FOR REFERRING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

The International Association of Yoga Therapists defines yoga therapy as “the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of Yoga.”  

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What are the teachings of Yoga? Our culture emphasizes the physical aspect of asanas, or postures, like the ones on catalog and magazine covers. But Yoga is not the attainment of perfect poses, nor does it need to be physically strenuous. Yoga is rather an ancient system of philosophy, the goal of which is to alleviate suffering. A Yoga Therapist with a SomaYoga background guides clients through first-person, subjective experiences - sensing and feeling into body and mind. It is an emergent, self-organizing, and creative process which one can eventually do without guidance. Overall,Yoga Therapy develops a sense of agency and self-efficacy for health and well-being.

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​SomaYoga blends Somatics - a method of neuromuscular reeducation - with therapeutic yoga. Somatic movements are gentle and accessible to any body. By moving into habits of muscle contraction and slowly, mindfully releasing, clients gain awareness and connection.

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SomaYoga Therapists are trained in anatomy, psychology, Somatics and Yoga Philosophy. Our skills and tools include:

• Attunement – We hold compassionate, safe space

• Ability to read implicit stories of posture, breathing and movement 

• Somatic movements (inspired by Thomas Hanna Somatics) 

• Techniques of breath work to change maladaptive patterns, to calm or to increase energy

• A philosophical framework for investigating meaning and purpose

• Self-care practices inspired by Ayurveda

• Meditation/Contemplative practices

• Mindfulness practices

 

What yoga therapy is NOT:

• It is not psychotherapy, though we may listen with a great deal of compassion. A Yoga Therapist is a guide for the client to sense into body, breath and mind within the framework of the ancient wisdom of yoga.

• It is not something that is done to a client – like a chiropractic adjustment or massage. It is rather a first-person experience that eventually can be done on one’s own.

• SomaYoga therapy is not a cure for acute pain or injury.

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Though everyone can benefit from SomaYoga, many clients with the following symptoms and conditions especially seek it:

• Recovering from injury or illness

• Chronic muscles stiffness

• Chronic stress

• Chronic pain

• Chronic illness

• PTSD and complex PTSD

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Dissociation 

• Disordered eating

• Addiction and compulsive behaviors

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Trauma

I have a special interest in working with trauma survivors.The body creatively holds trauma in its tissues, movement patterns, breath and ways of being in and seeing the world. When working with trauma survivors, I am aware of fluctuations in the autonomic nervous system and patterns of dysregulation (sympathetic ramping up and ventral vagal collapse, for example). I am aware of the importance of staying within a client's "window of tolerance," especially pertaining to sensing into the body. Being present in the body can be a challenging, but with patience and practice, clients can be curious about and more connected with their soma. Human suffering caused by trauma is disconnection from oneself and others. Disconnection on a personal level - from certain past experiences and from parts of the body can create an imbalance, sequestering or amnesia. Through SomaYoga, clients gain awareness and potentially reconnect and integrate with these "lost parts." 

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