What is yoga therapy? Is it different from a yoga class?

Although all yoga is potentially therapeutic and healing, yoga therapy is the specific application of yogic tools—postures/exercises, breathwork, meditation techniques, and more—to address your individual physical, mental, and emotional needs.

Yoga Therapists generally work one-on-one or with small therapeutic groups to evaluate an individual's imbalances and to determine how these imbalances contribute to a person's overall well-being.

Yoga therapists also have in-depth training to help them assess and keep their clients safe. They work with you to address your specific goals while considering any limitations you might be experiencing. The practices your yoga therapist recommends could include a combination of tools like:

• Movement ranging from gentle to vigorous

• Breathing techniques

• Meditation or visualization practices

• Physical postures that address specific areas of discomfort or musculoskeletal imbalances

It all depends on what you need to increase your health and well-being.

What is a yoga therapy consultation?

A yoga therapy consultation helps us learn more about you and the concerns for which you are seeking support. It also gives you and opportunity to share your questions and goals. We might ask about how you function in daily living, important past or current injuries, and who else you see for your health concerns such as a physical therapist, counselor, or doctor. This is also an honest moment to determine if yoga therapy may be right for you. You can schedule your free consultation here.

I’ve never done yoga and I’m not flexible. Will I be able to do it?

It’s a common common misconception that yoga all about stretching or movement. In fact, yoga therapy can help people who can’t move at all, as well as active individuals! Our yoga therapists have training and experience treating a variety of mental, emotional, and physiological conditions and contraindications. Prior experience with yoga is not required to seek out yoga therapy, nor is any particular state of physical health. Yoga Therapists meet each client where they are when co-creating a yoga therapy treatment plan.

What if I am not able to get on the floor? Or out of bed?

Therapeutic yoga doesn’t not have to be done on the floor. A yoga therapy session can happen completely in a chair or using a chair for support. Yoga therapy can also be really helpful when you cannot get out of bed—like during a disease flare or hospital recovery. You can practice breathing meditations, or simple movements while in bed, with your doctor’s permission.

How is yoga therapy different from other modalities?

The yoga therapy model of health is unique because it addresses every aspect of life rather than considering each body part or system separately. Yoga therapy seeks to see the whole individual and to recognize, evaluate, and address the many factors contributing a person's well-being at any given time. Yoga Therapists do not diagnose or prescribe or treat their clients. Rather, the yoga therapy process aims to be interactive and collaborative and self-empowering.  Yoga therapy supports the natural capacity of your body and mind to optimize well-being. Your healing comes from your increased awareness and your willingness to change and your actions - you find YOUR way to heal yourself.

What are yoga therapy sessions like?

Your first session covers intake & assessment, which typically lasts 90 minutes. During this session, you can share as much or as little as feels comfortable about whyy ou’re seeking support. As the appointment wraps up, your therapist might offer a few suggestions to practice until the next session. With the information from the first session as a starting point, your yoga therapist will put together an individualized yoga therapy plan for you.

At the second session, you and your yoga therapist will over your yoga therapy plan and collaborate to make adjustments as needed. This session usually lasts 60 minutes. The yoga therapy plan typically includes 3 - 5 yoga practices, and you will together to find the optimal way to integrate them into your daily life. You will be provided with an electronic copy of your program incorporating any adjustments identified during this appointment. Full explanation of all recommendations will also be provided.

Each additional session is an opportunity to discuss progress, voice needs or concerns, and further adjust the yoga therapy plan to support you.

How many sessions do I need?

While we recommend clients commit to least 3 follow up sessions following intake and assessment, the number of sessions you need will depend upon what issues we are working on, and how consistent you are in your home practice and in changing behaviors that may aggravate the condition. Yoga therapy is an investment in you, but without your active participation it is difficult to progress. Whether receiving traditional or alternative forms of treatment, when you are an advocate for your own health, the potential for positive change is greater.

What should I wear to a yoga therapy session?

You can wear anything that is comfortable and allows you to move with ease. There’s no reason you have to wear a special outfit, leggings, or tight clothing if you don’t want. You can also choose to practice barefoot, in socks, or with your shoes on.