Yoga Therapy

​I am pleased to say I am now offering Yoga Therapy services.  I completed the British Council for Yoga Therapy approved training with Yoga United and was awarded certification in May 2022.
​Having been teaching yoga since 2007 and observing the potential transformative and supportive results of yoga on so many people, it felt like a natural progression to upskill, enabling me to be of service to those seeking wellbeing improvement via the therapeutic benefits of yoga.
​The two and a half year training journey allowed me to experience and learn so much about Yoga Therapy via rich teachings from so many teachers across the UK, Europe and USA.
​Yoga therapy holistically combines breath work, meditation, movement, relaxation, restorative postures work and visualisation.

Collaboratively, you and I work to understand bodily held messages to create a personalised yoga therapy path, specific to your needs and health challenges. 
​I have been astonished and humbled at some of the results and transformations observed to date.

​What is Yoga Therapy?

Yoga Therapy is a collaboration between therapist and client/health seeker (you and me) in which yoga is used to create freedom from the discomforts of the body and/or mind. Together, using clues provided by the body, we uncover a path towards wellbeing for you, the unique individual.
​Yoga Therapy can be delivered on a 1:1 basis or in group sessions.  1:1 sessions are specific to the individual.  Group sessions are usually set up for a group of people with a similar issue to all in that group.

What Yoga Therapy is NOT.

I think it is IMPORTANT to tell you what Yoga Therapy is NOT.
​
  • Yoga Therapy is not a yoga class or a yoga 1:1 session.
  • It‘s not a talking therapy.
  • It is not a medical appointment nor is there a requirement to divulge personal details. Yoga Therapy does not replace advice and treatment from your healthcare professionals.

​What happens in a Yoga Therapy Session?

​Every session is potentially different. In our first 1:1 session, we get to know each other using an “intake form” as a starting point.
Yoga offers us many tools with which to work on our journey to find the best version of ourselves and the body which we occupy.

​Every person is unique. We start where we are. We find the right approach for you. We work with your body and your breath in a way that works for you. I aim to help you achieve a less busy mind that can sense/feel into your body, allowing it to show us what it needs.

​Should I bring anything with me?

​The most important thing to bring is an open mind!

I can usually supply all items needed in our 1:1 sessions. However please bring along your own mat, blanket, blocks and strap if you prefer to use your own. Please bring a drink in a bottle with you. 

For group sessions, it is best to bring your own mat with you. If you do not have a mat and would like to purchase one from me, I can organise that.

Please wear non-restrictive clothing in which you can move as comfortably and easily as possible. It is best not to eat just before a yoga or yoga therapy session. Try to eat at least 90 mins before your appointment. 

​I have never done yoga before. Can I still benefit from Yoga Therapy?

​Yes. You don’t need to have been practicing yoga to benefit from yoga therapy. It is helpful to have done some yoga or other body work but not essential.

Yoga, over time, helps us to become more aware of our body and the more subtle clues it offers up. When we learn to deeply listen inwards, we can use the messages heard/felt to understand and work toward those “aha moments”.

​Is Yoga Therapy done face to face or online?

I am able to deliver Yoga Therapy in either environment. 
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I have been very surprised at how effective online work is but think about what suits you best.

​Why would somebody try Yoga Therapy?

​People attend with issues from which they seek relief or help in understanding. Some attend because no or limited relief has been achieved through medical treatment. 
​I do not diagnose, treat or interpret but simply support / invite you, using yoga, through self-enquiry and self-exploration. Together, we aim to reach ease and comfort of your body and mind and the best version of you by tuning in with compassion to the information held in your wise body and mind.

How long is a Yoga Therapy session?

​A first session is usually longer than subsequent sessions.

​Allow 90 minutes for a first session and 60 minutes for subsequent ones.

​Do you have examples of issues with which you have worked?

​I have worked with clients for whom some yoga postures bring up “stuff”, challenges or difficulty and others with a variety of complaints and enquiries including:
  • Yoga students who find particular postures create problems for them.
  • Back pain.
  • Bereavement.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Parkinsons Disease. Post Knee-Replacement recovery. Hip pain. Headaches. Shoulder pain. Work-related stress. Breathing problems. Dysfunctional breathing. Motivation. Anxiety. Depression. Bowel problems. Bladder control problems.
  • Unresolved physical aches, pains and discomforts.
  • Those who are simply interested to explore how Yoga Therapy may benefit them.

A recent testimonial

​Mary (not her real name) said “It was amazing and Carolyn was very professional, empathetic, sensitive and really good at talking me through the difficult bits and encouraging me to stay with her, despite my wanting to move and release the pain. The connection between emotional trauma and (physical) pain was an overriding revelation.”
​Mary presented for a yoga therapy session with back pain. This pain was preventing her doing the things she wanted, due to fear that the pain might worsen or that there was an undiagnosed, serious condition.
​Through mindful attention to the body and the sensations and signals it presented, I was able to support Mary through processes in which she could stay with the discomfort as it moved, changed and eventually revealed to her the links with a past trauma. Once acknowledged and released, the pain resolved.
​Although Mary’s back pain resolved, it makes an appearance every now and then but she now knows the links and is less fearful. She understands this is her body communicating something to her. She contacts me for a top up session once in a while but Mary is now confidently able to be more active which has transformed her lifestyle and health indicators. She has lost weight, exercises more and is enjoying life far more.

​Can I talk to you to help gauge if we might be a good fit?

​Absolutely – let’s set up a no obligation “Discovery Call” appointment. Contact me and we can get this set up asap. 
Email: freedomyogaandrelaxation@gmail.com 

​Telephone:   07789 893467.

Or message me via my Facebook Page “Freedom Yoga and Relaxation with Carolyn”.