iRest® Protocol
Cybermindz delivers a tailored application of the iRest (Integrative Restoration) protocol, developed by Dr Richard Miller and adapted for cybersecurity professionals. Grounded in neuroscience, iRest supports nervous system regulation and recovery under sustained pressure, strengthening focus, resilience, and cognitive clarity in high-stakes environments.
Why we use iRest
Cybersecurity work is defined by sustained vigilance, abstract threat, and high-consequence decision-making. In these conditions, the nervous system rarely receives a clear signal to stand down. Rather than focusing on stress management alone, iRest works at the level of the stress response itself — building the capacity to recover and remain effective under prolonged pressure.
Proven under pressure
This approach has been adopted in military and veteran health settings where reliability, safety, and consistency are critical. Its continued use in these environments reflects trust in its ability to perform under real-world operational demands.
Human-centred
Rather than treating people as broken or deficient, this work starts from the premise that everyone has an inherent capacity for wellbeing. The practice helps restore access to that reserve when sustained pressure, fatigue, or high demand obscure it.
Evidence-based foundations
The iRest protocol draws on multiple evidence-based therapeutic and neurophysiological approaches, woven into a single coherent practice. These elements are not taught as separate techniques, but experienced together in a way that supports nervous system regulation and positive neuroplastic change.
Progressive Relaxation
Guides the body and mind through stages of letting go, reducing muscle tension and signaling the nervous system that it’s safe to rest.
Systematic Desensitisation
Gently retrains the brain to respond calmly to stress triggers, lowering reactivity through gradual exposure and awareness.
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)
Encourages more balanced thinking by bringing awareness to unhelpful beliefs and interpretations that contribute to stress.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Builds awareness of the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, supporting shifts in unhelpful patterns.
Exposure Therapy
Encourages gentle engagement with challenging thoughts or sensations, reducing avoidance and supporting adaptive responses over time.
Autogenic Training
Uses focused body-based cues to evoke calm, slow the heart rate, and activate the body’s natural relaxation response.
Sensory Awareness
Reorients attention toward immediate sensory experience — grounding awareness in the present moment to reduce rumination.
Somatic Experiencing
Releases stored tension in the body through mindful noticing and movement, restoring equilibrium in the nervous system.
Eye Movement Rapid Desensitisation (EMDR)
Employs guided eye movements and attention shifts to reduce emotional intensity linked to distressing memories or experiences.
The foundation of Cybermindz programs
This protocol is not an add-on or an optional extra. It is the foundation that underpins how our programs work. Every Cybermindz program is built around repeated, guided exposure to the protocol from an expert facilitator — allowing participants to experience regulation, recovery, and clarity not as a concept, but as a lived skill that strengthens over time.
A shared foundation
This protocol underpins all Cybermindz training programs, including RapidReset, SteadyShields, and CISOSupport.
Experiential, with clear context
Participants experience the protocol directly through live, facilitated group sessions.
Reinforced through regular practice
Between live sessions, participants are supported with a library of guided recordings to practise independently.
Validated by Research and Practice
Clinical Trials
iRest has been evaluated in more than 30 clinical studies, including research with active-duty service members and veterans. Findings show significant reductions in stress-related symptoms and improvements in wellbeing, even among populations experiencing severe and chronic stress.
Operational Adoption
iRest has been endorsed by the U.S. Army Surgeon General as a Tier 1 complementary intervention and implemented across more than 85 U.S. Veterans Affairs medical centres, demonstrating reliable, large-scale use in high-pressure operational settings.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Take the next step towards enhanced resilience and performance in cybersecurity. Schedule a consultation today.