~What is Yoga Therapy~
Yoga therapy uses tools of yoga to reduce, eliminate, or manage disease symptoms and address the underlying causes of illnesses. As a yoga therapist, I do not diagnose illnesses or prescribe medication. However, with your permission, I can work with medical and other healthcare professionals to help optimize the outcomes of a current treatment plan. If an issue arises that is outside my scope of practice; I can help you find a healthcare professional who can help you.
~What to expect in a Yoga Therapy session~
In the first session, I will conduct a thorough interview to understand the health and wellness issues you consider most important. We will discuss your past and present medical history and how current problems are impacting your day-to-day life. Together, we will develop a plan of care that includes the tools of yoga therapy including asana (yoga poses), pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, self-reflection work such as journaling, and lifestyle modifications.
You will leave each session with homework that is designed to fit your schedule and address the issues most important to you. Homework will be available in the form that suits your learning style; written descriptions, photos, or videos.
Yoga therapy is a collaborative process that requires your participation. The more you engage in the process by working actively with your homework and communicating fully with me, the greater the benefits. I will work with you to design a plan that fits your schedule. It will be your responsibility to attend your sessions, practice consistently, and inform me of any issues that arise with your plan so that we can modify it as needed.
~About Me~
I started practicing yoga when I was pregnant with my first child nearly 30 years ago. At the time, I also ran marathons. It wasn’t until I had suffered repeated injuries to my knees and back that I gave up running and turned my full attention to yoga. I received my 200-hour teacher training certificate in 2012. I went on to earn certifications in yoga for depression, Yoga for Arthritis, and, most recently, a master’s in yoga therapy and my 500-hour teacher training certification.
Yoga helped me regain the ability to walk without pain, in spite of back injuries. The key was finding the right yoga for me. All yoga is not right for all people. Now, I have a yoga practice that strengthens my weaker muscles, stretches my tighter muscles, and includes meditation and pranayama (breath exercises). As a result, I am stronger, calmer, and virtually pain-free.
