The Four Five Formula©

The Four Foundations and

The Fifth Dimension

The Four Five Formula is a way of being.

It provides a sustainable background for practice — whether for team leaders, front-line staff, or anyone with responsibility for the welfare of others.

Rather than a technique or intervention, the model describes the conditions that support wellbeing, connection, and personal power (agency), even within pressured systems.

The Four Foundations

(grounded states for doing the work)

Centred — supporting nervous system safety, grounding, and readiness
Intention — consciously choosing the quality of presence
Compassionate Connection — beginning with self to prevent burnout
Possibility — allowing more than the situation predicts

These foundations create the conditions for sustainable, humane practice.

The Fifth Dimension

(expanded authenticity and personal power)

The Fifth Dimension is where authenticity and agency unfold through:

Self-awareness
Self-in-others (understanding mirroring and projection)
Self-validation
Self-care
Self-expansion

This is the space where systems lose their sweeping, totalising power, and individuals regain a sense of choice, identity, and possibility.

Outcomes

The Four Five Formula consistently supports:

Staff wellbeing
Positive connections
A stronger sense of agency and identity
Empowering environments
Love and hope in caring services

Evidence and Development

The Four Foundations and the Fifth Dimension developed from decades of practice research, human development theory, and mindful connection — including learning drawn from puppetry and embodied presence.

The model was previously referred to as the BICEPS model (2012) and has shown measured improvements in mental wellbeing (WEMWBS) across health, social care, and adult learning environments.

Even when only one foundation is practised, positive effects are seen.
Using all four foundations is especially powerful.
The Fifth Dimension extends beyond system constraints.