What is Yoga Therapy?
The International Association of Yoga Therapists has championed yoga as a healing art and science since 1989.
Yoga therapy is lifestyle medicine, a way of being in the world with greater self-awareness and mindfulness. It is not an organized religion. Yoga therapists are guided by the foundational text – the Yoga Sutras, which begin by explaining the purpose of yoga as: harnessing/mastering the fluctuations of the mind. We help people explore a personalized pathway for healing and wholeness – to ease suffering, to balance body, mind and spirit.
Yoga continues to be studied and subsequently integrated into a wide range of healthcare practices that are recommended by more familiar Western modalities, such as psychology and physiology. Visit IAYT website to learn more >>
How Does Yoga Therapy Work?
The difference between Yoga Therapy and a typical yoga practice is a therapeutic relationship with a teacher, focusing on a singular goal, either one on one or in a group setting. Each individual is empowered in the development of a plan based on professional assessment and customized yoga tools that are rooted in both ancient philosophy of the yoga sutras and science.
Yoga Therapy is often complementary to physical therapy or talk therapy, for those undergoing recovery from an injury, chronic pain, trauma, depression or anxiety, as some of the more common examples.
Working with me begins with a free 20 minute consultation call to understand your goals, and for you to discern if yoga therapy is a fit for your needs. I have clients across the United States that meet with me via zoom and clients that I meet in person, in the New York City area.
Within a therapeutic framework, there is inquiry, movement and empowerment.
Advanced Training
Yoga Therapists have significantly more education than yoga teachers – 5x scope of learning, with an education comparable to a Master’s level. We are trained to work with clients with specific or chronic health conditions, as part of an integrative healthcare plan.
Clinical Assessment
Whether individual or small groups, yoga therapists conduct intake and assessment. This is the discovery phase, identifying areas of imbalance in your lifestyle, as well as opportunities for growth in body, mind and spirit.
Therapeutic Plan
After the intake discovery phase, we develop a safe and effective practice that is specifically tailored to meet the needs of the individual or the group. The outcomes are measurable with a minimal plan of four therapy sessions or longer, depending on the goals and tools to be explored.
Let’s Explore a Toolkit for You:
- Stress Management Skills
- Emotional Regulation Techniques
- Mind-Body Education
- Chair Yoga Strength Training
- Mindfulness / Awareness Practice
- Meditation Strategies
- Relief from Symptoms of Grief, Anxiety and Depression
- Physical Rehabilitation / Pain Relief
- Osteopenia and Osteoporosis Therapy
- Lifestyle Coaching
- Supplemental Corporate Teambuilding