What does Online Yoga Therapy Look Like & How Does it Work?
The idea that stuck with me most as I was starting to teach yoga is this one:
You are already whole, just as you are.
A radical idea in a world where we are bombarded with the message that we need to constantly improve and fix ourselves. The message that we aren’t good enough.
Yoga, and in particular yoga therapy, offers a refreshing counterpoint. Instead of adding more and more to our already full lives, how can we turn inwards and let go of the filters through which we see the world?
The difference between yoga and yoga therapy
Going back to the origin of yoga thousands of years ago, yes, all yoga was in theory a therapeutic practice. However, in the way that yoga has evolved and often been stripped down to a fitness exercise, not all yoga as it is being shared today is therapeutic, especially when it comes to mental and emotional health. Traditionally, yoga was also shared one-on-one (one teacher to one student), to ensure the practices were suitable for the individual.
Many group yoga classes offer a stronger sense a community and will teach you general yoga techniques, but it’s typically not feasible to address individual concerns or offer individualized practices.
Yoga Therapy differs from group yoga classes in a few ways:
sessions are conducted one-on-one or with a small group that has one therapeutic goal (ie. emotional balance, anxiety, trauma-informed, etc)
the practices shared with you are tailored to you and what you are experiencing in your life right now
the yoga adapts to you (how much time you have, what you can do, what resonates with you), not the other way around
Both group yoga classes and individual sessions can be beneficial! It all depends what you’re looking for and what your intention is. Group yoga classes (taught with mental health in mind) and individual yoga therapy sessions are available here at Repose. Check out the studio schedule here or book a yoga therapy session here.
Why yoga therapy?
Our thoughts and emotions are experienced in our bodies. We’ve all experienced our chest tightening when we feel anxious or our face heating up when we feel embarrassed. When it comes to mental and emotional health, I believe it’s so important to bring the body back into the healing process.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, feeling like they control you or feeling a little numb, know that you’re not alone. Most of us have never been taught how to cultivate a healthy relationship with our emotions! Often it can feel like we have to turn part of ourselves off to be able to navigate the world we live in.
Yoga Therapy is a way to bring the different parts of yourself (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) together, to re-connect to yourself and the world around you.
The tools of yoga used consistently can help you cultivate self-awareness and safety in your body, learn to self-regulate and move forward with joy and freedom.
Ultimately, yoga isn’t about feeling good all the time, but rather about knowing deep within us that we can navigate the hard times with more ease.
What does an online yoga therapy session look like
Above everything else, I’m here to listen and hold space for you to share all of who you are. During our first session, I’ll ask a lot of questions to understand what you’re experiencing, how it’s impacting your life and together define what you’d like to move towards.
Based on our conversation, I will then guide you through different yoga practices, which could include movement, meditation, breathing, journaling, visualization, self-inquiry, etc.
Together, we’ll figure out what works, what doesn’t work, and create a plan for you to make these practices a part of your daily life, not just another thing to check off your to-do list.
While I guide you through a yoga practice during our session, the full benefits come from continuing to do it on your own between our sessions. I’ll help you setup a space in your home that feels safe and comfortable as well as decide what the best time is for you to practice.
In the following sessions, we can check in, address anything that may be getting in the way and adjust as your needs change or as things come up.
Here are a few things to help you prepare for our first online session:
Do your best to be in a quiet space in your home where you won’t be interrupted
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely
Check your camera and audio beforehand (it’s important for me to be able to see you)
Don’t worry if you’ve never done yoga before! Most of my clients are actually beginners. I’m here to adapt yoga to you, not the other way around.
Be prepared to commit at least 5-10 minutes a day to practice yoga between our sessions.
Scheduling your first session
If you’re ready to schedule your first session or if you have further questions, contact us to schedule a consultation for experiential therapy.
Click here to learn more about our Repose Studio!
Meet our experiential therapists here: NOELANI RODRIGUEZ