Yoga Therapy

Yoga therapy is a personalized approach to health and wellness that involves adapting yoga practices such as movement, breathing, and relaxation to meet an individual's specific needs. Unlike regular yoga sessions, yoga therapy includes an assessment of posture, movement, and breathing, as well as identifying the individual's interests and establishing priorities and goals for the therapy plan.

Yoga therapy utilizes evidence-based practices by incorporating techniques supported by modern research to address specific conditions. As a yoga therapist, I empower clients by teaching self-care tools and practices that they can incorporate into their daily lives. Yoga therapy complements other medical and therapeutic treatments, enhancing overall health outcomes. It is suitable for individuals of all abilities and offers a compassionate, adaptive approach to achieving greater health and harmony.

By offering both in-person and virtual sessions, I can reach more people in need of yoga therapy.

In Person

  • Comprehensive postural, breathing, and lifestyle assessments. If needed, range of motion and muscle strength is tested. From there, a personalized treatment plan is created based on your health goals.

  • Assistance is offered to help increase mobility range of motion and flexibility

  • No previous yoga experience is needed

Virtual

  • All yoga therapy sessions are available virtually over Zoom. Meet with me from the comfort and privacy of your own space.

  • Personalized sessions created for your unique body breath and energetic makeup

  • No previous yoga experience is needed

What is Yoga Therapy?

Yoga therapy is a specialized approach to wellness that combines traditional yoga practices with modern health science to address specific physical, mental, and emotional conditions. Unlike a standard yoga class, which often follows a set sequence of poses, yoga therapy is highly individualized and focuses on the unique needs and goals of each person. It integrates physical postures (asana), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and mindfulness to create a holistic healing experience that supports overall well-being

As a certified yoga therapist, I use my advanced training to assess your physical condition, emotional state, and lifestyle factors. I will then develop a customized yoga practice aimed at addressing your specific health concerns. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, injury recovery, or simply looking to enhance your quality of life, yoga therapy offers a versatile and adaptive approach to healing.

Key Elements of Yoga Therapy

  1. Personalized Practice
    Each yoga therapy session is tailored to your needs. I will assess your body, mind, and lifestyle to design a practice that suits your goals and abilities. We will develop specific postures for pain relief and strength, breathing exercises for stress reduction, and mindfulness practices for mental clarity and emotional balance.

  2. Holistic Approach
    Yoga therapy looks at the person as a whole, rather than just focusing on symptoms. The practice acknowledges that physical discomfort often has emotional or mental roots, and vice versa. By addressing the entire person—body, mind, and spirit—yoga therapy promotes deep, lasting healing.

  3. Adaptive for All Abilities
    Whether you’re young, elderly, athletic, or recovering from an injury, yoga therapy can be adapted to suit all ages and fitness levels. Even people who are bedridden or have mobility challenges can benefit from the gentle and mindful movements of yoga therapy.

  4. Mind-Body Connection
    Yoga therapy emphasizes the close connection between the mind and body. Chronic stress, for instance, can manifest as physical pain or tension in the body. By using breath work, meditation, and movement, yoga therapy helps release this tension, reducing both physical discomfort and mental stress.

How You Can Benefit from Yoga Therapy

  1. Managing Chronic Pain
    Yoga therapy has been shown to be highly effective in managing chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lower back pain. Through gentle, mindful movement and targeted stretches, the therapy helps improve flexibility, strength, and circulation, reducing pain and increasing mobility. Breathing techniques and relaxation exercises also help alleviate pain by calming the nervous system.

  2. Reducing Stress and Anxiety
    Stress and anxiety are common issues that many people face, often leading to physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, and digestive problems. Yoga therapy offers tools like deep breathing and mindfulness to regulate the body’s stress response, helping to lower cortisol levels and promoting a sense of calm. Regular practice can enhance your ability to cope with stress and anxiety, leading to improved mental well-being.

  3. Improving Sleep Quality
    Yoga therapy can be especially helpful for those suffering from insomnia or poor sleep quality. By incorporating relaxation techniques and calming yoga postures into your routine, it promotes a state of relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Breathing exercises can also help quiet the mind before bed, creating a restful night’s sleep.

  4. Injury Recovery and Physical Rehabilitation
    If you're recovering from an injury or surgery, yoga therapy can aid in the healing process by gently restoring mobility and building strength in a safe, controlled manner. It can complement physical therapy by focusing on postures that improve alignment and muscle balance, reducing the likelihood of re-injury.

  5. Enhancing Mental Clarity and Focus
    Yoga therapy helps to quiet mental chatter, allowing for greater focus, clarity, and creativity. Practices like meditation and mindfulness teach you how to stay present and mindful, which can enhance productivity and decision-making in your daily life.

  6. Supporting Emotional Well-Being
    Yoga therapy is not only about physical health—it also nurtures emotional wellness. It provides tools to process emotions, release negative patterns, and build resilience. For those struggling with grief, depression, or trauma, yoga therapy offers a gentle path toward emotional recovery.

  7. Boosting Immune System
    Regular yoga practice is known to enhance immune function by reducing stress, improving circulation, and stimulating the lymphatic system. Yoga therapy, in particular, emphasizes restorative postures and breathing techniques that balance the nervous system, making it easier for your body to fend off illness.

  8. Improving Posture and Alignment
    Poor posture can lead to a host of physical problems, from back pain to headaches. Yoga therapy teaches proper alignment through mindful movement and body awareness, which can improve posture, reduce strain on the spine, and alleviate chronic discomfort.

More than a personal Trainer

I believe therapeutic treatment should be accessible and equitable. While I, as a C-IAYT Yoga therapist, cannot currently accept insurance, I can accept HSA (Health Savings Account) cards for treatment payment. Additionally, I can create payment plans for clients as needed. If you are currently financially constrained, please contact me to apply for one of my reduced session spots.

FAQs

  • Yoga therapy tailors yoga practices to individual needs, focusing on specific physical mental, or emotional goals, unlike general yoga classes that cater to groups.

  • Yoga therapy can support chronic pain, stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and recovery from injury or surgery as well as enhance overall wellness.

  • A session typically involves an initial assessment, followed by customized yoga postures, breathwork, meditation, and relaxation techniques tailored to the client’s goals.

  • The frequency varies based on individual goals and needs, but most clients benefit from weekly or bi-weekly sessions combined with a personalized home practice.