What is Yoga Therapy?
Yoga therapy is individualized, integrative, client-centered care that empowers self-healing and optimal health outcomes. Yoga therapy addresses illnesses in a multi-dimensional manner, aiming to diminish suffering progressively, cultivate eudaemonia, and develop resilience. Scientific research demonstrates that Yoga therapy is among the most effective complementary therapies for numerous health challenges, both physically and mentally.
What does a Yoga Therapist Do?
A yoga therapist bridges the gap between biomedical and integrative healthcare. Jennifer looks at the whole person, listens to what is happening, and then curates a practice to address each client's needs, concerns, and impacts. She can collaborate with the existing medical team to ensure a comprehensive healing approach is in place. If there is an aspect best suited for a specialist, she will refer and collaborate when appropriate. Most importantly, Jennifer works WITH the client, empowering and enhancing their ability to be active leaders in their care. Jennifer specializes in injury management, chronic pain, substance abuse, and mental health conditions, including stress.
For more information about yoga therapy, visit:
International Association of Yoga Therapist's
What to Expect?
The first meeting is an intake and assessment appointment that lasts 60-90 minutes to address goals, symptoms, daily impact, and medical history. Jennifer performs muscle testing when applicable. She then develops a plan of care for healing based on the assessment and goals of the client, utilizing yoga therapy techniques to provide quality integrated health care. Subsequent sessions alter and hone the program while aiding clients as they progress. Supporting material such as a handout or recording is provided to assist with the home care plan. E-mail and phone support are also available between sessions. Jennifer's implementation of yoga therapy in this fashion ensures each client an individualized healthy, safe, and rewarding approach.
Techniques Utilized
Pranayama: breathing exercises to influence and regulate the autonomic nervous system
Asana: postures to strengthen, lengthen, or release muscles
Meditation: welcome and process information in a healthy and helpful manner
Mindfulness: cultivating awareness through purposeful attention in the present moment, non-judgementally
Interoceptive Awareness: the ability to identify, understand, and respond appropriately to internal stimuli
Myofascial Release: applied pressure to the fascia and connective tissue to release tension
Neural Gliding: a movement that gently stretches irritated nerves to improve mobility and reduce pain
Isometrics: activating muscles, without shortening, to create joint stability, release tension, and counter fatigue
Somatics: re-educating the way the brain senses and moves muscles, correcting maladaptive action and inaction
Emotional Freedom Technique: tapping on nine specific meridian points to reduce stress by lowering cortisol
Sprint Journaling: a set period of uninterrupted writing to release and understand underlying issues or emotions
Kosha Mapping: guided meditation through the five koshas, or sheaths of existence, in the process of self-discovery