Yoga in the Therapy Room: Tips for integrating trauma informed yoga

In this episode, we introduce a unique approach to therapy involving therapeutic boxing. Joined by licensed therapist and boxer Aaron Post, this episode explores how boxing can serve as a powerful tool for releasing tension, building confidence, and fostering body awareness. Aaron shares his journey into boxing and how he integrates it into therapeutic practices, especially for clients with trauma, ADHD, and autism. The discussion highlights the parallels between boxing and yoga, emphasizing movement, mindful breathing, and body awareness. Practical approaches to incorporating boxing into therapy sessions, client safety, and the benefits to mental health are also covered. The Therapeutic Benefits of Boxing Boxing Techniques and Training Mindfulness and Boxing MEET Aaron Post Aaron is an LCMHC in private practice and a boxer. He trains clients in boxing as a form of psychotherapy. How to build confidence and competence bringing yoga into the therapy room The Top 10 FAQs on Integrating Yoga into Therapy Connect With Me Download the Free guide: How to build confidence and competence bringing yoga into the therapy room The Yoga in Therapy Collective —where therapists learn, grow, and get support with yoga-informed practices Explore the Yoga Basics for Therapists course—designed to help you confidently and ethically integrate yoga into therapy Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Join the Free Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room Facebook group Leave a review and subscribe to this podcast Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

In this episode, we go into how energy medicine can complement traditional talk therapy. Mary Grigsby, a seasoned therapist trained in both traditional and alternative healing modalities, discusses her approach to integrating energy medicine into psychotherapy. The conversation covers practical energy medicine techniques, the role of the body's energy systems in emotional regulation, and ethical considerations. Mary also demonstrates several simple energy medicine practices that listeners can try immediately. Ethical considerations and training Energy medicine techniques for trauma and substance abuse Practical energy medicine exercises Comparing energy medicine and Reiki MEET Mary Grigsby Mary is a seasoned therapist with training in both traditional and alternative healing modalities. She brings a deep respect for the body's innate wisdom and its ability to guide the healing process. Her approach is holistic, integrating knowledge from functional and integrative medicine with practices such as mindfulness, EMDR, and Brainspotting. Mary's training in Donna Eden's Energy Medicine (EEM) has expanded her ability to support clients who may not respond to conventional talk therapy. She has successfully used EEM in a wide range of contexts—including cancer treatment support, infertility, organ transplant recovery, digestive issues, and chronic pain. It has proven especially effective for individuals who are either reluctant to discuss their challenges or who are too anxious or dysregulated to benefit from traditional therapeutic approaches. Providing adjunct energy work is one of Mary's greatest passions. In this role, she focuses on addressing trauma and areas where clients feel stuck, while their primary therapist continues to support other aspects of their healing journey. Find out more at Counseling in Durham, NC Eden Method How to build confidence and competence bringing yoga into the therapy room Connect With Me Download the Free guide: How to build confidence and competence bringing yoga into the therapy room The Yoga in Therapy Collective —where therapists learn, grow, and get support with yoga-informed practices Explore the Yoga Basics for Therapists course—designed to help you confidently and ethically integrate yoga into therapy Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Join the Free Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room Facebook group Leave a review and subscribe to this podcast Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

In this episode, we discuss the benefits of the Alexander technique (AT). We discuss how subtle shifts in posture and awareness can impact breathing, and explore the concept of air hunger, its effects on the nervous system, and why some breath practices might be unsafe for certain clients. Simon shares his personal journey with breathing issues, the transformative power of the Alexander technique, and practical strategies for therapists to integrate breath and somatic awareness into their sessions. They also go into the importance of gentle approaches and mindfulness in breathwork, especially for clients with a history of trauma. Simon Spire's journey with the Alexander Technique (AT) Understanding air hunger and its impact The Alexander Technique in therapy Practical applications and practices MEET Simon Spire Simon Spire is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Contemplative Teacher, and Founder of Liberating the Natural Breath, a program that helps people with dysfunctional breathing and Air Hunger restore their easeful, Natural Breathing. Find out more at Liberating the Natural Breath, Soulcentric Psychotherapy and connect with Simon at Simon Spire How to build confidence and competence bringing yoga into the therapy room Connect With Me Download the Free guide: How to build confidence and competence bringing yoga into the therapy room The Yoga in Therapy Collective —where therapists learn, grow, and get support with yoga-informed practices Explore the Yoga Basics for Therapists course—designed to help you confidently and ethically integrate yoga into therapy Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Join the Free Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room Facebook group Leave a review and subscribe to this podcast Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

