Yoga Therapy

What is Yoga Therapy?

Yoga Therapy is a unique embodied therapy which considers the ‘whole’ person. Our mental and physical health is a combination of body, mind and breathing working in harmony together and through all life experiences, our physical body will respond to what is happening from moment to moment, whether the experience is one of joy & happiness or anxiety & fear. Working alongside the therapist and counsellors at Hertford Counselling, Yoga therapy offers individuals practical and physical tools to move through, and past difficulties you are experiencing. 

When challenge in body and mind is present, whether through stress, PTSD or trauma, the connective tissue in our  body, as well as the nervous system, breathing and heart rate often stay in hyper vigilance, resulting in feelings of dis-ease, discomfort, stress. Well documented research and literature by Stephen Porges (polyvagal theory) and Bessie Van De Kolk (The Body Keeps The Score) explains, that we hold our life experiences in our body, and using specific yoga techniques, yoga therapy encourages and empowers individuals to be an active participant in improving their own mental and physical health. During a session we might explore a combination of breathing practices, mindfulness, focus techniques, physical stretches to release tension, meditation, lifestyle reflection, journaling, voice work and relaxation practices.

What should I expect from the first session?

Sessions will be held in the specially designed Yoga Therapy suite at Hertford Counselling.

In the first session, your yoga therapist will take time to find out more about what you're experiencing / holding  in your body, mind, emotions as well as looking at how you’re breathing and holding your body. We then move into yoga practices to help ease any difficulties which may be with you. At the end of each session, you will be offered hand drawn practices to do at home (only if this is something you're keen on).  

Sessions are 55 minutes in length, at the same time each week.

There are no fixed number of sessions. However, it is suggested a minimum of 6 sessions is requirement for individuals to begin to understand the nature of how Yoga Therapy can be of great benefit.