-doubting voices?
That hesitation that feels like a brick wall?
They’re not a sign you’re unqualified- they’re your saboteurs at work.
The good news? You can train your brain to work with you instead of against you.
And when you do, everything changes.
Imagine if you could…
Ask for rebookings without overthinking it
Build referral relationships that feel natural and aligned
Say yes to tougher cases that once felt out of reach because you trust the bodywork skills you already have.
Raise your rates with a steady “yes” in your body, even if the imposter voice is still whispering in your ear
Take action even when anxiety’s in the room- without spiraling into self-judgment
This is exactly what we do inside The Confident Practitioner.
Introducing
A 16-week guided program for animal bodyworkers who are ready to stop self-sabotage and step into calm, confident action in their business.
You’ll move through a 4-step journey:
1. Spot the Saboteurs
Catch inner critics and self-doubt before they take over.
2. Retrain the Brain
Shift into calm, creative “sage” mode using Positive Intelligence (PQ)’s brain-based tools. Brain rewiring may be visible in MRI imaging within eight weeks.
3. Step into Sage
Learn to work with your nervous system- not against it, so you can move forward with clarity and calm, even when anxiety shows up. Use the Sage powers of empathy, exploration, innovation, navigation and activation to turn any situation into an opportunity.
4. Take Brave Action
Apply the tools to your real business, whether that's raising rates, asking for rebookings, taking on more challenging clients, or growing referral relationships- with quiet confidence. You’ll walk away with a clear plan for your next moves and the tools to follow through without stalling.
I can take a deep breath, think more clearly, and get on and do the thing
The main benefit has been that I've been able to get out of my head and see things more clearly, have confidence in myself and my abilities and my worth as a professional.
When it comes to making decisions or doing hard things I can take a deep breath, think more clearly, and get on and do the thing, whereas before, even if it was something I knew 'should' be done, I'd be more inclined to spin out overthinking.
There's also some comfort in understanding that we're all perfectly imperfect, and that, for example, struggling with a visualisation or procrastinating or whatever other guilt thing isn't a failing.
Annie Thorne, CCMT, CSCC, KPA-CTP
Owner, Your Whole Dog
In a field that is often isolating, it is helpful to have a peer group that cheers you on.
It has been very valuable to hear how other people approach their practice and spend time with a group who are focused on similar interests.
My biggest win was having a way to get grounded and present with something that is available any time and anywhere. And hearing other people talk about their business and what is working - that is a great opportunity to learn.
Because your business starts with and depends on you and your confidence and comfort to move forward, it's important to understand yourself and have tools that you can rely on. This program makes those tools available and accessible. In a field that is often isolating, it is helpful to have a peer group that cheers you on. I've found that with this program.
Justis MacLaren, CSAMT
In Kate and Justis' words
What’s Included
8-Week Positive Intelligence® Program ($995 value)
PQ® app with recorded trainings and reflections
Daily practice prompts to retrain your brain in just a few minutes a day.
Short guided somatic meditations you can use any time you’re spiraling, so you can shift your state before you act.
8 Weekly Integration Calls with Lisa Ruthig ($399 value)
Bodyworker-specific coaching to apply PQ program tools directly to your business challenges
10 Added Months of PQ® App Access ($370 value)
Keep up your momentum building your mental fitness- focus on your saboteurs, or managing stress, finding joy, improving performance, and more.
Confidence Integration Phase ($199 value)
Two monthly group coaching calls post-PQ® program
Practice applying tools to areas like pricing, client retention, and getting seen in your community.
Bonuses
BONUS #1
Saboteur SOS Swipe File
Gentle prompts and ready-to-use words for the moments that matter most.
When self-doubt shows up mid-session, mid-conversation, or before you hit “send,” it can feel like your brain just… leaves the room.
This swipe file is your quiet reminder that you do know what to do — and here’s how to say it. Inside, you’ll find:
Grounding phrases to steady yourself in the moment
Compassionate self-checks to calm the spiral before it takes over
Gentle, word-for-word scripts for common business situations — like asking for a rebook, raising rates, or reaching out to a referral partner
(Value: $97)
BONUS #2
15-Minute Private Rescue Call
Because sometimes you just need a lifeline.
You’ll also get one 15-minute private call with me... yours to use anytime during the program.
If you hit a wall, feel yourself spiraling, or just need a quick gut-check before taking action, we’ll hop on a call and untangle it together.
Think of it as your “in case of confidence emergency” button- there when you need to steady your nerves, reset your perspective, and move forward without stalling.
(Value: $100)
Graduation BONUS
PQ Powered Membership
8 months
Once you successfully complete the PQ program, you’ll unlock monthly group coaching calls for continued professional and personal growth — rounding out a full year of support so the progress you’ve made continues to build.
(Value: $376)
A full year of support
All components combined represent over $2500 in training and coaching support.
