Yoga Therapy
Yoga therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the teachings and practices of Yoga.
It is an approach to health and healing based on the interconnectedness of mind, body, energy and spirit. It recognises that each of these layers is affected by what happens to us in our lives and each has a role to play in supporting us to move towards healing and wholeness. It combines the ancient wisdom traditions and practices of yoga with modern understandings from neuroscience, physiology and psychotherapy to provide a supportive and compassionate environment for transformation.
Yoga Therapy sessions are highly individualised and are based on the goals of each person. Goals are identified in the first session and will be reviewed and updated as the sessions progress. Practices to support these goals may include physical movement and yoga postures, breath techniques, meditation and mindfulness and yoga philosophy. These are underpinned by the core therapeutic qualities of empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard.
What can Yoga Therapy support?
Yoga Therapy can support people experiencing a wide range of physical and mental health challenges and is particularly effective for health challenges that are exacerbated by stress. Sam specialises in working with people experiencing life transitions and those interested in exploring how deepening our connection with our own inherent wisdom can reduce experiences of suffering in the mind and body.
She can also support people who are experiencing:
- Anxiety, depression, OCD and panic disorder
- Stress, burnout, chronic pain and chronic fatigue
- Mood difficulties and low confidence or low self-esteem
- Autoimmune conditions and digestive challenges
- Bereavement, grief and loss
- Unhelpful patterns, thoughts and behaviours
- Feelings of overwhelm, excessive rumination and worry
The Yoga Therapy Process
- 1) Free Discovery Call
If you think Yoga Therapy may be a good fit for you, the first step is to book a free Discovery Call with Sam. This is an opportunity for you to share the current challenges you are experiencing and potential goals you would like Yoga Therapy to support. It is also a chance for you to ask any questions you have and to meet Sam and see if you would like to work together.
- 2) Intake Form and Yoga Therapy Contract
If you would like to go ahead, you will then be invited to complete an Intake Form, which contains more information about your health, habits and goals. This form is used to ensure that all practices integrated into your Yoga Therapy sessions are safe and appropriate based on your personal situation. You will also receive a Yoga Therapy Contract which includes information about practicalities of the sessions, data protection, confidentiality, payments and cancellation and therapeutic best practice.
- 3) Initial Session
Once you have completed your Intake Form and signed your Contract, you can book your Initial Session. This can be either in person in Harrogate/Knaresborough or online via zoom. This first session will focus on establishing your goals and assessing where you are now in your mind, body, energy and your deeper connection to your self. This session will then form the basis of your personalised treatment plan.
- 4) Ongoing Sessions
You will then be invited to book sessions on a regular basis. Weekly is recommended, but some people may choose fortnightly or monthly depending on personal circumstances. You may choose to specify a fixed number of sessions at the outset, or can keep this open with regular reviews of your goals and progress (reviewed at least every 6 sessions). Each session will include a combination of practices (movement, breath, meditation) and you will be invited to practice these between sessions to get maximum benefit.
- 5) Ending Yoga Therapy
Yoga Therapy may end at a pre-agreed date or it may end when you feel like you have achieved the goals you set out to achieve. Your final session will be an opportunity to review your journey and all the practices and skills you have learned and plan how you will continue to integrate these into your life. Yoga Therapy sessions will take place over a relatively short time, but the things you learn will last a lifetime.
Prices and Booking
Yoga Therapy Sessions are 75 minutes each and can take place in person in Harrogate, Knaresborough or online.
Sam offers Yoga Therapy on the following days/times:
- Tuesday – morning or afternoon
- Thursday – morning, afternoon or evening
- Friday – morning
Most clients will choose a regular weekly/fortnightly slot for sessions, but flexibility will be offered where possible.
Sessions are £60 online and £75 in person.