Hicks D.I.V.E. Method
Each person has an innate capacity for healing. We are committed to guiding our clients on their journey toward greater emotional regulation, connection, and vitality. (And deeper dives & unlimited breath holds).
At The Underwater Therapist, our mission is to empower individuals to navigate the depths of their nervous systems, fostering resilience and well-being through evidence-based practices rooted in polyvagal theory.
Founded by certified substance use counselor and freedive instructor Elaine Hicks, our practice specializes in providing cutting-edge nervous system readings and treatments through the transformative lens of polyvagal therapy. With the development of the Hicks D.I.V.E. Method, Elaine has combined the power of both physiological and psychological mechanisms to enable optimal conditions for individuals to understand better their nervous system influences on their responses and health, and how this system creates improved insight and awareness to thrive both in and out of the water.
D.I.V.E. Into Freediving
March 9th, 2024
11 AM - Freediving and Your Nervous System: Online Workshop with Freediving Family
Elaine Hicks is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), certified substance use counselor (CSAC), research psychologist, breath coach, biobehavioral specialist with 15+ behavioral health certifications, and certified freedive instructor.
Community
As recently featured in the prestigious Hana-Hou magazine from Hawaiian Airlines, my work was debuted as I also have monthly freediving meetups for the local community, a gap identified during COVID and providing a chance for folks to make friends and find valuable dive buddies.
Recently, I've started teaching with the Substance Use Professional Development program partnered with the University of of Hawaii-Department of Social Work to provide education and training with local mental health professionals. I have presented workshops on the nervous system and mental health.
Alexey Molchanov
Ray aka Freedive Nomad
During my travels, I had the opportunity to coordinate and discuss freediving and well-being with several other world-champion freedivers, obtaining insight into how they interact with their own nervous systems.
As a licensed clinical social worker, research psychologist, data analyst, freedive instructor and ocean-lover, these come together to provide folks with some challenges entering the ocean or pool, a chance at a near level playing field to start their freediving or road to recovery journey.
Deep Week Taiwan 2023
Services
Nervous System Readings
Using state-of-the-art technology, we conduct comprehensive assessments of your autonomic nervous system to gain insight into your unique patterns of regulation and dysregulation.
Polyvagal Therapy
Guided by polyvagal theory, we tailor therapeutic interventions to support nervous system regulation, enhance social engagement, and promote healing from trauma.
Polyvagal Informed Freediving Services
Education, training for instructors, and freediving classes and training sessions.
Next Steps
1. Consultation
Get your free consultation to find out if our services are right for you
2. Therapy
Understand how your nervous system influences on your responses and health, and how this therapy creates improved insight and awareness to thrive both in and out of the water.
3. D.I.V.E
Learn how to D.I.V.E with your nervous system.
Free Consultation
