How does it work?

From the yoga therapy perspective, the wellness journey is supported in accordance with the teachings of the ancient yogic texts, aiming at the purification of body, mind, and emotions.

From a Western perspective, we facilitate gradual healing of the nervous system through polivagal theory-informed, natural vagus nerve stimulation techniques and embodiment practices to promote self-regulation, vagal tone and resilience, and balance the overall physiology.

Yoga Therapy is a somatic therapeutic modality: it relies on interoception, an internal sense modulated by our autonomic nervous system, to access and assess our inner environment on multiple levels (physical, emotional, etc). By learning to rest our attention on the inner, ever-changing flow of sensation and emotion as a felt-sense in the body, we can explore existing symptoms, emotions, or beliefs as they manifest as sensation, and become aware of new information stored in the tissues of our physical body or on the more subtle layers of our being.

Attention and embodied awareness have the potential to change what is present, and to bring into awareness emotional material for release before it has a chance to become somatized.

Release is a gentle, paced process happening in absolute respect of personal boundaries, and it is never pushed or forced to happen before the client is ready.

The yogic principle of Ahimsa (non-harm) guides our work:

physical tension and emotional blocks are built over time as part of an intelligent self-protective mechanism, and it can take just as long for them to safely release. Whether we’re working with breath or therapeutic movement, the rule is to be gentle with the body and kind to our whole self, respecting our body’s timing and innate wisdom.

Through the progressive exploration of all layers of being or koshas (physical, energetic, emotional, mental, and spiritual), we access the potential to come closer and closer to the perception of our true nature.

In the process, the sustained act of listening to “what is” begins to shed light on the repeated patterns (samskaras) that have been in the way of our well-being.

Who Needs Yoga Therapy?

• Yoga Therapy is very useful for working with the somatic aspect of intense, difficult emotions, making it an ideal modality when dealing with the storms of life such as a tough diagnosis, the aftermath of trauma, loss of any kind, and in general, difficult life transitions. While complementing any ongoing traditional therapeutic intervention, it does NOT replace proper qualified, professional mental health support.

• Yoga Therapy is an effective integrative modality to support with physical ailments and chronic or acute health conditions; yet, just as any other alternative healing method, it is not intended as a substitute for traditional medical care, nor is this profession (or I personally) making any claims to “heal” or “cure” anyone’s body or mind, or to reverse any diagnosis, illness, pain, or injury.

I mention this in utter respect of the workings of our body; in deference to the large body of scientific research and of the many medical professionals that devote their lives to curing or managing life-threatening diseases that are extremely difficult to understand and control; and ultimately, in reverence of the mystery and wisdom of Nature, Life, and our Higher Source itself.

This service is offered as an available choice in a range of resilience-building lifestyle/behavior practices within an optional, multidisciplinary approach to preventing or managing chronic and acute conditions, and facilitate emotional regulation and spiritual growth.

More FAQs

Q: Do I need an established yoga practice?

A: No yoga experience is required: in fact, many of the practices we use involve little or no movement. You can enjoy the benefits of yoga and all somatic therapies even if you have very limited physical abilities.

Q: I am an advanced yoga practitioner: is yoga therapy a form of “yoga for special needs”?

A: No! Y.T. is an opportunity to advance your practice by taking the focus off the more aesthetic approach of form and effort, and delving deeper into the nuances of the inner and outer experience, allowing it to grow in depth and authenticity, perfecting it through detailed, extremely subtle explorations of familiar asana, in a realm where “less is more” and “slower is better”.

Q: Are the teachings going to conflict with my existing spiritual beliefs?

A: No. Yoga Therapy looks at the person as a whole, addressing physical and emotional symptoms, lifestyle, and spirituality, while respecting individual belief systems and never imposing a particular philosophical or spiritual viewpoint.

Q: Can I use yoga therapy as an alternative to mainstream treatment for common conditions and mental health challenges?

A: It is NOT recommended to use Y.T. as an alternative to mainstream treatment. Although Yoga Therapy is an effective integrative modality to support with chronic and acute health conditions, just as any other alternative healing method, it is not intended as a substitute for traditional medical care. Please continue with your prescribed treatment as you explore yoga therapy as a safe, beneficial modality with the potential to promote health and support you on your ongoing healing path. Please be advised that, as mentioned above, no claims are being made to cure or heal any condition through these services.

Q: How does a yoga therapy session work?

Sessions begin after an initial consultation and after filling out an intake form consisting of a holistic wellness questionnaire. The first session includes a skillful, detailed assessment. At the beginning of each following session, the client is briefly assessed, as our states vary daily based on times of the day, seasons, and other personal variables. Based on that, appropriate interventions will follow with the purpose of achieving a state of balance. The tools used can include breath, therapeutic movement, sound, and various somatic embodiment practices.

The client is often given a Home Plan to follow regularly in order to maintain and consolidate the benefits of the session.

Q: How many sessions do I need to obtain the desired results?

A: This varies from case to case, but generally, at least 5 to 10 sessions are suggested. Although noticeable benefits can be experienced even after a single session, multiple sessions might be necessary to obtain lasting results. Also, please remember that a goal-oriented approach can often hinder rather than accelerate progress, and the healing journey is not always a straight line.

It is important to note that ultimately, improvements are greatly dependent on the client’s willingness to put the learnings to use in everyday life and consistently practice the suggested Home Plan.

IN PERSON OR REMOTE SESSIONS AVAILABLE