The Four-Dimensional (4-D) Wheel Approach

at the Center for Relationship & Intimacy Well-Being

At the Center for Relationship & Intimacy Well-Being (CRIWB), we offer an immersive experience rooted in the Four-Dimensional (4-D) Wheel, a transformative model created by renowned sex therapist Dr. Gina Ogden. The 4-D Wheel integrates the Body, Heart, Mind, and Spirit—essential dimensions that guide individuals and couples through deep healing, growth, and reconnection.

This approach honors the interconnectedness of our experiences and provides a holistic map to untangle limiting stories that shape how we see ourselves, our bodies, and our relationships.

As you step into the wheel, you embark on a journey of exploring and unlearning narratives that no longer serve you, allowing you to embrace new stories of empowerment, intimacy, and vitality. Through this transformative process, you reconnect with your authentic self, your desires, and your capacity for pleasure and connection—all while weaving the wisdom of your past into the tapestry of your present and future.

About the 4-D Wheel

The 4-D Wheel is not just a therapeutic approach—it is a path toward embracing the whole self. Rooted in Dr. Ogden’s own family roots in Peru, the 4-D Wheel incorporates ancient wisdom from the Pachakuti Mesa tradition, which aligns the four quadrants with the elements of earth, water, air, and fire and the directions of east, west, south, and north. This layered approach honors the depth of our connection to the physical world and the spiritual realms, grounding us in ancient practices while guiding us through modern healing.

Mind – East, Fire:

The East is the direction of the rising sun and represents the mind and intellect. This quadrant connects us to clarity, insight, and the fire of new beginnings. The mind, as the seat of our thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions, is where we begin untangling stories that shape our self-image and beliefs around intimacy and connection. In the East, we face the inner fire that illuminates our thoughts and helps us transform limiting beliefs into empowering truths.

Heart – West, Water:

The West is associated with the element of water, reflecting the heart and our emotional landscape. It is a space for reflection, cleansing, and emotional release. Here, we untangle the heart’s stories—grief, joy, pain, and love—so that we can heal and create new emotional patterns. This quadrant helps individuals and couples explore how emotional wounds or attachments may be preventing deeper intimacy, offering the space to flow freely with love, vulnerability, and emotional connection.

Body – South, Earth:

The South represents the body and the earth, grounding us in our physical form. This quadrant connects us to the body as the vessel of our lived experiences. It’s where we release physical tension and reconnect with sensations that have been buried or ignored. In the South, we begin untangling physical stories—the traumas and experiences stored in our muscles, tissues, and nervous systems—by using somatic practices like breathwork, movement, and mindfulness. This is where we regain our aliveness and reconnect to our capacity for pleasure and embodiment.

Spirit – North, Air:

The North is associated with air and spirit, representing the spiritual dimension of our being. This quadrant invites us to connect with our higher self, sense of purpose, and the unseen forces that guide our journey. In the North, we untangle stories about our spiritual beliefs, practices, and how they relate to our sense of connection with the world around us. Here, we explore sacred sexuality, divine energy, and our place in the universe, unlocking the freedom that comes from stepping into alignment with our authentic selves.

The 4-D Intensive Offerings

Our 4-D intensives provide a rich and supportive container for healing and transformation. By engaging deeply with each of the four dimensions—Body, Heart, Mind, and Spirit—our intensives allow you to step into the wheel and address the most pressing challenges and growth areas in your life.

We offer three intensive options that vary in depth and duration, depending on your specific needs and readiness for change:

One-Day Intensive:

This introductory format offers a deep dive into each of the four quadrants, offering tools for emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. In a single day, we will work together to explore the foundations of your personal story and uncover areas for growth and release. This is perfect for those who are ready to step into the wheel and begin their healing journey with clarity and intention.

Two-Day Intensive:

The two-day intensive provides more space for exploration and healing. With additional time to engage with each quadrant, you’ll have the opportunity to untangle more complex stories and dive deeper into your body, heart, mind, and spirit. This option is great for individuals or couples looking to address specific relationship challenges or trauma, or those seeking a more profound shift in their personal growth.

Three-Day Intensive:

The three-day intensive is the most immersive experience, offering an opportunity for deep, transformative healing in all four dimensions. With ample time for self-reflection, somatic work, emotional release, and spiritual exploration, this extended format is ideal for those who are ready to fully engage with their entire being and create lasting change. It’s the perfect option for individuals or couples looking to heal from trauma, deepen their intimacy, or embark on a significant personal transformation.

