As a therapist I’m always looking for new, innovative ways to work with my clients. Taking that first step and even calling to make an appointment for your first therapy session can be nerve wrecking. Just the mention of psychology to some brings up visions of laying awkwardly on a couch and watching some stranger scribble notes about you (not so calming huh?).
My forte is traditional therapy but I won’t stare at my note pad (I actually don’t even take notes during our sessions so I can be more engaged) and you can certainly lay on my couch if you want but most people sit.
Outside of work I am a huge fan of yoga. It can calm you down, teach you how to connect with your breathing and get you fit-what’s not to love? I have toyed around with becoming a certified yoga teacher myself but that was certainly pre-kids that don’t sleep agh. Maybe when they are teenagers Ill revisit that area. But one thing I never thought of was bringing the yoga studio into counseling sessions!
While I’m not offering this personally (yet) I sat down with someone who is to find out a little bit more. If you’re the type of person who likes to get physical while getting emotional yoga therapy may be just the thing for you!
What exactly is yoga therapy?
Yoga therapy is the practice of using the tools of yoga (poses, breathwork, meditation, mudras and philosophical teachings) and bringing them to aide in physical and mental ailments like chronic disease, mental illness, physical pain, and stress management. Yoga therapy is the lens in which we bring the body into treatment, allowing for a full brain + body experience. I believe and have researched heavily how the brain and body are connected and thus have only administered mental health care with the integration of working with the body.
Tell us a little about the various classes and workshops you offer, and how it’s different from other classes.
Our class sizes are small and incredibly client-focused. With only 8-10 students per class, we are able to focus on the individual’s needs and limitations. We have classes and workshops that are intended for a particular need: prenatal, postpartum, balance, aging, anxiety, moms, for men, teens, middle schoolers, kids are just some of the programs. Every experience checks in with the students’ mental health while we guide students in learning how yoga can be an accessible tool to help heal.
We know there is a brain-body connection, but what do you say to people who might think doing yoga or meditating is actually a distraction from working through tough issues?
I’d say that there is a lot of intimidation when it comes to yoga and meditation. A lot of people have an idea of what yoga is (sweaty, fitness related) and meditation (chanting while seated) and therefore are more wrapped up in doing it right, looking a certain way or not being good enough at it instead of just trying. In our individual work, yoga, mindfulness and meditation are tools we incorporate to help with the tough issues. Talking is still key. Yet sometimes we have clients who have been to numerous therapists, talked about everything and still feel unresolved. That’s when the focus on the body comes into play. We can access healing through talk, through talk + yoga, or just through yoga. Having options to work through the tough stuff is what makes us a difference maker in this field.
I see that you work with families; when it comes to kids, what ages seem to respond best to this?
Since we approach healing through a scientific perspective of integrating the body, it helps when a child’s emotional brain has been fully developed (which is usually by 2nd grade). We work with kids over the age of 9 in individual settings, and see most success working with middle schoolers and above.
What do you say to people who might be afraid to participate in a group activity?
I’d say that’s totally normal! Groups can be scary to enter into, especially if you’re battling anxiety. But it’s in the group format that someone would get the most benefit because they are able to validate what they experience, learn from others and develop connection. Mental illness is so isolating and groups help normalize what someone may be feeling in a really helpful way.
Are people often overcome with emotion in these classes, and if so, how do you work through it with them while keeping the group exercise going?
Since are groups are never more than 10 people, we make time for processing. In the group experiences we include a good deal of education and talking so everything we do is set up and processed through. Oftentimes when someone goes to a yoga or meditation class there’s an expectation of being so serious. We aren’t that way in our classes. We take a playful approach, keep the floor open for questions, stop and check in with everyone. This allows the experience to feel more safe and welcoming as well.
How can people benefit from this type of session if there isn’t a therapist who specializes in their area?
If you can’t find an integrative therapist, then start doing some of this stuff on your own. Download a meditation app like Insight Timer, Calm or Headspace. Start practicing breathing into your belly and trying to focus your mind for 2, 5, up to 15 minutes a day. Maybe longer! Go on Yoga International.com and look into their specialized classes, many of which can be searchable based on your needs – like anxiety, depression, stress. And be kind and gentle with yourself through the process.
How do you help fight the stigma around therapy?
Talking about it. In creating our practice, we wanted to offer a place that is peaceful and refreshing. When you walk in, you notice the difference. Therapy doesn’t have to be stuffy and on intimidating couches. We created this community space where people can feel comfortable sharing any emotions – no matter big or small – where they can try integrating yoga into their health and where slowing down is celebrated.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to start feeling better but isn’t ready to commit to therapy at this moment in time?
That therapy can take many directions. Not interested in going in for an in-person session? How about a phone call? Maybe try an online session from the comfort of your own home and in pjs. Try a meditation class or a guided meditation online. But more important than any of these suggestions, you must shift your lifestyle. Are you getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night? Are you healthy whole, healthy foods? Are you exercising? Are you taking time for yourself to do the things you love? Your mental health is not in a vacuum, your entire lifestyle must shift to support a healthy emotional state.
Kerry Cragin Biskelonis is a licensed psychotherapist, yoga instructor, trauma informed yoga therapist, and owner of reset brain + body in Plymouth, Michigan. You can read more about her practice here or follow her on Instagram
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