Enrollment for each cohort of The Confident Practitioner is capped at 12 practitioners to keep the group connected and give everyone personal attention.
Registration closes at midnight PDT on Monday, February 23rd — or sooner if all spots are filled.
We begin February 24th.
Enrollment closes Monday so we can prepare well and start together.
If this is the right next step for you, choose your track below.
Choose the option that fits how you want to work: Both tracks give you the complete Confident Practitioner program and all bonuses- the difference is whether you prefer the focus of private coaching added to the shared momentum of the group experience.
Group Track
One time payment of
$1497
Or 4 payments of
$385
Your next step to steady, grounded confidence starts here.
Class size limited to 12
private track
One time payment of
$2497
or 4 Payments of
$650
Want more personal coaching and direct feedback?
3 spots available
It can change your life in ways that have a ripple effect on so much more than just your business
Meeting new clients was stressful. I still feel nervous, but I am less worried about what they think if me and more able to quiet the negative self talk around all that.
I am more capable of recognizing the critical/judgemental/negative voices as the "judge" or my saboteurs and no longer treating them as truths about myself.
It takes a lot of personal commitment and inner work, but it is absolutely worth it! If you put in the time, it can change your life in ways that have a ripple effect on so much more than just your business.
It feels so empowering to know that not only am I not alone in these struggles but I now have tangible practices to improve these areas of my life.
Chelse Freeman, CEMT, CEAP
Owner, Equine Unbound
The Confident Practitioner truly changed my life in meaningful ways
This course has opened my eyes to how I sabotage myself and gave me genuine tools to deal with anything that comes up.
I feel like I have answers to questions. Questions that I wasn't fully aware of before.
I love having a community of like-minded fellow animal body workers.
My one hour one-on-one support session was incredibly helpful and I am not troubled by ghosts from my past.
The Confident Practitioner truly changed my life in meaningful ways. Facing some things was difficult, but so worth it!
Anonymous Practitioner
This is for you if:
You’re an animal bodyworker (or similar hands-on practitioner)
You want to stop getting stuck in cycles of self-judgment and hesitation
You want to take the actions you’ve been avoiding, without forcing yourself or faking confidence
You value a community that welcomes and respects people of all identities and expressions — and you’re committed to upholding that standard
This is not for you if:
You’re looking for a quick fix with zero effort — this is as quick as it gets, but you’ll still need to show up
You can’t commit to about one hour a week for learning during the first two months
You’re unwilling to spend a few minutes a day practicing the tools
The word "inclusive" is a turn-off
This round at a glance
Join our close-knit group — 12 spots per cohort
30-Day Risk Free Trial
Experience the PQ® program, the app and coaching for 30 days.
If it doesn’t feel like a fit, request a full refund. No guilt. No weirdness.
Meet your mentor
If you’ve ever wished you could shush that voice that talks you out of raising your rates, asking for rebookings, or reaching out to referral partners — all while still showing up fully for the animals in your care — you’re exactly the kind of practitioner I love to support.
I’ve stood right where you are: caring deeply about the animals in my hands, investing time and money into more training, doing all the things… yet still feeling like maybe I didn’t measure up. Over the years, I’ve found practical, science-backed ways to work with those self-doubting thoughts — not to push them away or fight them, but to gently turn down their volume so they don’t get to run the show.
I’m not just board certified in canine and equine massage — I’ve also spent years mentoring practitioners like you through Power of Touch for Animals and serving on the NBCAAM board (including eight years as Chair). As Director of Animal Programs at Bancroft School of Massage, I helped shape how our field trains practitioners in both hands-on skills and the real-world confidence it takes to grow a business doing what you love.
Along the way, I’ve made a study of Positive Intelligence® and the neuroscience behind both animal bodies and human self-sabotage — so you get science-backed tools you can trust. What that really means for you is this: you’re learning from someone who understands what happens in your hands and in your head — and how to help you feel steady, grounded, and capable in both.
That’s what I want for you, too: to trust the skills you already have, take on cases that once felt like a stretch, and make the confident business moves that let you help even more animals.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What if I don’t have time for another program?
I get it—you’re already juggling clients, animals, maybe family, maybe a barn that runs on its own mysterious schedule. That’s why this program is designed to work in the cracks of your day. Trainings are short and focused, and the tools we use are designed to be practiced in short 2-5 minute bursts- doable while you’re walking to the barn, prepping a session, or drinking your morning coffee. You don’t have to “do it all” to start seeing a shift.
I’ve tried mindset programs before and they didn’t stick—how is this different?
Most programs stop at pep talks or mindset exercises you forget to use. This one rewires how your brain responds in the moment using Positive Intelligence® tools- so you can actually catch self-sabotage before it takes over. We pair science-backed brain training with real-life practice, so the changes you make aren’t just inspiring… they’re lasting.
