About
Developed through practice, not theory first.
The Manse Method® was co-created by Kim and Carl Dourish, and grew out of years of direct work with people.
Our story.
Before the method had a name, Carl had already spent years exploring different approaches to emotional change. Kim brought her own professional background, curiosity and determination to understand not just whether something worked, but why.
That combination of practical experience, questioning and continued research gradually shaped what became The Manse Method®.
For several years, much of that work took place through The Manse Retreat, where people travelled from across the UK and overseas for intensive emotional wellbeing support. The retreat chapter came to a close in September 2026, but the work continued.
How the method developed.
The Manse Method® was not created by starting with a theory and trying to make people fit it. It developed through practical work, observation, experimentation, existing therapeutic and psycho-sensory approaches, and a continued interest in the neuroscience of emotional memory.
As that understanding has grown, so has the theoretical framework behind the method, particularly around memory reconsolidation, prediction and emotional learning.
What began as something used directly with individuals became a structured, content-free method that could be taught to other practitioners.
Why we train practitioners.
Rather than keeping what we had developed within our own work, we wanted appropriately trained practitioners to be able to use The Manse Method® alongside the approaches they already use. One practitioner can support many people.
Today our focus is on developing the method, training practitioners through live online training, gathering evaluation data and building the foundations for future research.
Part of Manse Core Group.
The Manse Method® is provided by Manse Core Group Limited. The group’s other work includes Emotion Pathway®, organisational training that teaches individuals a practical, self-applied framework.
Emotion Pathway® participants do not become Manse Method® practitioners and are not trained or authorised to practise professionally with others.
Visit Manse Core Group (opens themansegroup.com in a new tab)