A complete and integrated ecosystem
5th Place offers a complete, coherent system for human flourishing.
5th Place is a complete, coherent system for human flourishing, comprised of several key integrated components, framed around five qualities or values: Connectedness, community, possibility, wellbeing and equality.
Philosophy (12 principles)
A foundational "constitution" that guides the work, built on principles of personal sovereignty ("It starts with me"), inherent worth ("At my core I am perfect"), and a new understanding of healing ("Hook me to heal me").
Core technology (Shape of Emotion™)
Shape of Emotion is a simple, four-step, somatic process that allows any individual to engage with and regulate the physical "shape" of their feelings, without needing to analyze the story behind them.
Lifestyle approach (Emotional Fitness model)
A holistic map for daily life, built on five pillars: Thinking, Feeling, Moving, Nourishing, and Relating, that integrates emotional work into a complete system for wellbeing.
Navigational system (AAA Framework)
A master diagnostic tool (Awareness, Acceptance, Action) that allows individuals and coaches to identify where they are stuck in any change process and what the next step is.
Somatic, evidence-informed, and empowering
Our methodology is grounded in a few key commitments.
5th Place exists to facilitate the creation of that inner "fifth place" of connectedness, community, possibility, wellbeing and equality within every person, knowing that a world full of such people is, by definition, a better world.
Feeling first, cognition follows
We prioritise the body's innate intelligence, with a "feelings first" approach. Our processes work at the somatic level, addressing the physical charge of an emotion first, which creates the neurological calm necessary for clear thinking and reflection to follow.
Evidence-informed practice
We believe in demonstrating efficacy. In all our interventions, from pilot studies to workshops with marginalized communities, we consistently employ a "data capture" discipline to measure outcomes and validate the real-world impact of our frameworks.
Active transformation, not passive observation
While we value the non-judgmental awareness cultivated by mindfulness, our approach is fundamentally active. It provides a structured process to not only observe a feeling but to actively engage with it, facilitating its transformation and release.
Radical empowerment
We reject the hierarchical, "expert" model of wellbeing. Our frameworks, particularly the tiered training for Shape of Emotion, are designed to place power directly into the hands of the individual. We provide the tools; they reclaim their agency.
Required reading
A selection of articles, e-books and papers that provide more insight into our work.
How to make the world a better place
Building emotional fitness reconnects us to ourselves, one another, the planet and rekindles our connection with that perfect essence within us. An e-book detailing the genesis and journey of our work and what we learned along the way.
Shape of Emotion: Pilot feasibility study at-a-glance
A pilot feasibility study to assess a transformative, scalable emotion regulation modality, Shape of Emotion, for reducing anxiety in adults. The study tested the viability of the research protocol in preparation for a larger, definitive trial.
A tale of two Trevors — A journey of two parts
Meet Trevor. He suffered with anxiety for more than 20 years. Learn about his journey through the current paradigm and prevailing system of support, compared to the 5th Place approach and how he finally found relief by regularly attending an Emotional Fitness Class.
Emotional Fitness Class — An offer of resilience
An Emotional Fitness Class is a group session designed to help people work with emotions in a practical and effective way. It helps participants actively engage with emotions and shift them in real time.
Vibarealm development program
A multi-tiered initiative designed to build emotional fitness at scale for youth and those who support them, fostering resilience and emotional well-being through structured programmes and interventions.
Emotional Fitness Superpower Program
The emotional fitness superpower programme is designed to help youth aged 13 and up navigate the increasingly challenging emotional landscape of their lives by teaching a variety of innate superpowers.
