If you’re new to either the therapy or yoga space, there’s a good chance you’ve never heard of yoga therapy. And, you’re not alone! Although yoga therapy has been around for decades, it isn’t common in all areas of the country.
While you’re likely familiar with talk therapy, you might now know that sometimes it isn’t enough on its own. Every now and then, it needs a boost. That’s where practices like EMDR therapy and yoga therapy can come into play.
Sometimes our brain and our body need a combination of verbal processing and physical movement in order to better understand or recover from an issue or condition, or to meet certain goals.
According to the International Association of Yoga Therapists, “The goals of yoga therapy include eliminating, reducing, or managing symptoms that cause suffering; improving function; helping to prevent the occurrence or reoccurrence of underlying causes of illness; and moving toward improved health and wellbeing.”
How does yoga therapy differ from a regular yoga practice or class?
Whereas most yoga students attend classes for a variety of reasons, those seeking therapy have specific goals in mind – whether that’s overcoming stress, a bodily ailment, or another diagnosis.
A standard yoga class is all about yoga and everyone learning the same movements. Yoga therapy, however, looks at the client’s needs and tailors yoga techniques and movements to meet those specific needs.
How does yoga therapy function?
Like most forms of therapy, the client and therapist spend time getting to know one another and discussing why the client is seeking therapy. After going through personalized assessments, a yoga therapist will lead their client through setting goals for their therapy sessions. Their care plan can include talk therapy, personalized yoga techniques, recommended readings, meditation or prayer, and more.
A regular yoga practice offers many health benefits, including:
- improved posture, flexibility and balance
- decreased muscle and joint soreness
- lowered pulse and respiratory rates
- improved regulation of several bodily systems, including the parasympathetic nervous system and the immune system
With guidance from a certified yoga therapist, these health benefits can be paired with therapeutic improvements that allow for healing in mind, body and spirit.
At Graceful Balance Wellness, we take a Christ-centered approach to everything we do. That includes yoga therapy.
Our practitioners provide all the best parts of yoga therapy along with God’s Word. You can expect a care plan that meets your needs and aligns with God’s design for your mind and body. That looks like tailored-to-you care plans, praying together, meditating on Scripture, goal setting and gentle guidance every step of the way.
Are you interested in learning more about yoga therapy? Our yoga therapist, Amy, is here to help! Amy is an experienced Embodied Yoga and Somatic Therapist, certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
As a Christian practitioner, she takes a Christ-centered approach to healing. She offers virtual yoga therapy for adults navigating stress, anxiety and trauma. Amy’s restorative approach integrates faith-based principles with personalized assessments, goal setting, and holistic care to support emotional, physical and spiritual wellness.
Ready to begin your journey with Amy? Click the button below to schedule a FREE, 15-minute consultation today!
