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.

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 with specific focuses that run as a four part series. Our January and February groups will focus on anxiety and depression and have both in studio and zoom options. Each session focuses on a different aspect of healing using a mind-body approach including: nervous system regulation, grounding practices, breath work, and meditation. No prior experience is needed to participate. Outline for each program is as follows:

January Program Overcome Anxiety: Price includes the Overcome Anxiety Book not available in stores.

4 part series that takes place: Jan 14th (2 hours 11:30-1:30 PT), 21st and 28th (Sundays 12:30-1:30 PT)

Session 1 and 2: Program Overview, What is Dysregulation, Reactions, Self-Regulation and Counter action. Reprogramming our Reactions, Introduction to Yoga, The Human Brain Under a Stress Response, False Alarms and Programming Errors, Importance of Self-Efficacy, Activation, De-Activation and Dysregulation, Affirmations, the Power of Thought, Exercise and Anxiety.

Session 3: Calm, Clarity and Choice, The 8 Limbs of Yoga, 10 most Common Cognitive Distortions and Triggers, Automatic Thoughts, Aligning and Softening, Home Practices.

Session 4: What is Spirit?, The Koshas, Metta Meditation, Loving Kindness Practices

February Harmony In Balance/Healing Depression Group: 

3 week series on February 4th, 18th, and 25th (Sundays 12:30-1:30 in person and 2-3PM PST for zoom).

Practice Includes:

Yoga Therapy the Integrated Practices, Breath-centric asana (physical postures), Seated breathing pranayama (breath work), Mantra/chanting, Meditation, Guided relaxation. Take home practices will be assigned and provided for clients to build on the work done in sessions and develop home practices that are accessible and supportive. This yoga therapy practice is based on the Iyengar approach to treating depression as cited in the research and includes a focus on: invasions (use of props, no experience is needed), backhanding, and a breath centric focus. Constricted breath and coherent breath have been shown to be useful in the treatment of depression using yoga therapy, in order to build heat and energy in the body. Sessions will be offered both in person or virtually, with home practices included to practice between yoga therapy sessions.

April-May: Safe and Sound Protocol 

The Safe and Sound Listening Protocol or the SSP is a listening series developed by Stephen Porges using filtered music that has been shown to improve concentration, reduce anxiety, aid in trauma healing, and reset the nervous system into a more regulated state. The Core program includes 5 listening sessions of 1 hour each, conducted with over the ear headphones to stimulate the vagus nerve and promote nervous system regulation and healing. Our 5 session group follows a series of sessions, done in order (if sessions are missed, clients may not complete the program by the 5th session).

Dates: April 21st, 28th and May 5th, 19th, and 28th, Sundays from 12-1 PM PST. Clients can join in person or by zoom. If joining in person, over the ear headphones will be provided. 15 min after each session hour will be allotted if clients have to pause their listening within the hour.

**After the program is completed and clients have listened to all 5 hours of the CORE program, they will have the option to do at home listening using the Balance program by paying a subscription of $30 a month.

**If the 5 hours is not met by the end of the program, clients will have the option to pay for individual sessions to complete the program.