As a Certified Yoga Therapist, C-IAYT, through the International Association of Yoga Therapists, I offer group and individual yoga therapy as a blended and stand alone approach for clients. Yoga therapy is a type of therapy that uses yoga postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and guided imagery to improve mental and physical health. The holistic focus of yoga therapy encourages the integration of mind, body, and spirit. Modern yoga therapy covers a broad range of therapeutic modalities, incorporating elements from both physical therapy and psychotherapy. As a yoga therapist, I offer group practices that run as a series or yoga therapy for clients wanting to do individual sessions one on one. In addition, I am currently in training to become a somatic experiencing practitioner, and use somatic practices outside of yoga to support clients in their healing.

So what is yoga therapy and how does it work?

A yoga therapist begins by assessing the client’s physical condition, mental health, and emotional state. This can include discussing the client’s medical history, lifestyle, and personal goals. Observations during a yoga practice, such as posture, breath, and movement patterns, can also inform the assessment. Based on the assessment, the yoga therapist designs a personalized practice for the client. This practice may include physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and other mindfulness-based practices.

The practice is tailored to address the client’s specific needs, abilities, and goals, which might range from managing stress and improving mental well-being to addressing physical conditions like back pain or arthritis. Using a holistic approach, yoga therapy addresses the person as a whole, considering all aspects of their well-being. Yoga therapy does not simply address or intervene with the physical aspect of the person’s being; it also encompasses emotional balance, mental clarity, and, for some, spiritual growth. This approach can help clients develop greater self-awareness and insight into their conditions and life circumstances.

The relationship between the therapist and the client is an integral part of yoga therapy. The therapist often takes on a role that is part coach, part teacher, and part counselor, offering support and guidance throughout the process. Yoga therapy can be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments for various conditions. Therapists often collaborate with healthcare providers to create a comprehensive care plan. Clients are taught how to practice yoga safely and effectively, focusing on their particular issues. The education includes understanding body mechanics, the effects of certain movements or postures, and how to use yoga tools (like props) to enhance their practice. Yoga therapy sessions typically evolve over time. As the client progresses, the therapist adapts the practice to reflect their development.

A significant part of yoga therapy is teaching clients practices they can do on their own. Empowering clients to engage in their own care is a key goal, helping them to become more autonomous and proactive in managing their health. The therapist will regularly reassess the client’s progress and adjust the practice as necessary. This may be based on feedback from the client, observations during sessions, or other assessments.

Settings and Formats:

Yoga therapy can be delivered in one-on-one sessions, in small groups, or in workshops and classes. Sessions may take place in various settings, including yoga studios, clinics, hospitals, or at the client’s home.

Yoga therapy can help with a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:

• Chronic pain conditions such as back pain and arthritis
• Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Neurological and developmental conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and autism
• Respiratory conditions like asthma
• Cardiovascular health, including recovery from heart disease.
• Lifestyle-related issues such as stress management and insomnia.

By integrating the philosophy of yoga with practical therapeutic techniques, yoga therapy offers a unique and holistic approach to health and wellness. As an evolving field, it continues to gain recognition as an effective complement to traditional healthcare.

Currently, I am offering yoga therapy groups as well as somatic experiencing groups for trauma survivors, military personnel and first responders, as well as parent/child groups. These groups include: a parent/child somatic group, a grounding group for trauma survivors, a somatic therapy intensive, as well as a retreat for military, veterans and first responders. Our somatic therapy groups are available in January of 2025, and first responders in February of 2025. Please see details below.

Grounding for Trauma Survivors:  Yoga Therapy & Somatic Healing Class

Sunday, December 8^th, 2024, 10AM-11:30 AM

The holiday season can be a challenging time for trauma survivors, often bringing up feelings of stress, overwhelm, or isolation. This 1.5-hour class is designed to provide a safe and supportive space where participants can ground themselves, reconnect with their bodies, and learn practical tools to navigate the holidays with more ease and emotional balance.

Using trauma-informed yoga therapy, somatic healing techniques, and mindfulness practices, we will explore ways to stay grounded in the present moment, manage holiday-related triggers, and create personal boundaries to protect your emotional well-being. The session includes gentle yoga, breathwork, guided meditations, and self-reflective exercises to help participants cultivate a sense of safety and inner peace.

What to Expect:

-We will focus on gentle, trauma-informed yoga postures that emphasize connection to the earth and a sense of rootedness, using the yoga wall for additional support and stability. Expect poses like Mountain Pose, Child’s Pose, and supported restorative postures to help you feel centered and calm.

