What is yoga therapy? And how it can benefit you.

I’ve just completed an extensive two-year yoga therapy training and now have my certificate to prove it! I’m really excited to bring this work into the world - I truly believe that yoga therapy is transformative and empowering.

Yoga therapy isn’t yet as widely known as other therapeutic approaches, like physiotherapy or counselling, but I’m hoping it will be soon. It's an ancient practice that includes practices from the eight limbs of yoga, along with Ayurvedic (an ancient eastern system of health and healing)  which encompasses a range of practices, including postures, meditation, visualisation, yoga nidra, breathwork, as well as lifestyle considerations. It’s a therapy that works holistically to support physical, emotional, and mental health.

What is yoga therapy?

Yoga therapy is different to standard yoga classes where everyone follows the same sequence. It’s a personalised one-to-one practice. Yoga therapy will meet you where you are, with whatever you bring with you to the session - whether that is a painful shoulder, a mental health challenge, or a need to bring more kindness into your life - whatever you need to focus on.

You are unique, so each session is unique - bringing in movement, breathwork, relaxation, and mindfulness practices to meet your needs both on the day and for what you need support with in your life. You will then be given a practice you can do at home, the duration and frequency of this will be worked out collaboratively. Your home practice may include specific physical postures and breathing techniques, as well as practices that promote awareness, self-care, and long-term well-being. Yoga therapy empowers you to take an active role in your own healing journey.

Whether you’re recovering from injury or surgery, living with chronic pain, managing anxiety or fatigue, or simply wanting to feel more balanced, yoga therapy can help you reconnect with your body and find the best tools to support you in everyday life.

It’s … ‘the professional application of the principles and practices of yoga to promote health and well-being within a therapeutic relationship that includes personalised assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management, and yoga practices for individuals or small groups’. Institute for Yoga Therapy. 

Reasons for coming to yoga therapy

People come to yoga therapy for many reasons. You might need support with:

*  Regulating stress and anxiety to bring greater emotional balance.

* Struggling with back, shoulder and neck pain, or any postural issues.

*  Working through emotional difficulties.

*  Supporting recovery from illness.

*  Finding relief from chronic health conditions.

* Having difficulty with sleep.

* Feeling physically limited, emotionally drained, or simply needing a space to breathe.

* Starting a home practice tailored to your abilities, free time, and preferences.

* Cultivating a kind connection with yourself with self-compassion and empowerment.

* Trying out yoga when group classes feel too challenging or triggering.

What happens in a yoga therapy session

Before the first session, I will ask you to complete a health form to give you space to reflect on what you would like from the session and to ensure I have this information beforehand. Then, when we first meet, we’ll talk through this to set a goal and, if appropriate, discuss challenges, to get a clear picture of your overall well-being. We may then explore together, as applicable:

• Physical movements and postures

• Breathing techniques to regulate your nervous system

• Mindfulness and relaxation to reduce stress and anxiety

• Practices to improve confidence, energy and sleep. 

• Lifestyle habits and stress factors.

  
  

From there, I will give you a practice to take home, which may be a single posture or breath practice, or a longer practice, some may be restorative others more dynamic. This we will agree on together, taking into consideration how much time you have, your capabilities and your needs.

No two people are the same, and no two yoga therapy sessions are, either. Even if two clients share the same condition, their practices will be different, because you are unique.

Ongoing Sessions

Each session builds on the last, adapting as you grow and change. We will discuss what is present for you, what’s changed since your last session, how your practice has gone and refine as needed. You can decide how many sessions you want and when, and we will work collaboratively and sensitively, at a pace that suits you. Each yoga therapy session is a collaborative and evolving process.

My approach

I have taught thousands of classes over the years, and have worked for many years teaching therapeutic yoga in mental health settings. I am passionate about sharing the benefits of yoga as it has had such a profound effect on my own wellbeing. 

I bring to my classes and one-to-ones a wish to offer a space where people can bring themselves, just as they are, and explore the appropriate practices in a kind and creative way to support your wellbeing and healing. Yoga therapy is a trauma-sensitive approach, with my intention is to support you with your goal, in a way which also develops curiosity, self-compassion and connection of mind/body. 

If you have any questions or are interested in booking a session,  please get in touch, I'd love to hear from you. You can also book here. yoga-therapy-one-to-one-sessions