Will this help me with hands-on work, or is it just business coaching?
Both, and more. You’ll learn how to quiet second-guessing during sessions so you can trust the skills you already have, and say yes to cases you might have turned away before. And you’ll also get tools for the business side: asking for rebookings, reaching out to vets, and showing up without the stress spiral.
How much time will I need to set aside each week?
During the 8-week PQ program:
1–2 hours per week (including the training, live call and self-paced practice)
Quick daily practice you can fit into your existing routine
From months 2–12:
One hour per month for group coaching
A few minutes a day for ongoing practice
What if I’m the least experienced person in the program?
That’s okay- this program meets you exactly where you are. We’ll start with a group Kickstart Call to help you set your own goals, and you’ll also have a 15-Minute Private Rescue Call you can use anytime during the program if you feel stuck.
And just so you know — this is a respectful, inclusive space. No judgment, no competition- just fellow practitioners cheering you on.
I’m nervous about spending this much—how do I know it’s worth it?
You can try it risk-free for 30 days. Come to the calls, experience the trainings, test the tools, and see how they feel in your real life. If it’s not a fit, email me — no guilt, no weirdness — for a full refund.
When I used these same tools in my own business, I finally raised my rates after years of hesitation — and in the next year, I made an additional $2.687 from that change alone. That’s not even counting the new clients I gained by taking brave marketing actions I would’ve avoided before. Even one of those steps could pay for the program many times over.
Will I get 1:1 help from you?
Yes. Every student gets a 15-Minute Private Rescue Call — your “in case of confidence emergency” button — to use whenever you need to steady your nerves or get unstuck. If you want more personal coaching, the Private Track option adds multiple 1:1 calls for extra support throughout the program.
Can I get NBCAAM CE credit?
Yes! the 16 week program is approved for 17 hours of general CE credit. PQ Powered is another 8 hours. And individual coaching is 3.5, You'll get a certificate based on what you do.
We’re keeping this group small — only 12 spots — and the cart will close on Monday, February 23rd. If you know you want in, now’s the time to save your spot.
I've been able to break through areas where I've felt stuck for decades.
I am so grateful that I discovered the Positive Intelligence (PQ) Training Program offered by Lisa Ruthig.
Over the years, I've tried many different techniques to reduce my stress levels, shift negative thought patterns, and build healthier habits in both my personal and professional life, but none of them felt as simple, effective, or sustainable as what I learned in my initial PQ® training session.
The skills I've gained from this program have provided me with a completely different approach than anything I had tried before. The techniques are broken down in a way that makes them very easy to understand and apply, and more importantly, I started seeing results within the first week of practicing them. I continue to discover new ways to use even the most basic techniques, and they help me navigate both personal and professional interactions far more effectively. I've been able to break through areas where I've felt stuck for decades. Where I once might have gotten bogged down by old thought patterns, I now have tools to interrupt them in the moment, allowing me to consider alternative perspectives and take more productive action.
Anyone can read about techniques, but it was the combination of the Positive Intelligence® material along with Lisa’s exceptional teaching skills that made it possible for me to experience such transformative benefits. She explains concepts clearly and with compassion, creating an environment where everyone feels safe to ask questions and explore the techniques. Throughout the training program, Lisa provided the support and guidance I needed to confidently experiment with new ways of thinking and being.
I now use these techniques every day in both my professional and personal life. I've shared my experience with many people and I can’t recommend the PQ® Training Program with Lisa Ruthig highly enough.
Polly Klein, D-CSTA, RMT, SAMT
Owner, Tonglen Healing Arts for Animals
This PQ course is amazing!
At one point or another, we all have concerns, struggles, worries, doubts, and stressors of one kind or another and the first thing that brought comfort to me was that I was not alone in these feelings.
This work taught me that I do not have to be perfect; we all have our story and life's challenges are just that but we do not have to succumb to them. The most profound was the realization that I have a choice whether or not to stay in or listen to that negative, self-doubt loop. By being present and focused, I can recognize more quickly when the negativity shift begins to happen, I acknowledge it and then am able to release it.
Lisa is an incredible facilitator and walks you through the stages to help discover what issues may be present for you, where they may have stemmed from and the how to tackle them in different way that fit with who you are. Whether you are thinking about signing up for this course or have already done so, you have made the decision to honor yourself in a safe, beautiful, healing space and this is only the beginning!
-Katie Carter
Animal Massage Therapist at Paws & Heal Small Animal Massage
DISCLAIMER
The coach identified herein is an independent member of the PQ Coach program, and not an employee, agent, or representative of Positive Intelligence, LLC.
The coaching program offered herein is independently owned and operated by the coach, and is not affiliated with or endorsed or sponsored by Positive Intelligence, LLC.
PROGRAM CONTENT AND MATERIAL DO NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH ADVICE AND ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL CARE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT OF ANY MEDICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION.
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