Yoga therapy is a self-empowering process where you, with the guidance of the Yoga therapist, implements a personalized and evolving Yoga practice, that not only addresses the illness in a multi-dimensional manner, but also aims to alleviate his/her suffering in a progressive, non-invasive and complementary manner. Depending upon the nature of the illness, Yoga therapy can not only be preventive or curative, but also serve a means to manage the illness, or facilitate healing in the person at all levels. -TKV Desikachar & Kausthub Desikachar
“The purpose of yoga therapy is to lead us to the Self. Once there, bliss is experienced”
-Mukunda Stiles
What you can expect during a session-
"During your first session for Structual Yoga Therapy we will go over your history, your curiosities, and talk about what you would like to accomplish. If you are looking to make a change in your physical body we will do an assessment, and then go over some poses and movements that will help you accomplish your aim. You will leave knowing what muscles you are working and why- and what you should be feeling during each exercise. You will receive a link to a google doc with your homework, and we will take videos of the poses on your smart phone so you can follow at home. I follow up with you in a few days to see how things are going.
If you are coming in for TRE we will go over as much history as you are comfortable sharing. There is never a need to tell details, or stories if you don't want to. However, if you do, I will be an active listener. I might ask you some questions so I can be sure I understood you completely. Then we work out which are the best preparation exercises for you. You will have about 15- 20 minutes to tremor with my guidance. After that we have some time talk about your experience and how you will continue your practice at home. I follow up with you a few days after to see how things are progressing.
If you are interested in Spiritual Mentoring we will talk about your struggles, your interests, and your accomplishments. Things progress as you are ready. You will get homework!
If you are coming in for AYT we spend a few minutes talking about what your body needs and then you get on the table. I listen as your body tells us how it needs to move to unwind the fascia. Then I help that movement along. Your job is to tell me where you are feeling sensation, if it is good/not good, and how it is changing. Then you go home happy and peaceful.
I look forward to helping you find your essence, whatever method you choose. Yoga therapy is about finding your truth, and that is a sacred journey that I will be incredibly honored to take with you. "
Bonnie Pariser
Contemporary Definitions of Yoga Therapy
(From the International Association of Yoga Therapists website)
Yoga therapy is difficult to define, in part because of the breadth and depth of the tradition itself, and because, like Yoga, the discipline can be approached in so many different ways. Nonetheless, for Yoga therapy to be better understood and accepted, it is necessary to have a reasonable and pragmatic definition understandable to those without experience with Yoga,
yet still acceptable to those steeped in the practice and philosophy.
IAYT Definitions (International Association of Yoga Therapist)
Yoga therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health
and well-being through the application of the philosophy and practice of Yoga.
Yoga therapy is that facet of the ancient science of Yoga that focuses on health and wellness at all levels of the person: physical, psychological, and spiritual. Yoga therapy focuses on the path of Yoga as a healing journey that brings balance to the body
and mind through an experiential understanding of the primary intention of Yoga: awakening of Spirit, our essential nature.
Joseph LePage, M.A., Integrative Yoga Therapy (U.S.A.)
Yoga therapy adapts the practice of Yoga to the needs of people with specific or
persistent health problems not usually addressed in a group class.
Larry Payne, Ph.D. Samata Yoga Center (U.S.A.)
Yoga therapy is the adaptation of yoga practices for people with health challenges. Yoga therapists prescribe specific regimens
of postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to suit individual needs. Medical research
shows that Yoga therapy is among the most effective complementary therapies for several common aliments.
The challenges may be an illness, a temporary condition like pregnancy or childbirth,
or a chronic condition associated with old age or infirmity.
Robin Monro, Ph.D. Yoga Biomedical Trust (England)
(From the International Association of Yoga Therapists website)
Yoga therapy is difficult to define, in part because of the breadth and depth of the tradition itself, and because, like Yoga, the discipline can be approached in so many different ways. Nonetheless, for Yoga therapy to be better understood and accepted, it is necessary to have a reasonable and pragmatic definition understandable to those without experience with Yoga,
yet still acceptable to those steeped in the practice and philosophy.
IAYT Definitions (International Association of Yoga Therapist)
Yoga therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health
and well-being through the application of the philosophy and practice of Yoga.
Yoga therapy is that facet of the ancient science of Yoga that focuses on health and wellness at all levels of the person: physical, psychological, and spiritual. Yoga therapy focuses on the path of Yoga as a healing journey that brings balance to the body
and mind through an experiential understanding of the primary intention of Yoga: awakening of Spirit, our essential nature.
Joseph LePage, M.A., Integrative Yoga Therapy (U.S.A.)
Yoga therapy adapts the practice of Yoga to the needs of people with specific or
persistent health problems not usually addressed in a group class.
Larry Payne, Ph.D. Samata Yoga Center (U.S.A.)
Yoga therapy is the adaptation of yoga practices for people with health challenges. Yoga therapists prescribe specific regimens
of postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to suit individual needs. Medical research
shows that Yoga therapy is among the most effective complementary therapies for several common aliments.
The challenges may be an illness, a temporary condition like pregnancy or childbirth,
or a chronic condition associated with old age or infirmity.
Robin Monro, Ph.D. Yoga Biomedical Trust (England)
Email: [email protected]
Call: 908-268-7430
Frenchtown and Princeton NJ
Call: 908-268-7430
Frenchtown and Princeton NJ
