What is Yoga Therapy?

Yoga Therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of Yoga."

— Definition of Yoga Therapy from the International Association of Yoga Therapists, iayt.org 

Embracing Your Wholeness

Yoga therapy offers a nurturing approach to your well-being. Unlike traditional healthcare that may focus on isolated symptoms, yoga therapy embraces a holistic perspective, embracing the idea that most layers of our life are deeply intertwined. These layers—your physical body, energy, emotions, thoughts, and deeper awareness—interweave to create your unique experience. Just as a pebble creates ripples in a pond, changes in your physical body can resonate in your mind, and vice versa. Instead of treating them as separate entities, yoga therapy helps to harmonize and integrate them so that you can experience a more connected, cohesive life.

There are many ways this can look in a session. Here are a few brief examples of how interconnected techniques can show up:

  • A guided meditation that can reduce chronic pain and remap the brain to improve connective tissue condition challenges.

  • A breath technique that can lower anxiety and improve shoulder stability.

  • A movement sequence that rehabilitates an injury and decreases negative thinking.

  • A mantra practice that improves concentration and tones the vagal nerve for a more balanced response to stress.

  • A journaling exercise (based on yoga philosophy) that helps you get to know yourself and create more peaceful living strategies.

These techniques are often interwoven with others, creating a practice that supports you on many levels so that you can rest within a calm mind, empowered body, and joyful spirit. What we practice in one aspect of our lives shows up in many, and my aim for our sessions together is to introduce you to practices that can help you on a day to day basis.

Yoga Therapy is for Everyone

This modality is all about adaptation for the client in front of you. Yoga therapists work with people who experience TBIs, Parkinsons, Cancer, Autism, Sports Injury Recovery, PTSD, Chronic Pain, Depression, and more. Since each person has a unique set of circumstances and interests, each session is tailored to suit those needs. Adjustments are made throughout the session to support you with whatever shows up - creating a safe space to be exactly as you are, and accepted and respected as that person.

Yoga Therapy is for Everyone

This modality is all about adaptation for the client in front of you. Yoga therapists work with people who experience TBIs, Parkinsons, Cancer, Autism, Sports Injury Recovery, PTSD, Chronic Pain, Depression, and more. Since each person has a unique set of circumstances and interests, each session is tailored to suit those needs. Adjustments are made throughout the session to support you with whatever shows up - creating a safe space to be exactly as you are, and accepted and respected as that person. 

FAQ

  • During 1:1 sessions I mainly work with clients who are experiencing neurodivergent (ADHD & Autistic) challenges, chronic pain, co-occurring chronic physical & mental health challenges, bipolar, PTSD, and sensory processing issues, and substance addiction recovery

    I lead ongoing group yoga therapy in addiction recovery inpatient centers, and at Sukha Somatics have led group yoga therapy focused on trauma recovery

    Learn more about my background here

  • While a yoga teacher's basic training program requires only 200 hours, often completed in a few weeks, yoga therapists undergo a rigorous, multi-year program accredited by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT.org). This program entails at least 1,000 hours of training focused on adapting and applying yoga techniques to address specific medical conditions. Through this in-depth curriculum, yoga therapists gain a comprehensive understanding of various health issues, contraindications, and relevant research. Additionally, they participate in a mentored clinical practicum involving at least 140 hours of hands-on client experience.

    Related Links:

  • Yoga has been shown to improve medical outcomes for a variety of conditions. I’ve highlighted a few below.

    • Injury recovery (e.g., rotator cuff injuries, knee problems, strains, structural issues, post-surgery recovery, asymmetrical imbalances, whiplash)

    • Chronic pain (e.g., fibromyalgia, back pain, post surgery conditions)

    • Neurological conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis, parkinsons, TBI’s, central sensitization syndrome)

    • Connective tissue conditions (e.g., hypermobility syndrome, hEDS - Ehlers-Danlos syndrome)

    • Autoimmune conditions (e.g., arthritis, crohn’s disease)

    • Cardiovascular conditions (e.g., heart disease, hypertension)

    • Cancer-related conditions (e.g., scar cording, fatigue, grief, anxiety, structural imbalances)

    • Musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., osteoporosis, joint pain)

    • Anxiety conditions (e.g., generalized anxiety, panic)

    • Depression

    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

    • Insomnia

    • Addiction (related to substance use, disordered eating, codependency)

    • Stress management and overall wellbeing

    Yoga Therapy can also help those who identify as neurodivergent (Autistic, ADHD, OCD, etc.) with challenges they might experience

    Related Links:

    Still have questions? Send me a message here or schedule an inquiry call

  • Not yet, but Yoga Therapy is in the process of becoming covered by health insurance, check out the IAYT website for updates by following this link.

  • Towards the end of completing a IAYT accredited Yoga Therapist Program, students participate in a Clinical Practicum. During this period, Yoga Therapists-in-Training provide yoga therapy sessions to clients under the supervision of an accredited mentor. The mentor offers guidance, suggests modifications, and ensures that the sessions are safe and beneficial for the clients.

Ready to Schedule a Private 1:1 Yoga Therapy Session?

Reach out to info@seedsofsukha.com or fill out an Inquiry Form for current 1:1 Yoga Therapy Availability and to see if we're a good fit