What Makes Yoga Therapy Unique?

©PAtrick Kern

Hello friends,

In my previous newsletter, I shared what yoga therapy is. Today, I want to talk about what makes it different – and why it might feel so unique if you’ve experienced only group yoga classes or other kinds of holistic care.

Yoga is often thought of as “exercise” from the American fitness-centric perspective. You’ve probably heard people say, “I’m not good at yoga – I’m not flexible!” or “I’m not in shape enough to do yoga.” To which I say, let’s talk.

Yes, there are aspects of yoga that can qualify as “exercise” (virtually any of the movements), but exercise isn’t the end goal.

Yoga Sutra 1.2 (an ancient text) defines yoga as “Yoga stills the turning of the mind.” Not a thing about sun salutations and Down Dog! Movement and poses are just one way to get out of a spinning mind and into a grounded, quiet one. Movement is a tool – not the destination.

The goal is identifying – and maintaining – balance, strength, and steadiness in all facets of our life.

I believe yoga therapy is yoga as it was truly intended to be practiced: personal, integrated, adaptable, and deeply supportive. Here’s how it stands apart:

• Personal and specific – designed just for you
  No two people are the same — and no two yoga therapy sessions are either. Everything we do is tailored to your body, your experiences, your rhythm, and your goals. Some sessions may be more movement-based, others focused on breathwork or guided rest. The practice adapts to you — not the other way around.

• Integrated and holistic – the whole toolbox
  Yoga therapy draws from a rich, diverse toolkit: movement, rest, breathwork, intention-setting, mindfulness, affirmations, lifestyle strategies, and more. We explore and choose the tools most supportive for you in this moment and season of life.

• Adaptable and realistic – “yoga snacks”
  I call them “yoga snacks” – short, simple practices you can easily weave into your daily life. You might leave a session with 1–3 small, doable home practices to try out. For example: a breath pattern to ease anxiety, a gentle stretch before bed, or a phone reminder to pause for a mindful moment in the middle of your busy day.

• Supportive and compassionate – a partnership
  Perhaps the most important difference is the relationship we build. Yoga therapy is practiced within a trusted, confidential container where your lived experience is honored. You bring your expertise about your body and life; I bring my training and perspective. Together, we craft something that meets you right where you are.

Yoga therapy isn’t about pushing harder, adding more to your to-do list, or fixing what’s “wrong.” It’s about honing in on those powerful few practices that truly nourish you and shift you in the direction you want to go – and making them a consistent part of your everyday life.

The majority of my yoga therapy clients opt to see me for 4-8 sessions (my minimum session series for new clients is 4). Some choose to continue on an ongoing basis, while others return after implementing their practices over time. The choice is always yours.

In the next newsletter, I’ll look at some of the ways yoga therapy can help us navigate life’s unpredictability and inherent changes with more steadiness and ease.

Does any of this stir up a question or comment for you? I always love hearing from you!

With heart,
Nicole