-Learn simple, effective breathwork techniques such as Box Breathing and Grounding Breath to regulate the nervous system and manage stress in real time. These practices will be especially helpful for staying calm during the holidays.

-Experience grounding visualizations designed to help you connect with the present moment and feel safe, including a protective shield meditation and a grounding into the earth practice. These meditations will provide inner calm and emotional resilience.

-Explore somatic exercises that help you establish and maintain personal boundaries in a healthy, embodied way, crucial for navigating family dynamics or holiday gatherings. We will practice gentle movements and visualizations to reinforce physical and emotional boundaries.

-Each participant will create a personalized grounding and self-care plan for the holidays, including practical strategies and tools to cope with stress, sensory overload, and challenging emotions. This plan will include breathwork, grounding objects, and journaling prompts.

-The class will include time for group sharing and reflection, allowing participants to connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges and to offer mutual support.

Whether you’re facing challenging family dynamics, sensory overload, or feelings of loneliness during the holidays, this class will equip you with tools to ground yourself and approach the season with more presence and peace.

Who Is This For?

This class is open to anyone who has experienced trauma and is looking for a safe, supportive environment to explore grounding techniques for emotional healing, especially during the holidays. No prior yoga experience is necessary—this class is accessible to all levels.

Connecting Through Play: A Parent-Child Yoga/Somatic Experience

This 1.5-hour session is designed to strengthen the parent-child bond through a combination of yoga, somatic experiencing, and therapeutic play. The focus will be on establishing healthy boundaries, fostering connection, enhancing attachment, exploring healthy aggression, and using play and touch to build trust and safety within the relationship. The age group for this class is 8-11 years. Our next session will take place on October 20th, 2024 from 10AM to 11:30AM.

Healing Through Movement: A Somatic Experiencing and Yoga Therapy Intensive-January 2025 

Four-Hour Intensive Workshop on Somatic Healing and Yoga Therapy

Workshop Overview:

This four-hour intensive workshop will blend the principles of somatic experiencing with yoga therapy techniques to facilitate healing from trauma. Participants will engage in a variety of somatic and yoga practices aimed at releasing stored trauma, enhancing body awareness, and fostering emotional resilience.

Objectives:

-Understand the basics of somatic experiencing and its role in trauma healing.

-Experience yoga practices designed to support somatic healing.

-Develop tools for self-regulation and emotional resilience.

-Create a safe and supportive environment for exploration and healing.

First Responder and Military Retreat-February 2025

Peaceful Power: A Healing Retreat for First Responders and Military Personnel

Join us for an immersive healing experience specifically designed for first responders and military personnel. Peaceful Power is a unique retreat dedicated to nurturing the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of those who serve and protect. Led by a certified yoga therapist and licensed psychotherapist, this retreat offers a holistic approach to healing through yoga, somatic therapy, and evidence-based practices tailored to your unique needs.

What to Expect

-Cold Plunge and Jacuzzi: Start your mornings with an invigorating cold plunge in our pool to awaken your senses and enhance circulation. Unwind in the evenings with the soothing warmth of our jacuzzi, perfect for easing tension and promoting relaxation after a demanding day.

-Hiking Adventures: Explore the natural beauty surrounding our retreat center with guided hikes. Connect with nature, breathe in the fresh air, and allow the peaceful environment to ground and rejuvenate you.

-Nutritious Meals and Comfortable Lodging: Enjoy delicious, nutritious meals prepared to support your healing journey. Our menu is crafted to provide balanced, wholesome nourishment. Rest in our comfortable and tranquil lodging, designed to offer you a peaceful sanctuary throughout your stay.

-Trauma-Informed Yoga and Meditation: Engage in daily yoga and meditation sessions specifically adapted to support the healing of first responders and military personnel. These sessions incorporate trauma-informed principles to create a safe and supportive environment, allowing you to gently explore and release stored tension and trauma.

-Specialized Yoga Practices: Our retreat leader is certified in Warriors at Ease, Yoga Nidra for Military and First Responders, trauma-informed yoga, somatic therapy, and yoga therapy. These specialized practices are integrated into the retreat to offer deep relaxation, stress reduction, and enhanced mental clarity.

Retreat Leader

Our retreat is led by an experienced and compassionate professional who is both a certified yoga therapist and a licensed psychotherapist. With extensive training and certifications in Warriors at Ease, Yoga Nidra for Military and First Responders, trauma-informed yoga, somatic therapy, and yoga therapy, our leader brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to support your healing journey.