Wren is an artist, teacher, and healing professional who places intention & attention at the center.
She brings a rich background in the arts, Eastern and Western Psychology, Somatic Experiencing, Yoga, and Mindfulness Meditation to her work with others.
She has been training in contemplative practice for over thirty years, spending a significant amount of time in silent retreat. Wren’s explorations of the human experience have extended beyond mat and cushion, into her former work as a psychotherapist in outpatient settings and currently as a somatic practitioner in private practice.
Wren has decades of teaching experience serving as an artist in schools and museums, including the Museum(s) of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, San Diego, Boulder, and the Museum of Children’s Art, Oakland. She currently facilitates art therapy groups for adults at West Coast Recovery Center.
As an artist, Wren works in a broad range of media. She collaborates artistically with LitvakDance and has illustrated six books for Shambhala Publications.
Whatever the role or activity, Wren’s purpose is to support others in knowing themselves deeply.
She works to alleviate suffering, nurture understanding, and inspire creative joy. Her wish is for all folks to gain access to the ease and vitality that is their birthright.
Education
MA Counseling psychology, wright institute, berkeley 2008 Graduate work in contemplative psychology, naropa university, boulder 2005BA CUM LAUDE studio art, Scripps Women's College, Claremont, ca 1999 
Training
Somatic Experiencing Training Int III 2025DREAMS, IMAGINATION, AND TRANSFORMATION WITH DR. LEVINE 2025Somatic Healing Immersion WITH EMBODIED LABS 2024 Exploring Our Sense of Place program San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy 2024 Purejoy Parenting for Professionals Certification 2023UCSD Center For Mindfulness MBSR Training 2009 Piedmont yoga advanced yoga studies program and teacher certification 2008 Vipassana Support International Certified Mindfulness Instructor 2008 
Images by Wren Polansky Copyright Shambhala Publications 2022
Illustrations by Wren are featured in these Shambhala Publications titles:
The Fourth Trimester
by Kimberly Ann Johnson
A postpartum guide to healing your body, balancing your emotions & restoring your vitality
Copyright 2015 Shambhala Publications
Hip Healthy Asana
by Charlotte Bell
The yoga practitioner’s guide to protecting the hips and avoiding SI joint pain
Copyright 2018 Shambhala Publications
The Awakening Body
by Reginald A. Ray
Somatic meditation for discovering our deepest life
Copyright 2016 Shambhala Publications
Conceiving with Love
by Denise Weisner
A whole-body approach to creating intimacy, reigniting passion, and increasing fertility
Copyright 2019 Shambhala Publications
Yoga Myths
by Judith Hanson Lasater
What you need to learn and unlearn for a safe and healthy yoga practice
Copyright 2020 Shambhala Publications
Teaching Yoga with Intention
by Judith Hanson Lasater
An essential guide to skillful hands-on assists and verbal communication
Copyright 2021 Shambhala Publications