Benefits of the 4-D Wheel Approach

Holistic Healing:

By working with all four quadrants—Body, Heart, Mind, and Spirit—you access a deeply integrated approach that nurtures every aspect of your being. The 4-D Wheel is an invitation to step into a more balanced, aligned, and empowered version of yourself.

Deepened Intimacy:

Whether you are in a relationship or seeking to cultivate intimacy with yourself, the 4-D approach provides the tools to create deeper emotional, physical, and spiritual connection. By releasing old stories and connecting to each quadrant, you build a foundation for lasting intimacy.

Trauma Healing:

The 4-D Wheel approach creates a safe, supportive space for healing from emotional, physical, and sexual trauma. By engaging with somatic practices and integrating mind-body-spirit healing, we help you reclaim your power and release past pain.

Increased Self-Awareness:

The process of stepping into the wheel allows for profound self-discovery, as you examine how your body, emotions, thoughts, and spirit are influencing your experiences. This awareness helps you make empowered choices in your relationships and personal life.

Empowerment and Freedom:

As you untangle the stories that have shaped your life and connect more deeply with yourself, you step into a greater sense of freedom. The 4-D Wheel approach allows you to experience liberation from old patterns and reclaim the fullness of your aliveness and sexual vitality.

Who is the 4-D Wheel Intensive For?

The 4-D Wheel intensives are perfect for individuals and couples who are ready to do deep, transformative work. These intensives are for:

Individuals or couples who are open to exploring all aspects of their being and are committed to untangling the stories they carry in their bodies, hearts, minds, and spirits.
Those looking to explore and untangle limiting stories around intimacy, sexuality, and self-worth.
Individuals or couples dealing with relational or sexual challenges who want to heal from trauma and create new patterns of connection.
Those who feel disconnected from their body, emotions, mind, or spirit and are ready to engage with all aspects of their being for greater harmony.
People who are committed to their healing journey and ready to engage with somatic practices, emotional work, and spiritual growth.
Those experiencing sexual, relational, or emotional challenges who are seeking holistic and transformative solutions.
People who are ready to embrace personal and relational healing in a meaningful, lasting way.

Who is the 4-D Wheel Intensive Not For?

The 4-D Wheel approach may not be the right fit for individuals or couples who:

Are not ready to engage in deep emotional, physical, and spiritual exploration.
Seek a quick fix or superficial or purely cognitive solution to their challenges without emotional or somatic engagement. This approach requires openness, patience, and a willingness to do the deep inner work.
Are not willing to explore uncomfortable emotions or physical sensations that may arise during the process.
Are not ready to explore their past traumas, limiting beliefs, or hidden emotional blocks.
Are not open to the process of holistic healing across all dimensions of their being.

Who will be your Therapist?

Jacqueline Mendez

LMFT, CST, CST-S, 4-D Practitioner

Jacqueline Mendez is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), AASECT certified sex therapist (CST), and AASECT certified sex therapy supervisor (CST-S), with a deep passion for helping individuals and couples explore their authentic selves through a holistic approach to sexual health and relationships.

She is a trained 4-D Practitioner and Supervisor, having studied and worked closely with renowned sex therapist Dr. Gina Ogden, who served as both a supervisor and mentor throughout Jacqueline’s sex therapy journey. Ogden’s guidance deeply shaped Jacqueline’s clinical practice and her approach to the 4-D Wheel, which integrates body, heart, mind, and spirit for profound healing and transformation.

Jacqueline carries forward Dr. Ogden’s legacy of decolonizing sexual health and providing a safe, inclusive space for clients to reconnect with their true selves. With over two decades of experience, Jacqueline is dedicated to supporting her clients in navigating their healing journeys while honoring the wisdom of their unique stories.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to step into the wheel, embrace your healing journey, and untangle the stories that no longer serve you, the 4-D Wheel intensive is an opportunity for profound transformation and empowerment.

Contact us today to learn more about how the 4-D Wheel can support your journey of growth, healing, and transformation at the Center for Relationship & Intimacy Well-Being. Let’s explore together if the 4-D approach is the right fit for your unique path.