Blog Layout

Therapeutic yoga

Do you practice yoga with the secret wish that you might meet people like you who are interested in slowing down, connecting to a spiritual practice, and getting some healthy exercise too? But when you go to a yoga class or do yoga on an app, you often leave feeling good physically and mentally better, but miss out on connecting with others. We have the antidote for that. You can access the richness of yoga in a group therapy space that addresses the need for connection, movement and slowing down. 

Therapeutic yoga is a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery that combines the ancient wisdom of yoga with modern therapeutic practices. This unique approach to wellness offers profound benefits for both the mind and body, making it an essential practice for those seeking holistic health and personal growth.

At its core, therapeutic yoga recognizes the intricate connection between our physical, emotional, and mental states. By integrating gentle yoga postures, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques, it addresses the root causes of stress, trauma, and physical ailments, rather than just treating symptoms.

One of the key benefits of therapeutic yoga is its ability to help individuals reconnect with their bodies. In our fast-paced, often disconnected world, many of us have lost touch with our physical selves. Trauma, stress, and chronic pain can further exacerbate this disconnection. Therapeutic yoga provides a safe space to explore sensations, movements, and breath, allowing practitioners to rebuild a healthy relationship with their bodies.

The practice also plays a crucial role in managing stress and regulating emotions. Through mindful movement and breath awareness, therapeutic yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing the harmful effects of chronic stress. This is particularly important given the high levels of cortisol and other stress hormones many people experience in their daily lives.

Moreover, therapeutic yoga fosters a sense of community and connection. Group classes offer opportunities for co-regulation, where participants can feel supported and understood by others on similar healing journeys. This sense of belonging can be profoundly healing, especially for those who have experienced isolation or disconnection due to trauma or mental health challenges.

In yoga therapy, trauma-informed practices are integrated to help participants reconnect with their bodies and find presence. 

Some key elements of trauma-informed yoga include:

  • Offering invitations rather than instructions, variations for each pose - allowing participants to recognize their limits and make choices.

  • Avoiding physical touch or adjustments without explicit permission.

  • Ensure a predictable environment by maintaining consistent direction, avoiding sudden changes in music or lighting, providing clear pre-class information, using safe "touchstone" poses, and focusing on proprioception, breath, and body awareness through repetition.

  • Emphasizing co-regulation and community support to help participants feel connected and safe.

These practices acknowledge that trauma affects the nervous system differently for each person and aim to provide opportunities for healing in a gentle, supportive manner. 

Perhaps most importantly, therapeutic yoga empowers individuals to take an active role in their own healing process. By teaching self-regulation techniques and body awareness, it provides practitioners with tools they can use both on and off the mat to manage stress, pain, and emotional challenges.

In a world where many of us struggle to find balance and authenticity, therapeutic yoga offers a path to reconnect with our true selves. It encourages us to turn inward, listen to our bodies, and honor our instincts. Through this practice, we can learn to navigate life's challenges with greater ease, resilience, and self-compassion.

By integrating mind, body, and spirit, therapeutic yoga offers a holistic approach to healing that addresses the complexities of human experience. It's not just about achieving physical flexibility or strength, but about cultivating a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. In doing so, it paves the way for profound healing, personal growth, and a more authentic, connected way of living.

We offer therapeutic yoga every Tuesday evening. Learn more about the group and register.

New Paragraph

By Beth Barta December 19, 2024
In our increasingly digital world, it can be tempting to opt for the convenience of online therapy sessions.
By Beth Barta December 10, 2024
The holiday season is upon us, bringing its familiar whirlwind of twinkling lights and festive music. However, many of us feel the ever-present pressure to make everything perfect.
November 19, 2024
The recent election results have left many feeling anxious, worried, and uncertain about the future.
November 17, 2024
The holiday season can be particularly challenging for those experiencing grief. While others are celebrating, you may be grappling with a profound sense of loss and emptiness. It's important to remember that grief is a normal response to loss. Whether your loss was recent, a year ago, or ten years ago, the holidays have a way of activating our grief. During this time, you might find yourself struggling with conflicting emotions. On one hand, there's pressure to participate in festivities and appear joyful. On the other, you're dealing with the pain of missing a loved one or processing a significant loss. This internal conflict can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. It's crucial to acknowledge that there's no "right" way to grieve, especially during the holidays. Some may find comfort in maintaining traditions, while others might need to create new ones. The key is to be gentle with yourself and allow space for your grief. At Insight Counseling and Wellness Center, we understand the complexities of navigating grief during this season. That's why we're offering a special "Grief and Loss During the Holidays" group series. This supportive environment will provide you with tools to cope with your loss, connect with others who understand your experience, and find meaning during this challenging time. Our series will cover various topics, including: Understanding grief and its impact during the holidays Coping strategies for difficult emotions Creating new traditions or adapting old ones Finding ways to honor and remember your loved ones Planning for the new year while acknowledging your loss You'll gain valuable insights, share experiences with others who understand, and develop strategies to navigate this season with more ease and self-compassion. You don't face the holidays alone in your grief. Register now for our " Grief and Loss During the Holidays " group series and take a step towards healing and finding moments of peace during this challenging time. Your journey matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
October 21, 2024
As children, we are wired for connection. Our very survival depends on being accepted by our family and community.
September 5, 2024
We live in a world that is moving faster than ever before. Our days are packed with endless to-do lists, distractions are constant, and the anxiety of trying to juggle it all can be overwhelming.
August 12, 2024
In our fast-paced, constantly-connected world, it's all too easy to lose touch with ourselves.
July 25, 2024
Have you ever felt like there's a constant inner critic or judge inside your head, telling you that you're not good enough?
July 17, 2024
Fear, hopelessness and anxiety are common experiences in the United States right now.
Summer vacations often turn into nonstop itineraries as we try to cram in as many experiences as pos
June 25, 2024
Summer vacations often turn into nonstop itineraries as we try to cram in as many experiences as possible.
More Posts
Share by: