Therapeutic yoga is an empowering treatment style, working with clients to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the philosophy and practice of Yoga. Therapeutic yoga is much less about diagnosing, and more about helping to guide clients to slow down and be present enough to develop a greater relationship with their inner wisdom. Early yoga classes were more like therapeutic yoga sessions – individualized and structured to promote the health and well-being of the student – than traditional group classes. As the fitness world started to see yoga as an effective work-out, yoga became less yoga and more targeted towards those wanting to build physical strength. The traditional practice of yoga is much more than poses and puts emphasis on breath work, mindful awareness and meditation.

 

How is this different from a yoga class at a gym?

The core difference between what you’ll find in a group class and individualized therapeutic yoga is that the therapeutic style takes the yoga practices – the poses, breath work, meditation and relaxation – and applies their healing qualities to the specific needs of the individual - a disease, illness or issue.

 

Who can benefit from therapeutic yoga?

Literally, anyone.  What we see most often are those trying to manage their emotional health like anxiety, depression, trauma and stress; managing the symptoms of diseases like cancer, IBS and high blood pressure; those dealing with injuries either severe like Traumatic Brain Injuries, or less serious such as broken ankles or torn rotator cuffs; and those suffering with chronic pain.

 

Does therapuetic yoga complement or replace other treatments?

Yes and no. You’ll see a lot of physicians referring clients to therapeutic yoga for symptoms related to migraines, high blood pressure, and gastro-intestinal issues. That is because what we know is that our mind and bodies are connected and therapeutic yoga can help ease the suffering related to other illnesses. However, clients are to use caution if looking to use therapeutic yoga in place of sound medical advice from a doctor. As for mental health concerns, as a psychotherapy practice, we are able to use talk therapy and neuropsychology with therapeutic yoga to move clients towards well-rounded healing.

 

What are some things I might experience in a therapuetic yoga session? And what can I expect?

You can expect the therapy session to be very different from a yoga class. There may be some similarities – awareness of breath, maybe some postures, some meditation and a nice relaxation at the end – but most therapeutic yoga sessions tend to include more conversation, more feeling things out and exploring postures together. We offer several different types of therapeutic approaches, from more focused talk therapy as a foundation, to less talking more moving, to challenging poses to restorative, to majority emphasis on breathwork, to attention on meditation and mindfulness training. One of the beautiful aspects of therapeutic yoga is that it can be molded and formed to fit individual needs.

 

What should I wear?

After your initial phone consultation, your clincian will inform you of proper dress. Most important is that you are comfortable.