I would never describe myself as "athletic", especially due to the fact that I would only consider running if someone was actively chasing me. Even as a kid, I preferred to stand in the outfield during team softball games and didn't mind not being picked for duck, duck, goose! so I didn't have to chase the other kid around the circle. This didn't leave many options when looking for a way to maintain my weight and relieve stress as I got older. Until, I discovered:
The benefits of yoga.
Yoga provides a variety of physical benefits (builds strength, flexibility, mobility, etc.), through a variety of modalities and levels. In addition, yoga works on the mind-body connection, reducing stress levels and calming the nervous system. A favorite "go to" saying I use when teaching yoga classes is:
"Yoga is called a 'practice' and not a 'perfect' because each day will bring something different and that's okay."
Accepting who we are and taking each day as it comes is the true essence of being in the present moment.
Yoga therapy is used to address physical and emotional concerns that are impacting your ability to live life to the fullest. By teaching yoga poses, stretches, and mindfulness and relaxation techniques, yoga therapy can be used to alleviate both physical and mental health concerns such as:
Sciatica
Lower back pain
Muscle tightness
Headaches
Anxiety
Depression
And many more
Many times, both physical and emotional issues are treated in yoga therapy sessions due to the interconnectedness of mind and body. Rather than treating individual symptoms, long-term relief is achieved by healing the person as a whole.
Okay, that all sounds good, but what can you expect during a yoga therapy session? Allow me to elaborate:
After an initial intake session assessing your concerns and goals for therapy, your therapist will come up with a treatment plan. Together, you will discuss goals and a timeline for treatment. This is all tailored to meet your individual needs and comfort levels.
An hour session may include, but is not limited to:
Yoga poses to strengthen and stretch the area of concern
Guided mindfulness activities to improve sleep or relieve anxiety
Nutrition advice to improve energy levels
Art-related activities to promote stress relief
Furthermore, your healing progress will be assessed at each session to determine overall effectiveness and to make any changes needed to your plan. Recommendations may be given to further improve your condition such as massage therapy, additional readings, and/or fitness opportunities.
In the end, the goal is to experience relief and happiness in order to enjoy each and every day.
I decided to bridge my love of yoga with my mental health career after experiencing a variety of personal health concerns. My hope is to help others build their own mental and physical resilience in order to experience life as it is meant to be: a practice in well-being.
Namaste,
Liza
P.S. Here are some additional readings about yoga therapy that you might want to check out:
Good Therapy- Yoga Therapy
Why Western Doctors Are Now Prescribing Yoga Therapy- Yoga Journal
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Liza, you can reach her via email: lhahn@abegglencounseling.com
or call our intake line: 608-709-6972
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[This article does not create a client-counselor relationship. This article is general counseling information and is not to be considered legal or medical advice. Please consult with your mental health professional before you rely on this information.]