A pond with waterlilies, rocks and prayer flags

Yoga Therapy

What is Yoga Therapy?

In yoga therapy, we have access to a wide array of yoga tools and approaches.  There is no “one size fits all”.  We work together to discuss your needs, and draw on the tools that will be most interesting and helpful for you.  These can include movement, breathing, self-reflection, sound, meditation, yoga nidra, personal ritual, and short micro-practices that can be done at any time throughout the day.  

We can also draw on other models from the realms of neuroscience and psychotherapy.  It is a remarkable time in the evolution of neuroscience, greater understanding of the nervous system, and the importance of bringing the body into mental health.  Polyvagal Theory (Stephen Porges), Window of Tolerance (Pat Ogden), and Internal Family Systems (Dick Schwartz) offer wonderful frameworks for personalizing a therapeutic yoga practice.

Philosophy of Compassion

These beautifully complement Yoga philosophy to help us understand ourselves and our human experience in a fuller way.  We begin with the fundamental understanding that we are whole and complete just as we are.  This understanding can help us live in a way that feels relevant for each of us.  I also love using the different models offered in yoga, including the Chakras, Koshas, and Tantra.  These models are very complementary to other spiritual and religious traditions. 

Through these tools, we can support your whole being.  This might include physical aches & pains, relationships, life transitions, trauma, emotional regulation, healthy aging, death and dying, and women’s health (including pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause). 

Resources

Further and recommended reading.

I love Anne Pitman’s restful, embodied approach to yoga.  Here she offers six 30 minute relaxing audio practices and a video of her Ventral Vagal Rolling practice: Anne Pitman – Embodied Yoga

Viniyoga is a wonderfully adaptive, creative approach to yoga.  It includes a wonderful integration of movement and breath. I also weave in other styles of yoga and tools, but Viniyoga is a strong foundation for me.  My therapeutic yoga training is through the American Viniyoga Institute.

Kristine Kaoverii Weber teaching is Viniyoga based, with references her qigong, acupuncture and neuroscience studies.  Her “Subtle Resilience Society” is a monthly membership program providing access to her video archive, weekly new classes, and special workshops: Subtle Yoga Resilience Society