“Yoga-based approaches use a series of postures and breathing techniques to build a sense of connection to the self. Yoga practitioners are able to cultivate the ability to remain present, to notice and tolerate inner experience, and to develop a new relationship with their body. This body-based practice then has a ripple effect on emotional and mental health, on relationships, and on one’s experience of living in the world.”

– Overcoming Trauma through Yoga, Emerson and Hopper

Yoga is one of the oldest somatic practices. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word, yuj, which means to yoke or join. Yoga can be used as a practice to integrate (to join) the mind, body, and heart. In modern times, the evidence based research is mounting for the benefits of a regular practice. There is specific evidence for utilizing yoga as as complementary therapy/medicine and integrating yoga with talk therapy.

When engaging in psychotherapy/counseling with me, we can incorporate asana (postures) and flow, breath work, meditation, intuitive movement, and yogic philosophy/psychology to gain insights, deepen awareness, and invite balance into your mind, body, heart system. One of my favorite benefits of engaging in yoga is the increase in sense of self: a deeper awareness of ones own wants, needs, intuition, likes/dislikes, and the ability to shift from automatic actions and habits to intentional pauses and choices.

“Yoga is a mirror to look at ourselves from within”

- B.K.S. Iyengar