1) What should I wear for a Yoga Therapy Session?
Yoga Therapy sessions typically involve some amount of movement, and you are encouraged to wear clothes that you can comfortably move in. Many people wear their street clothes, which usually works fine in our sessions. If you are comfortable in the clothes you are wearing you do not need to bring a change of clothes. Clothing to be avoided are baggy shorts and skirts.
2) I have an injury, is it safe to do yoga therapy?
Many people come to yoga therapy because they have an injury. I enjoy working with people recovering and healing from injuries, and yoga therapy can help! If you are currently working with a doctor, physical therapist, massage therapist or other practitioner I also enjoy collaborating with your team to see how I can support and continue your healing.
4) How much input do I have in a session?
Yoga therapy is truly a path of partnership. I do not believe I have the answers; I believe you have the answers! I see my job as a guide to helping you discover those answers within yourself. I tend to ask a lot of questions to see what tools may be the most helpful for you. One person struggling with depression may need the exact opposite tool than another person struggling with depression. I do not take a prescriptive approach, but an individualized approach that honors your strengths and your path towards healing. We do this together!
5) Does yoga therapy involve physical touch by the practitioner?
Yoga therapy can involve physical touch, and touch is something you and I discuss both before and while it is happening. Touch can calm the nervous system, help bring awareness and attention to a body part, relieve tension and feel supportive. Whenever touch is involved I will tell you what I am going to do (i.e. I am going to press on your feet now), and then I will ask if the touch feels ok (i.e. is this enough pressure or would you like more or less?). Touch is not involved in every session nor with every person, and I incorporate touch only if we think it would be an appropriate and helpful tool for you. Some people prefer not to be touched at all, and in those cases I do not incorporate touch. Some people find touch as a tool for calming, grounding and becoming more aware and present.
6) Do you take insurance?
If you are based in Washington State you may be able to be reimbursed for our session as I am an out of network provider for most insurance companies. I do not bill insurance directly. I can code as a Mental Health provider, and provide you receipts once/month with a diagnosis, if applicable. You will be reimbursed by your insurance company. Please check with your insurance company directly to find out more information about out of network providers and how much you will be reimbursed. If you do not live in Washington State you can not use your insurance for our sessions and we can not contract as doing mental health work. If we determine it is necessary for you to work with a mental health provider beyond the scope of yoga therapy you will have to find a provider that is licensed in your state or country.