Yoga Therapy – Bridging Yoga & Health Care

WHAT IS YOGA THERAPY?

Yoga Therapy is a holistic process that explores the physical, energetic, emotional, mental and spiritual (non-sectarian) needs and interests of the student.  It uses the many tools of yoga including mindful movement, breath work, affirmations, meditation, relaxation techniques, self discovery and more, to promote wellness and healing on every level. Yoga Therapy programs are based on a vision of health as a unity of body, mind and spirit. The International Association of Yoga Therapists defines Yoga Therapy as “the professional application of the principles & practices of yoga to promote health & well-being within a therapeutic relationship that includes personalized assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management, and yoga practices for individuals or small groups". I am your IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist.

SOME SPECIFICS OF YOGA THERAPY 

• Yoga therapy is student/client centered in which the teacher attends to the unique needs and goals of the individual or group.
• The yoga therapist serves as a guide in an individual’s journey of healing and self discovery.
• Yoga therapists do not diagnose or treat specific conditions; rather a program is created for optimal health based on the unique needs and goals of the student/client or group.
• Yoga therapy focuses on the underlying imbalances that can lead to a state of “dis-ease”, not just the symptoms.
• The focus of yoga therapy is on overall well-being with equal emphasis on the physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions of the being.
• Health and healing result from the self-awareness and transformation that arises through the yoga therapy practice. The essence of yoga therapy is developing the ability to feel sensations throughout the entire body and mind.
• Yoga therapy can, but may not necessarily, include yoga postures and other movement techniques. Given the needs of the student/client the yoga therapist will draw on a variety of yogic tools and techniques such as: mindful movement for body awareness, strength, flexibility, and balance; breathing practices for energy management; relaxation exercises for stress relief; affirmations; meditation techniques; and skills to develop self-observation and self-awareness. Support with life style habits, integrating the principles of Ayurveda, are also offered.

WHO IS YOGA THERAPY FOR?

As approaches to health continue to evolve, yoga’s impact continues to reach far beyond the typical yoga studio.  As a proven vehicle for wellness, healing, and transformation, yoga is now being incorporated into settings such as hospitals, schools and universities, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers.  Anyone can potentially benefit from yoga therapy as they are working with a well-trained professional who is attending to their unique needs. For example:
√   People with chronic health conditions or recovering from illness, injury or surgery.
√   People with limited mobility or disabilities, amputees, and people with muscular/postural imbalances or irregular movement patterns.
√   People trying to manage stress, depression, anxiety, poor self esteem, chronic pain or insomnia.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A YOGA THERAPY PROGRAM?

• Ten, 1 hour focused yoga therapy sessions in person or via video – 1/week.
  • 1 Intake & goal setting session to determine your current level of health & well-being and uncover areas of imbalance that you want to work on.
  • 8 Yoga Therapy sessions that integrate mind, body and spirit and include work you can do at home.
  • 1 wrap up session to evaluate your progress and set a go-forward plan.
• A comprehensive custom designed Yoga Therapy program integrating mindful movement, breathing practices, relaxation techniques, affirmations, meditation, journalling and other tools of yoga that we practice together & you can do in your home.
• Email support for the duration of your Yoga Therapy program.
• NOTE: programs can be shorter or longer than 10 session in order to meet your unique needs.

CLICK HERE to request your complementary consultation call to discuss how yoga therapy can support you. All inquiries are confidential.