Yoga
Therapy
On this page there is a general explanation of Yoga Therapy as well as
Kat Allen's particular approach.
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What is Yoga Therapy?
Yoga
Therapy distinguishes itself as a form of one-on-one therapy,
with different goals than many of those found in group yoga
classes, or, importantly, differences in approaches to psychological material. These private sessions are designed for clients who have
either specific concerns for which they are seeking help, or for people interested in expanding their psycho-physical-spiritual range. Each session is geared toward achieving
awareness and concrete change in whatever areas of interest or concern the client presents.
For example, someone may
seek Yoga Therapy for physically related issues: a chronically bad
back, sleep disorders, fatigue or stress-related issues, or a specific
course to help one build strength, flexibility, stamina, and
concentration. On the other hand, many clients seek out experienced
Yoga Therapists for individual instruction in meditation, yoga
philosophy, or spiritual instruction, as they are called to delve more
deeply into the rich tradition of classical yoga. Finally, there is an art to addressing the psycho-emotional-spiritual dynamic of a clients life, and it is in this arena that Kat feels she can be of particular service.
Below, you willl find a list of common ailments or concerns that are often addressed in Yoga Therapy, with a more complete explanation of "Yoga and the Therapeutic Model" further down.
If you would like to speak with Kat directly, you can set up a free 20 minute appointment, by phone or in person, and get all your questions answered.
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Structural pain:
Back
pain: acute or chronic
Joint problems: frozen
or hyper-mobile
Neck and shoulder
tension
Sports
Injury Rehabilitation
Physiological
& Energetic complaints:
Women's Health Issues
Digestive
problems
Immune
Dysfunction
Fatigue,
Insomnia, Headaches
High
Blood Pressure
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The
Mind, Emotions and Spiritual concerns:
Kat's ability to help with the following concerns are grounded in her years of private practice and family practice in body-oriented psychotherapy.
Anxiety
and Depression,
Emotional Unrest or Instability
Chronic Illness
Inability to Manifest Change
Difficulty with Emotional Expression
Grief & Loss, Trauma, Addictions
Spiritual "crisis"
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Yoga and the Therapeutic Model
There are numerous ways of approaching yoga, which when translated from the original Sanskrit means, "to yoke," or unite. Therapy,
as we understand it in the West, has come to refer to the treatment of
certain symptoms that are causing suffering significant enough to keep
one from living a healthy, happy life. Yoga Therapy encompasses
the huge field of psycho-physical-spiritual awareness that makes up a
human being, and places priority on the development and integration of
each individual, according to one's unique constitution and situation
in life. In its purest essence, Yoga is about stability, growth and deepening one’s connection to the source of life and consciousness.
Yoga is made up of scientific principles governing the workings of the body, mind and spirit, and emphasizes the importance of a consistent personal
practice in order to reap its greatest benefits and create real balance
in one's life. It consists of various practice tools, including
physical postures or movement, breathing exercises, toning or chanting,
concentration and meditation, self-study and reflection (often with the
aid of classic texts). As well, restorative
practices that specifically aid the nervous system and energy centers
are often an important component for those who are suffering any kind
of fatigue. When all of these disciplines are
included in a personal practice, this comprehensive, holistic approach
brings health and integration to every aspect of being. Yoga Therapy, as it is practiced in the tradition of T. Krishnamacarya, does not specifically refer to using psycho-therapy during a session; however, it may include work with the emotions because there is an emotional component to any yoga practice, and therefore would generally be advisable to address the psychological issues of one's life in a Yoga Therapy session. In its most basic form, however, Yoga Therapy may simply consist of nothing more than a set of physical postures, done with awareness, which help to ease suffering.
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What to expect from your first Yoga Therapy session with Kat:
1) A seated dialogue during which the client explains their history and the current conditions with which they are concerned.
2) A
practice that includes learning experientially the tools that yoga
employs to address a particular issue, and conscious practice of those
tools.
3) Documentation of each individualized practice, to have for reference and use at home, including stick figure drawings for those interested in yoga postures.
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Beating the Blues!
An Integrative Approach to working with SAD and Depression
Offered twice yearly: check for dates on the Workshop page
This workshop is
not only helpful for anyone living in the NW, but essential for those who
struggles with SAD or clinical depression. Inspired by personal experience, Kat discovered important
tools for fighting depression, including movement and yoga postures, specific breathing
exercises, mantras/affirmations, and visualization to invoke the Light. The Yoga of Sound, through toning, chanting,
singing and listening to uplifting music, is also covered.
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The Evolving Yoga Therapy In-depth Study Course
January-May 2009
The
ancient yoga tradition of yoga master Krishnamacharya contains within
it great, perhaps even complete, understanding about the human condition. The question always arises: how does one create a balanced, meaningful life while dealing with the inevitable
suffering that comes as we evolve through a lifetime? Including
contributions from western psychology, such as Emotionally-focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy
and Gestalt
Therapy, Kat has organized seven sessions that explore the physical,
energetic, mental, emotional, spiritual and relational aspects of our
lives, and how the above therapies can be applied to bring health,
healing and growth to individuals and families.
Outline of Study: Programs are offered on Saturdays from 8:30 am-4:30 pm with a one hour break for lunch.
January 26, February 9,, March 15, April 5, April, 19, May 3
Session One: Integrating yoga and
psychology
Saturday, January 26
The Yoga Therapy
of Krishnamacharya-introduction
The Three
Bodies: physical, energetic, causal
Somatic
inquiry for integrative healing
Session Two: The Physical-Energetic
Saturday, February 9
The
Foundations of Breath & Movement
Structural
Overview
Introduction
to the Energy Body
Session Three: The
Mental-Emotional
Observing
the Mind in yoga and psychology
The Role
of the Emotions
The
Breath in relation to mind & emotions
Session Four: Spirit and
Transcendence
Saturday, March 15
Spirituality
in Yoga and Psychology
The
Divine Principle in Healing
The Art
of Compassion and Forgiveness
Session Five: Psycho-physical
dysfunction
Saturday, April 5
The Five
Sheaths and Five Vayus
Looking
at common complaints from an integrative perspective:
Back
pain, digestive complaints, sleep disorders
Depression
& anxiety
Session Six: Psycho-physical
healing
Saturday, April 19
Relational
medicine for changing times
Body-oriented
Psychotherapy
Emotional
Expression
Session Seven: Psycho-spiritual
healing
Saturday, May 3
Mindfulness
and meditation
Prayer and
ritual, Mantra and mudra
Communal
support
Cost: $85 a session, or $550 for all 7. 20% discount if signed up by January 1st!
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