
Yoga Therapy Frequently Asked Questions
What is yoga therapy?
Yoga therapy is a fairly new profession in the northern hemisphere. Although it is only about 20 years old as a profession in the US, the practices go back about 5,000 years. As modern medicine realizes the benefits of an integrative and holistic approach, yoga therapists are becoming more common in our healthcare system and work in complement to other modalities. A yoga therapist works in relationship with a client and then teaches specific practices and lifestyle modifications that will help the person on their individual path to healing. The practice evolves and changes over time and aims to alleviate the suffering in a progressive, non-invasive, and complementary manner. Depending upon the nature of the illness, Yoga therapy can not only be preventative or curative, but also serve a means to manage the illness, or facilitate healing in the person at all levels.
What can I expect?
We start with an individualized assessment and figure out what you would like to accomplish, your goals. Then, I will design a daily practice for you to achieve these goals. We will adjust your practice as necessary and as goals change. This is a collaborative and holistic approach to healing.
How soon will I feel better?
Most people start noticing improvement and changes quickly. However, this depends on you and your dedication to taking care of yourself with the practices, lifestyle changes and tools you are given.
What training do you have?
I have practiced yoga for over 20 years and have studied intensely in the Krishnamacharya/Desikachar (KYM) tradition. Yoga Therapy training was with The Optimal State and directly with the KYM. Additionally, I trained with My training has been trauma and LGBTQIA+ informed with a focus on embodied mental and physical health and well-being. No matter what is happening in your life, there is a light inside that wants to come to the surface and shine! At times, we all need help. I would be honored to help guide you.
Who do you like to work with?
I work with everyone no matter age, gender identification or ethnicity. I have a special interest in female trauma, mental health, the lgbtqia+ community, and the eldermindful (midlife and older mindful folks).
How does it work?
Change happens when we create new patterns in our mind, bodies, and lives. Change can be hard.
Private sessions set you up for success in creating the changes you’d like to see in your health and well-being. We all need support from time to time. In the initial session, we will go over any health/life concerns, bothersome symptoms, and what you would like to achieve through our sessions. You may receive health coaching, lifestyle recommendations, unique practices, or something else. It depends on what the goals are and other variables discussed during session. I will create a practice specifically for you and your goals. Your practice will evolve as your needs do.
What do I need to do?
Only by doing your practices/habits consistently will you see change. The good news is that it works! As your symptoms/goals or whatever you are working on in life change and shift, so will your practice. With each session, you will learn tools and techniques that we will build upon. You will have a toolbox of skills, techniques and lifestyle modifications that will help you retain balance in body, mind, and spirit through the seasons. Your practices are your “medicine” to create the change you would like in your life, health, & well-being. The deep healing and transformation happens when you practice daily. This creates new patterns in your brain and body. We can’t expect change if we don’t take our “medicine”. Your practice/habits is your medicine.
Who is this for?
This is my favorite question because it is literally for everybody! If you are able to breath you will benefit from yoga therapy and Ayurveda. Your practice may be 5 mins. or an hour – it depends on what works in YOUR life.
Why should I choose you?
It is important to feel a good “match” between the therapist and client. If I am not the right person for you, I would be happy to refer you to someone I think may be. My experience and training are vast and you can see that on the “About” page. That being said, I offer Free 15 min. discovery calls so that we can meet each other and I can answer questions you may have about what I can do for you. I am your guide on the side teaching you the appropriate techniques so you can feel pain free, joy, and connected to your inner light and life purpose.
How many sessions does it take?
This is very individual. Variables include: what your goals or health concerns are and how consistent you are with your practices and lifestyle recommendations. Most clients see/feel results after our first session. Some conditions evolve more slowly. Clients usually schedule 1x week or 1x a month; it really depends on your needs and goals.
Sessions are not confirmed until payment is received. All sessions should be scheduled and paid for 36 hours in advance. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please kindly give 24 hours notice so that someone from the wait list may have a session as the time slots are limited.
If you cancel before 24 hours of your appointment time, you can use the credit for a lesson at another time.
Thank you for being proactive in your well being. I look forward to serving you.