In this episode, we discuss the significance of Trauma-Aware Yoga Therapy for women healing from trauma. We explore how traditional therapy can be complemented by reconnecting with the body, breath, and nervous system. Keri shares her journey into yoga therapy, her holistic approach integrating body, mind, spirit, and life, and her extensive experience supporting women through somatic practices. We also discuss the importance of personalized yoga therapy, being trauma-informed, and partnering with mental health professionals. Keri offers a soothing somatic yoga practice for listeners, highlighting the deep healing potential of this integrative approach. Integrating yoga and mental health Understanding yoga therapy training Specializing in women's growth and healing Creating a safe space for clients Trauma-informed practices in yoga therapy MEET Keri Marino Keri Marino is a Certified Somatic Yoga Therapist on a mission to help you feel more whole, confident and love yourself more. ​Over the past 16 years, she's worked thousands and thousands of people across the US and guided them through yogic life transformation. Keri is the person you hire when you're ready to go deep and want an off the beaten path approach. While working with Keri, you'll feel embraced in warmth, calmness and a powerful soulful approach that will help you find clarity in your life, heal through your body and soak in the love of her unequivocal mama energy. Find out more at Keri Marino and connect with Keri on Instagram and YouTube Connect With Me Download the Free guide: How to build confidence and competence bringing yoga into the therapy room The Yoga in Therapy Collective —where therapists learn, grow, and get support with yoga-informed practices Explore the Yoga Basics for Therapists course—designed to help you confidently and ethically integrate yoga into therapy Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Join the Free Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room Facebook group Leave a review and subscribe to this podcast Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

In this episode, we discuss the practicalities and challenges of incorporating yoga into clinical therapy sessions. I share personal insights and lessons learned, focusing on ethical gray zones, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of intentional practice. We address common fears and misconceptions, offer practical advice on documentation and informed consent, and emphasize the transformative impact of yoga on both therapists and clients. How to build confidence and competence bringing yoga into the therapy room Connect With Me Download the Free guide: How to build confidence and competence bringing yoga into the therapy room The Yoga in Therapy Collective —where therapists learn, grow, and get support with yoga-informed practices Explore the Yoga Basics for Therapists course—designed to help you confidently and ethically integrate yoga into therapy Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Join the Free Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room Facebook group Leave a review and subscribe to this podcast Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

In this encore episode, we explore the mental health benefits of yoga with guest Addie deHilster. Addie, a mindfulness meditation teacher and certified yoga therapist, discusses her work integrating movement modalities like Yin yoga to enhance mindfulness and meditation practices. We discuss how Yin yoga, described as embodied meditation, provides mental health benefits, including stress resilience and improved nervous system regulation. Understanding Yin Yoga Mental health benefits of Yin Yoga MEET Addie DeHilster Addie deHilster is a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and C-IAYT Yoga Therapist. Her passion is teaching movement practices that "unlock" mindfulness skills, and helping students gain traction in their meditation practice so they can be more present in their lives. Yin Yoga is one of the main modalities she practices and teaches, as it is an excellent doorway into embodied meditative stillness. Now based in Vancouver, Washington (USA), she previously owned and operated a community yoga studio in Los Angeles, California, for over five years. A dedicated practitioner of Buddhist Insight Meditation, she has accumulated over four months of silent retreat practice over the years. She is a graduate of the Mindfulness Mentor Training with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, the InsightLA Mindfulness Facilitator Training, and the 2014-15 Mindfulness Yoga & Meditation Training Program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, which is a program dedicated to weaving together the wisdom traditions of Hatha Yoga and Buddhist meditation. She has studied Yin Yoga with Bernie Clark, Paul Grilley, and Sarah Powers. Addie is the founder of the Moved to Meditate Class Library, the host of the Moved To Meditate Podcast, and she offers online Yin Yoga Teacher Trainings with a mindful, therapeutic emphasis. Find out more at Move To Meditate The Top 10 FAQs on Integrating Yoga into Therapy Connect With Me Download the Free guide: How to build confidence and competence bringing yoga into the therapy room The Yoga in Therapy Collective —where therapists learn, grow, and get support with yoga-informed practices Explore the Yoga Basics for Therapists course—designed to help you confidently and ethically integrate yoga into therapy Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Join the Free Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room Facebook group Leave a review and subscribe to this podcast Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

