Yoga therapy
What is yoga therapy?
Yoga therapy fuses the key principles of yoga philosophy with contemporary psychodynamic approaches to create a holistic and therapeutic approach to healing and emotional wellbeing.
There is an increasing appreciation for the interconnectedness between our physical and emotional health and this is the key principle upon which yoga therapy is based. Through a combination of ancient movement, breathing techniques, meditations, sensory exploration, sound, mindfulness and established principles for talking therapies, individual, complimentary and holistic programmes can be established which provide long lasting and sustainable outcomes.
Essentially Yoga therapy encourages a slowing down, coming into the moment to focus on the present, shifting the balance from the sympathetic nervous system and the fight or flight response to the parasympathetic system and the relaxation response, helping to feel the emotion in a physical sense to aid deeper understanding of what our emotional sense (our mind) is telling us, then supporting ways to manage this.
You do not need to be physically fit or physically able to engage in and benefit from this holistic approach to improving emotional health. The aim of the therapy is to provide a toolbox that can be used by each individual at any time, supporting recognition of triggers and then how to respond, connecting with a sense of self through compassionate self-care.
Why choose me?
I am a registered therapist with ACCPH, an independent professional body and register for counsellors, coaches, psychotherapists and hypnotherapists, in addition to being registered with Complementary Therapists’ Association (CThA). My Yoga Therapy qualification is accredited by the British Psychological Society. The course was led by Child Psychologist Dr Lucy Arnsby-Wilson and Integrative Specialist Janine Hurley, in collaboration with a number of experts in their field. I have undertaken a balance of experiential learning alongside studying the work of key theorists and practitioners in the area of trauma and neuroscience, such as Bruce Perry, Irene Lyons, Bessel Van der Kolk, Stephen Porges, Gabor Matte and the Minded Institute.
This training compliments my vast experience in front line child protection services, where I have utilised my knowledge of trauma informed approaches and worked with children and families affected by mental health challenges and illnesses.
I offer work both privately and through organisations on an individual and group basis, including family / carer and child sessions. I am currently commissioned as a therapeutic provider to a local council, and have collaborated with secondary schools in the area.
What happens
in a session?
I share practices and positive coping strategies so that children and young people learn to self-regulate and feel more at peace in their minds and bodies. Depending on the child, this might include somatic movement, breath practices, mindfulness practices, sensory exploration, visualisations, relaxation, craft, or storytelling.
Sessions can be offered to children and young people individually or in a group setting. For all group settings, individual assessments are undertaken prior to forming the group to ensure the right balance of the group for the most positive outcomes. I also work with a family approach and offer specific sessions for children and their parents/carers to attend together.
The content of each session varies and whilst some sessions may be physical and playful, others may be more still, each one tailored specifically to the needs of the child/young person and adapted in the moment as necessary.
How can I access therapy for my child?
When you enquire, I will arrange to meet with yourself and your child, and complete a short consultation. In this consultation you will be invited to talk to me about your child and why you are seeking yoga therapy. I will ask a number of questions including your child’s developmental history, their behaviours, and support mechanisms available to them.
We will explore the best setting for the therapy to take place in and we will agree a minimum number of sessions to begin with. I am mobile and will seek to book spaces that best suit your child.
How long is
each session?
Each session will last for 60 minutes (it may be shorter for younger children) and will have a structure. However, this will be fluid and will be changed in accordance with the child’s response. Sessions are generally set for 6 – 8 weeks at a time, after 4 weeks there is a review process, in which we consider progress.
Timescales for family therapy and group therapy sessions are also set for 6 - 8 weeks.
Enquire now
If you would like more information, to arrange a consultation, or would like to discuss pricing, please get in touch and I will be happy to help.
Testimonies
Have a question?
For any questions you may have, please see the Frequently Asked Questions to find the answer you’re looking for.
When working as a yoga teacher I may need to keep documentation of personal data. The personal and sensitive data I collect is necessary for me to provide good quality assessment and treatment services.
Safeguarding is everybody's business and the safety of all children is integral, please click here for my safeguarding policy.
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