WHAT IS YOGA THERAPY?
Yoga therapy uses the tools of yoga—such as postures, breathing practices, meditation, and mantra– to empower individuals to find optimal health and wellness.
Typical yoga classes offered in gyms, yoga studios and health clubs are geared toward healthy people as a form of exercise. Yoga therapy differs in that the yoga therapist customizes the practice of yoga to meet the specific needs of the individual or group with the intention of assisting clients manage the symptoms of their condition.
According to Gary Kraftsow, a leading expert in the field of yoga therapy:
“When clients seek out a yoga therapist or a therapeutic group, they are usually not coming to learn yoga, but to get help with or relief from some symptoms or health condition that is troubling them. In most cases, the instruction focuses on their condition and how the yoga techniques can help them feel better or improve their function, rather than on the techniques or methods of yoga practice.”
Most often yoga therapists work one-on-one with clients to create an individualized practice that help reduce or manage their client's symptoms, improve their day-to-day function, and help address their attitude and feeling about their health condition.
Each session begins with an intake and assessment of the client’s current symptoms in addition to a discussion of the client’s goals for the session.
The therapist then recommends a combination of yogic techniques and guide the client through an individualized practice that promotes wellness for body and mind. Typically, the therapist provides a written follow-up detailing those practices for the client to use at home for self-care. Multiple sessions may be necessary as together the therapist and client refine the practice.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a yoga therapist different from a yoga teacher?
Yoga therapists receive special training in how to work with students who have various conditions, such as arthritis, depression or MS, to ensure their safety.
To become certified with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (iayt.org), yoga teachers must complete an additional 800 hours of study beyond the 200 hours required in basic yoga teacher training. This training includes learning the contraindications for various medical conditions as well as ways to modify poses to bring the greatest benefit without causing further injury.
For example, for someone with arthritis in their hands or wrists, a therapist would modify downward dog by showing the client how to practice the pose using a chair or with the forearms on the wall.
What is the difference between Yoga Therapy and a yoga class?
Yoga Therapy is specifically designed to address your health conditions and challenges. A yoga class can also be therapeutic but does not necessarily seek to tailor a practice for you. A Yoga Therapy session, provided one-on-one or in a small group, can focus on specific concerns with the intention of bringing ease, relief, and enhanced healing. Yoga Therapy can be used to achieve whatever goals the client and therapist set forth that work toward a state of well-being.
What happens during a yoga therapy session?
The initial session begins with discussion of your intake form and assessment of any current symptoms or limitation. Key to this first session is clarifying your goals for wellness in body and mind.
At the second session (generally a week later), I will provide you with my recommendations for an individualized home practice. These practices may include yoga poses, breathing practices, meditation or other yoga practices, all designed to help you meet your goal. I will guide you through the practices and provide a detailed written plan for you to use at home.
One to two weeks later, we will meet again to assess your progress and refine the practice as needed. It is at this time that together we will explore your options for next steps which may or may not include additional yoga therapy sessions.
How many sessions will I need?
Each body is unique, and so every case is different. Most clients will experience some benefit after just one session. However, depending on your individual needs and concerns, more sessions may be necessary or desirable. I generally recommend a minimum of three (3) sessions, but will work with you to design a plan that is best suited to meet your goals.
Where do sessions take place?
Yoga therapy sessions can occur in your own home or in my Shrewsbury location. Sessions at my location will be provided in a private room fully equipped with all the props necessary to support your practice.
How much time will I need to dedicate to my home practice?
Ideally, about 20-30 minutes daily. I will make every effort to accommodate your unique circumstances and time constraints. To that end, I may recommend “mini practices” that can be incorporated into your current schedule. Part of each Yoga Therapy session will be devoted to discussing how your home practice is proceeding so that adjustments can be made.
Can yoga therapy can be paired with other practices, such as physical therapy?
Yes. Some experts recommend yoga therapy in addition to physical therapy, OT and other treatments. Because yoga is a mind-body practice, people learn methods for coping with symptoms such as anxiety, sleeplessness and stress that often accompany certain conditions. A yoga therapist equips her clients with tools such as deep breathing, guided relaxation (aka yoga nidra), meditation and mindfulness practices which have been shown to improve mood, promote relaxation, relieve stress, and increase overall quality of life.
What if I can't afford this service?
I understand that the cost of private yoga therapy may be prohibitive for some. In an effort to make my services available to everyone, I offer therapeutic group classes for a variety of needs, including back care, bone health and arthritis. I also offer special packages for Yoga Therapy at a discounted rate and reserve the right to consider and make other financial accommodations on a case-by-case basis.
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