FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is "What Doesn't Change"?
"What Doesn't Change" refers to the steady part within you that remains present under extreme pressure. It's not about having it all together - it's about accessing your center when everything's falling apart. Through somatic practice and relational work, I help men develop the capacity to stay present and lead from clarity rather than reactivity, especially when stakes are highest.
Is this therapy or coaching?
Neither - it's guidance work. I'm not a licensed therapist, and this isn't about diagnosing or treating mental health conditions. This is about building capacity. Think of it like working with a strength coach versus going to physical therapy. We're not fixing what's broken; we're developing what's possible. I work with high-functioning men who want to operate from their unshakeable core rather than ping-ponging between overwhelm and numbness.
What makes your approach different from other men's work?
Three things: First, this comes from lived experience - 14 years commercial fishing in Alaska plus navigating intense life transitions in real time, not just from books or training programs. Second, I focus on nervous system mastery and somatic practice rather than purely conceptual or therapeutic approaches. Third, I work with men who are already successful but struggling with reactivity under pressure, not men looking to "fix" their lives or just heal childhood wounds (though that can happen as a side effect).
Do I need prior experience with somatic work or men's work?
Not at all. I meet you where you are. Some clients come with years of therapy or men's work under their belt. Others are completely new to any kind of inner work. What matters is your willingness to practice and your commitment to accessing steadiness when it counts.
How can I learn more about your approach before booking?
Subscribe to my weekly newsletter What Doesn't Change on Substack. I write about nervous system mastery, presence under pressure, and the practice of staying grounded when life gets intense. It's free, and you'll get a feel for my voice and approach before we connect.
Who This Is For
Who are your typical clients?
I primarily work with three types of men:
Leaders and entrepreneurs navigating high-stakes decisions, scaling businesses, or major pivots while managing everything else in their lives.
Fathers who are successful professionals but find themselves reactive with their kids when pressure mounts - snapping, shutting down, or disappearing into work.
Men in transition - career changes, relocations, relationship shifts, health challenges - who need to stay grounded while everything's in flux.
What they have in common: they're capable, committed men who are tired of being jerked around by their nervous systems.
I'm not sure if I'm "intense" enough for this work. Is it for me?
If you're asking this question, you probably are. The men I work with often downplay what they're dealing with. From the outside, you're handling it. Inside, you know there's a gap between how you want to show up and how you actually show up under pressure. That's enough.
Do you work with women or people who identify outside the gender binary?
My practice is specifically designed for men and those socialized as male. This isn't because the work wouldn't apply to others - it's because the container and approach are specifically tailored to how men typically relate to pressure, emotions, and presence. If you're uncertain whether this work is right for you, let's have a conversation.
The Workshop
What happens in the "What Doesn't Change" workshop?
It's 75 minutes of experiential practice, not lecture. You'll learn to recognize your reactive patterns before they take over, access your steady center through somatic exercises, and practice staying present under deliberate pressure. We use qi gong-based pressure training, personal reflection, and group processing. You leave with embodied tools you can use immediately, not just concepts.
Is the workshop available virtually or only in-person?
Both. I offer monthly virtual workshops and regular in-person workshops in Portland (through April 2025, then shifting to Canada). The in-person experience is more immersive, but the virtual format still provides real value and practical tools.
Can I bring the workshop to my organization or group?
Absolutely. I work with companies, leadership teams, men's groups, and organizations. The workshop adapts well to team development, leadership retreats, or wellness programming. Email sean@seantalbeaux.com to discuss bringing this to your group.
Services & Investment
What's included in the 5-month guidance container?
Twenty weekly one-hour sessions focused on nervous system mastery and accessing steadiness under pressure. We work somatically and relationally - this isn't sitting across from each other talking about your problems. Sessions may include breathwork, somatic exercises, relational practice, and integration of real-life situations you're navigating. You also have the option to include a medicine session (psilocybin) if that feels aligned. Investment is $6,000 for the full container.
Do you offer single sessions or do I need to commit to the full container?
I offer one-time sessions at $175 for men exploring whether this work is right for them, or for those who've worked with me before and want periodic support. Most men find the real transformation happens in the ongoing container where we can work with patterns over time, but single sessions are available.
What's the monthly men's group like?
The Portland men's group meets monthly and focuses on practicing presence, relational depth, and accountability. It's not a drop-in social group - it's for men committed to ongoing practice and showing up authentically. $60 per session. This is currently Portland-based but will transition to a Canadian location in 2025.
Do you take insurance?
No. This is guidance work, not therapy, so it's not covered by insurance. Payment is via ACH automatic debit, Venmo, or cash depending on the service.
What's your cancellation policy?
For individual sessions: 48-hour notice required or you're charged the full session fee. For workshops and group programs: policies vary by program and are outlined in service agreements. I'm reasonable about emergencies and will work with you case-by-case.
Psilocybin Work
Are you a licensed psilocybin facilitator?
I'm a certified psilocybin facilitator in Oregon. However, not all my work happens within Oregon's regulated framework. Medicine sessions are optional within my guidance containers and are discussed explicitly when they're relevant to your process.
Do I need to do a medicine session to work with you?
Not at all. Many clients never do medicine work. It's one tool among many, and it's only appropriate for certain people at certain times. The core of this work is about building capacity through somatic practice and relational attunement - you don't need psychedelics for that.
What if I'm on psychiatric medications?
Some medications interact with psychedelics. If medicine work becomes relevant, we'll discuss your medications and you may need to work with your prescriber to adjust doses. Full disclosure of all medications is required before any medicine session. This is covered in detail in the service agreement.
Logistics
Where are you located?
Currently in Portland, Oregon through April 2025. I'm relocating to Western Canada in May 2025. Virtual sessions continue uninterrupted during and after the move. In-person work will transition from Portland to Canadian locations.
Do you work with clients outside Portland/Canada?
Yes. Many of my clients work with me virtually from across the US and internationally. The work translates well to video sessions, though in-person intensives and workshops offer a different level of depth.
How do I get started?
If you’d like to work together, apply for a consultation call. We'll talk about what you're navigating, whether this work is a fit, and what the next steps would be. No pitch, just clarity. If it's not a fit, I'll tell you honestly and point you in a better direction if I can.
What if I'm not sure this is right for me?
Good. Uncertainty means you're actually considering it. Book the exploration call. Worst case, you get 45 minutes of clear thinking about what you're dealing with. Best case, you find the guidance you've been looking for.
Still have questions?
Email sean@seantalbeaux.com or apply below.