In this episode, we explore the symbiotic relationship between body-based healing and spiritual connection through the lens of heart-centered practices. Jess Garet shares her journey into somatic therapy, sparked by personal experiences with grief and body awareness. She discusses how somatic practices can guide both clients and therapists in emotional release, deep presence, and authentic transformation. Listeners are invited to participate in hands-on heart-centered practices designed to foster a deeper connection with their inner selves. MEET Jess Garet Jessica Garet is a somatic psychotherapist, heart doula, and founder of AiRE Healing. With over two decades of experience supporting transformation through body-centered therapy, energy healing, and intuitive listening, Jess helps people come home to the intelligence of their own bodies. Her work bridges the spiritual and the cellular, guiding others through grief, awakening, and the mystery of being human. Through her unique lens, she invites us into sacred conversation with ourselves, each other, and the living world. Find out more at AiRE Healing with Jess Garet and connect with Jess on Instagram The power of somatic experiencing Discovering the Heart Doula Addressing clients' stories The power of orienting Heart-centered somatic practices Connect With Me Download the Free guide: How to build confidence and competence bringing yoga into the therapy room The Yoga in Therapy Collective —where therapists learn, grow, and get support with yoga-informed practices Explore the Yoga Basics for Therapists course—designed to help you confidently and ethically integrate yoga into therapy Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Join the Free Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room Facebook group Leave a review and subscribe to this podcast Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS In this episode, we discuss practical ways to integrate yoga and somatic practices into trauma-informed therapy sessions. Jaclyn shares her journey into yoga, how she incorporates it into her clinical work, and offers a grounding practice for listeners. We discuss topics such as keeping yoga trauma-informed, utilizing mindful movement, breathwork, and body awareness to support clients' healing, and provide practical tips for therapists looking to integrate these practices. We look at the importance of body-based therapies in achieving deep healing that talk therapy alone may not achieve. MEET Jaclyn Sappah Jaclyn Sappah, LCSW, C-IAYT, is a trauma therapist, certified yoga therapist, and founder of Wildflower Therapy Group—a North Carolina-based virtual group practice specializing in holistic trauma therapy for women and teen girls. Through a holistic, mind-body-spirit approach, Jaclyn helps clients release trauma, process stuck emotions, and regulate their nervous systems. Her work blends traditional psychotherapy with integrative healing practices, including EMDR, somatic therapy, yoga therapy, mindfulness, and Reiki energy work. Jaclyn believes true healing happens when we address not just the mind, but the body and spirit, too. She's passionate about helping women reconnect with themselves and create space for more peace, ease, and self-trust. She is licensed in North Carolina, New York, and California, and offers virtual therapy to clients in all three states. Find out more at Wildflower Therapy Group and connect with Jaclyn on Instagram FREE 5 Simple Strategies To Calm Your Mind In Minutes Incorporating yoga into clinical sessions Defining and utilizing Somatic Therapy Practical somatic tools and techniques Making yoga fun and accessible Introducing movement practices in therapy Restorative practices and trauma-informed yoga Overcoming initial fears and starting small Guided yoga practice for listeners Connect With Me Download the Free guide: How to build confidence and competence bringing yoga into the therapy room The Yoga in Therapy Collective —where therapists learn, grow, and get support with yoga-informed practices Explore the Yoga Basics for Therapists course—designed to help you confidently and ethically integrate yoga into therapy Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Join the Free Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room Facebook group Leave a review and subscribe to this podcast Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS In this coaching episode, we explore creative ways to support neurodiverse clients, particularly those with ADHD, in staying present and engaged during yoga practices. Joined by Kimberly Hagar, we go over mindful cues, pacing, and specific yoga practices beneficial for this demographic. The episode covers strategies to integrate yoga effectively and ethically into therapy sessions, emphasizing the importance of crystal-clear instructions, movement variety, and client-centered approaches. This episode also features a practical Qigong exercise designed to enhance focus. MEET Kimberleigh Hagar Kimberleigh Hagar, LCSW ​a mental health therapist​, yoga teacher, and Reiki Master. She provides individual holistic therapy online, specializing in women experiencing overthinking, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and struggling with self-compassion. In therapy, she incorporates​ holistic practices including: yoga, EFT Tapping (acupressure), tarot/oracle cards as a self-reflective tool, ​mindfulness, and ​R​eiki-assisted therapy. Find out more at Mindfully Balanced Therapy and connect with Kimberleigh on Instagram Coaching Session: Strategies for Neurodiverse Clients Qigong Practice for Focus Connect With Me Download the Free guide: How to build confidence and competence bringing yoga into the therapy room The Yoga in Therapy Collective —where therapists learn, grow, and get support with yoga-informed practices Explore the Yoga Basics for Therapists course—designed to help you confidently and ethically integrate yoga into therapy Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Join the Free Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room Facebook group Leave a review and subscribe to this podcast Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS In this episode, we discuss the significant role of touch in psychotherapy and yoga with somatic