Yoga Therapy is a complementary approach to healthcare that bridges the gap between Eastern and Western medicines.  It uses the tools of yoga and Ayurveda and applies them therapeutically to the individual.  Such tools include therapeutic movement, breath work, guided relaxation, guided meditation and lifestyle instruction. Yoga Therapy is an individualized practice and is created and practiced one-on-one with a certified yoga therapist.

How is Yoga Therapy different from group Yoga classes?

Yoga Therapy is individualized and prescriptive in nature, tailored to an individual’s health concerns and needs.  In the West, yoga classes are generally an exercise modality.  Additionally, a certified yoga therapist must have specific training beyond yoga teacher training.  Accredited yoga therapy schools require supervised internships with clients as well as study with nurses, physical therapists, and psychotherapists, among others.  New standards additionally require that a yoga teacher has taught at least 100 hours prior to entering a yoga therapy program.  It is a good idea to ask a yoga therapist how many hours they have taught yoga.

Your first yoga therapy session will include a thorough and detailed Intake Questionnaire.  From this, a therapeutic approach is formulated for you.  Rachelle will create a customized session and practice it with you.  It may include any of the tools of yoga mentioned above: movement, breath work, guided meditation and/or guided relaxation.  It is recommended that a minimum of five one-on-one sessions be completed for the successful implementation of these new tools.  In addition to one-on-one sessions with Rachelle, best results are seen when a home practice is practiced regularly.   Rachelle will create these brief at-home sessions for you as well.