The Sage Practice:
Mindbody Empowerment
enabling people in pain to rewrite what’s possible

  • "I got my life back, only better." You can too. Learn how.

  • 1-1 Sessions

    self-schedule a 1-1 session for guidance with your symptoms; interactive somatic tracking; or mentoring for fellow practitioners

  • Self-Paced Course

    to empower yourself in the face of any symptoms (bonus options: signature somatic tracking series & personal support)

  • Somatic Trackings

    for every specific need you can think of, including the Sage Signature Series

  • Sage Groups

    small group discussion-based 8-10 week programs
    (2 spots left for Jan.-Mar. 2026 group)

  • Podcasts

    where I tell my story

  • Support for "Wounded Healers"

    1-1 consultations for fellow practitioners seeking support or guidance

  • Huge Library of Free Resources

    a ginormous, ever-expanding list of educational videos, recordings, podcasts, research, recommendations, and more

The Sage Foundations of MindBody Empowerment

  • Self Trust: Cultivate inner safety

  • Agency: Step into your power

  • Growth: Embrace transformation

  • Engagement: Reclaim your life

“Lara Birk’s journey through years of chronic pain has led her to become a powerful voice in the field of mindbody medicine, particularly for those living with both structural and neuroplastic issues.”

— Curable Health

Click image of Christie Uipi & Lara to listen to their conversation on Like Mind Like Body.

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

You don’t need to wait for an opening in my schedule to begin this work.

Coming Soon!

  • My conversation with Anna Holtzman on her podcast, How to Trust Yourself, TBA.

Lara Birk, PhD, Founder, The Sage Practice, LLC

Empowerment is Healing.

I was 16 years old playing soccer one day when an exceptionally rare medical condition became acute in my leg. Because ER doctors did not believe me, I lost critical hours between onset and emergency treatment. I nearly lost my leg. Once I was out of a wheelchair and onto crutches, "the good leg" went acute too. 17 major surgeries later, I still live with often disabling pain, remain structurally impaired, and have been on crutches at least 15 years of my life.

It has not been easy, and yet... I have never been happier than I am today.

It's been a long, bewildering path from helpless patient to empowered human. Discovering Curable and pain neuroscience was my initiation into the hopeful world of mindbody medicine. I even left a career I loved (sociology professor) to do this work. That’s how fervently I believe it can help you too, no matter your situation.

The Sage Practice teaches you how to develop self trust, agency, growth, and engagement, empowering you to take your power back and make the most of your one wild and precious life.

The fact that you’re here right now tells me you already have the courage & curiosity it takes. So why not benefit from what I’ve learned the hard way:

Choose to see pain as a portal into your deepest self, and you will find a sacred invitation to come truly, fully, and vibrantly alive.

“It feels like Lara is a mirror to my highest self that even I hadn’t seen. She is truly gifted." — Rebecca Bauder

“Lara is among the very best teachers I have ever seen.” — David Karp, PhD

“I am not afraid of storms for I am learning to sail my ship.” — Louisa May Alcott