FAQs
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
While taking a yoga class is a wonderful way to be introduced to the practice of yoga, group settings often do not provide the opportunity for a teacher to address your individual practice and health needs in great depth. In addition, if you have an injury or a physical challenge, yoga classes are also not always accessible and are not easily customized to support your personal needs. Private sessions allow for us to work together in a safe and supportive environment to more deeply explore your health needs and life habits, whether it be gaining mobility from a physical injury, finding emotional or physical healing from a traumatic life event, or developing a more skillful relationship with addictive tendencies. What is included in a yoga therapy session? At the start of each session, we will check in to review your concerns and goals. Most sessions will also include a combination of the following: • discussion • asana (poses) • restorative yoga • pranayama (breathing techniques) • mindfulness practice • physical rehabilitation techniques • a written summary of the session and at-home practices Many of my students begin to feel a shift after their first session. Between each session, I will offer you practice encouragements to explore on your own. These practices will deepen the work we do together in session. Depending on what is being addressed, I recommend a commitment of at least 6 sessions to provide time for the practices to be integrated and cultivate lasting change.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In 2002, I began my yoga studies with Denise Benitez of Seattle Yoga Arts and went on to train under Sarahjoy Marsh in Portland, OR, completing my 200-hr teacher training in 2012 and 300-hr Yoga Therapy training in 2015. From 2012 - 2015, I worked closely with Sarahjoy, assisting with curriculum development and instructing teacher trainings. During this time, I frequently volunteered through the DAYA Foundation, offering yoga classes in high schools for students with learning differences and teaching a 200-hr teacher training program at a medium security men's prison. I became a certified yoga therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapy in 2016. During my last year in Portland, I had the honor of deepening my awareness practice with Caverly Morgan and volunteering with Peace in Schools, an incredible nonprofit that offers for credit mindfulness classes in Portland high schools. Over the years, I have also had the opportunity to study with Saraswathi Vasudevan of Yogavahini in India, Max Strom, Mark Singleton, Chris Coniaris, Catherine Ingram, and Dr. Shankaranaryana Jois. My personal practice and teaching is also influenced by Tara Brach, Pema Chodron, Michael Stone, Doug Keller, Dr. Gabor Maté, Jon Kabat-Zinn and Dr. Dan Siegal. Currently, I am pursuing a masters degree in Counseling Psychology at Bastyr University in Seattle.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
As a yoga therapist and teacher, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of students, including adults in custody in a medium security men’s prison, military personnel, at-risk youth, individuals living with chronic and life-limiting illness, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, and many others. In my work with private clients, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating depression, anxiety, grief and loss, eating disorders, addiction, life transitions and adjustment, chronic pain and life-limiting illness, and those acting as caregivers. I see clients in the greater Seattle area and offer my services to all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.