therapist Sarah Levant. We explore how safe, intentional touch can support the healing process for clients with developmental trauma, aid in nervous system regulation, and offer transformative therapeutic benefits. We go over practical and ethical considerations, informed consent, and various training programs that integrate touch and somatic practices. Sarah shares her journey into somatic therapy, the impact of early attachment on the body, and her methods for integrating touch into therapy sessions to help clients achieve lasting healing. MEET Sarah Levant Sarah Levant believes that change is possible. Sarah brings years of experience and a deep passion for helping people heal from trauma—whether it's the single event of a car accident, or recurring events like chronic inflammation, the pain of childhood experiences, toxic workplaces, racial trauma, or the weight of chronic stress. With advanced training in both complex and single-event trauma, Sarah also assists in national and international trainings on trauma and somatic healing. Sarah is also writing a somatic workbook/coloring book to ease overwhelm, anxiety, and trauma. Sarah helps ease symptoms like anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, disordered eating, substance use, rage, and dissociation by fostering regulation in the body. Connect with Sarah at somatichealingconsults@gmail.com The power of touch in therapy Training and techniques for therapeutic touch Practical applications and client experiences Impact of early attachment on touch and healing Impact of ACEs on health The role of touch in healing Internal Family Systems and touch Ethics and informed consent in touch therapy Legalities and case documentation Connect With Me Download the Free guide: How to build confidence and competence bringing yoga into the therapy room The Yoga in Therapy Collective —where therapists learn, grow, and get support with yoga-informed practices Explore the Yoga Basics for Therapists course—designed to help you confidently and ethically integrate yoga into therapy Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Join the Free Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room Facebook group Leave a review and subscribe to this podcast Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS In this episode, we discuss how to help clients who overthink by bringing them back into their bodies through yoga and holistic practices. Kimberleigh shares her yoga journey, her weekly routines, and how she integrates yoga, Reiki, and other holistic tools into her therapy sessions. Listeners are guided through practical exercises to help reconnect the mind and body, and Kimberleigh offers insights into the benefits of combining these practices for overall mental well-being. MEET Kimberleigh Hagar Kimberleigh Hagar, LCSW ​, is a mental health therapist​, yoga teacher, and Reiki Master. She provides individual holistic therapy online, specializing in women experiencing overthinking, perfectionism, imposter syndrome and struggling with self-compassion. In therapy, she incorporates​ holistic practices including: yoga, EFT Tapping (acupressure), tarot/oracle cards as a self-reflective tool, ​mindfulness, and ​R​eiki-assisted therapy. Find out more at Mindfully Balanced Therapy and connect with Kimberleigh on Instagram Understanding overthinking and its challenges The connection between overthinking and anxiety Reconnecting with the body through yoga Practical yoga techniques for therapists Guided grounding exercise Connect With Me Download the Free guide: How to build confidence and competence bringing yoga into the therapy room The Yoga in Therapy Collective —where therapists learn, grow, and get support with yoga-informed practices Explore the Yoga Basics for Therapists course—designed to help you confidently and ethically integrate yoga into therapy Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Join the Free Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room Facebook group Leave a review and subscribe to this podcast Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS In this episode, we discuss ways to make yoga practices inclusive for diverse bodies, abilities, and experiences. We will explore various adaptations such as chair yoga, trauma-informed approaches, and functional movements to ensure every client feels welcome and empowered. Jivana shares his journey into yoga, the principles of Accessible Yoga, and practical tips for therapists to integrate yoga safely into their sessions. We also go over the importance of language, props, and maintaining a balance between instructional clarity and invitation. Listeners can learn a chair-based sun salutation practice and gain insights into available trainings and resources to further their skills in accessible yoga. MEET Jivana Heyman Jivana Heyman, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an organization dedicated to increasing access to the yoga teachings and supporting yoga teachers. He's the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body; Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage & Compassion; and The Teacher's Guide to Accessible Yoga: Best Practices for Sharing Yoga with Every Body. His books, classes, and trainings support yoga teachers and yoga therapists in finding ways to bring creativity and collaboration into their teaching while still respecting the ancient yoga tradition Find out more at Accessible Yoga School and connect with Jivana on Instagram Understanding accessible yoga The spectrum of yoga poses Using props for accessible yoga Exploring resistance in yoga Demonstrating Cobra Pose with a bolster Inclusive language and queuing in yoga Chair Yoga Sun Salutation Connect With Me Download the Free guide: How to build confidence and competence bringing yoga into the therapy room The Yoga in Therapy Collective —where therapists learn, grow, and get support with yoga-informed practices Explore the Yoga Basics for Therapists course—designed to help you confidently and ethically integrate yoga into therapy Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Join the Free Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room Facebook group Leave a review and subscribe to this podcast Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)