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

In this episode, we discuss practical strategies for integrating yoga into therapy sessions in a personalized way. We will go over assessing clients' readiness and needs, matching techniques to specific moments, and using attunement to enhance the yoga experience. We also discuss the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship, monitoring clients' responses in real-time, and adapting practices accordingly. The Top 10 FAQs on Integrating Yoga into Therapy Connect With Me The Yoga in Therapy Collective Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room 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. 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 The Top 10 FAQs on Integrating Yoga into Therapy Connect With Me The Yoga in Therapy Collective Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room 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, featuring a discussion with clinical mental health counselor Katelyn Jakobsen, we explore integrating sensory-motor psychotherapy into therapeutic practices, particularly for clients with chronic illness and self-esteem issues. We go into the importance of using the body in therapy for a holistic healing approach, contrasting traditional talk therapy with sensory-motor strategies and attuning to bodily sensations, movements, and posture to aid in trauma processing and improving mind-body awareness. MEET Katelyn Jakobsen I am an LCMHC at Krippa Family Psychological & Wellness Services. I specialize in treating chronic illness and self-esteem, and use a lot of therapy principles based in sensorimotor psychotherapy and IFS. As a former athlete and chronically ill individual, using my body and reclaiming it as a safe space has been hard but important work that I hope to share with others. Find out more about Katelyn at NC Psychologist Connect With Me The Yoga Therapy Collective Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS 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) Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald Soul: Build a Gratitude...

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. Connect With Me The Yoga in Therapy Collective Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS 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) Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS

In this coaching episode, we discuss how therapists can effectively integrate somatic work and yoga into virtual therapy sessions. The conversation highlights techniques like grounding, breath work, and nervous system regulation that can be conducted online. Andrea Savage shares her journey of merging somatic approaches with therapy. The episode also includes practical tips on optimizing equipment and setting for a better virtual yoga therapy experience and addresses common concerns about the effectiveness of online somatic work. MEET Andrea Savage Andrea is a Pre-Licensed somatic therapist practicing in Minnesota. Her passions are empowerment, self-knowledge, and somatics. Find out more at Parasol Wellness Connect With Me Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS 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) Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS

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. 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 Connect With Me The Yoga Therapy Collective Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

In this episode, we discuss the transformative practice of yoga for managing anger and grief with guest Paul Denniston. We focus on how unresolved anger can manifest as physical and emotional tension, and how yoga can provide a safe and effective outlet for clients to express and release these emotions. We go over the shift from a power-centric practice to one focused on healing and compassion through various somatic techniques. This episode includes practical exercises for therapists to help clients embody and process their feelings safely within a trauma-informed framework, promoting emotional regulation and recovery. MEET Paul Denniston Paul Denniston is the founder of Grief Yoga® and the author of Healing Through Yoga: Transform Loss into Empowerment. The mission of Grief Yoga is to use movement, breath, and sound to release pain and suffering to connect to empowerment and love. Grief Yoga combines many different forms of yoga to channel and release anger to allow unresolved grief a compassionate space to breathe and move. His gentle work creates a safe space of movement and healing to transform trauma and connect to the resilient, loving warrior within. Paul has taught and trained this practice to thousands of therapists, counselors, yoga teachers, and health care professionals around the world. Find out more at Grief Yoga®and connect with Paul on Instagram and Facebook Connect With Me Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS

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 Connect With Me Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS 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) Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS In this episode, I address the hesitation many therapists feel about incorporating yoga into their practice. I will provide five foundational steps to help therapists confidently and ethically integrate yoga into their sessions. This episode covers the importance of understanding your why, ensuring practices are within the scope of practice, starting small, building confidence through practice, and investing in ongoing education and support. I will also share personal experiences and demonstrate simple yoga practices for therapists to try. The episode aims to empower therapists with the tools and knowledge needed to incorporate yoga into their therapy sessions safely and effectively. Tummee: Yoga Teaching Made Easy, From Start to Finish Connect With Me Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS 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) Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

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 Connect With Me Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn,

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS In this episode, we explore the benefits of Qigong, an ancient mind-body practice that helps release stress and restore inner balance through gentle, flowing movements. This yoga snack offers a brief yet powerful practice to help integrate Qigong into personal self-care routines or therapy sessions. Connect With Me Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS 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) Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

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 Connect With Me Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS 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 dive into the transformative power of gratitude in yoga practice. Joined by Sohale Sizar, founder of Soul, we discuss how to make gratitude a deeply spiritual practice that nourishes both therapists and clients. We also explore how gratitude can impact the nervous system, support emotional regulation, and deepen connections with self and others. Sohale shares personal insights and strategies for maintaining gratitude, especially on challenging days, and talks about the scientific and spiritual benefits. The episode also introduces Soul, an innovative tool that sends spontaneous gratitude prompts to help build sustainable gratitude habits. MEET Sohale Sizar Sohale Sizar is the founder of Soul, with the mission to illuminate the daily practice of gratitude for his rapidly growing online community. An entrepreneur since the age of nine with 15 years of dedicated practice in meditation and gratitude, Sohale translated his experiences into earning a Stanford MBA and building ventures spanning non-profit charities, education, and consumer technology. Soahle is now an excited entrepreneur on a mission to facilitate access to one's inner light through his gratitude teachings. Find out more at Soul, and connect with Sohale on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn Learn more about Sohale HERE Connect With Me Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify

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 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 Connect With Me Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS In this episode, we look at practical vagal toning exercises to help regulate the nervous system. Listeners are guided through techniques such as breathwork, sound and vibration, self-touch, and mindful movement. This episode offers trauma-informed, accessible practices for both therapists and their clients. Key exercises include the 4-2-4 and 6-3-6 breathing techniques, as well as stimulating the ear's vagus nerve connections. I also share a trauma-informed approach to introducing these practices to clients, emphasizing the importance of gradual integration and client autonomy. Connect With Me Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS 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) Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

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 Connect With Me Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS 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...

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS In this episode, I address common fears and doubts therapists face when integrating yoga into therapy sessions. We discuss overcoming blocks related to training adequacy, concerns about yoga's spiritual aspects, and the fear that clients may reject yoga practices. This solo episode emphasizes the importance of aligning yoga practices with clinical orientation and offers practical guidance for supporting hesitant clients. I also include a reflective journaling activity designed to help therapists identify and move past their fears. 1. What fears or hesitations come up for me when I think about integrating yoga into my sessions 2. Where do I feel those fears in my body, and what stories am I telling myself about what could go wrong 3. What is the deeper desire or value behind my interest in integrating yoga into therapy? What would be possible for you and your clients if you moved through that fear? 4. What is one small aligned action I could take this week that feels safe enough to begin moving forward? Connect With Me Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS 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) Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

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 Connect With Me Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS 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 Yoga Snack, we discuss practical tools on how yoga can help navigate challenging times, particularly in the context of a divisive political climate, discussing nervous system regulation, self-care strategies, and yoga philosophy that promote inner resilience and grounding. This episode provides a guided visualization to aid in finding a sense of safety and calm. crisis. “ It is times like these that our yoga practice becomes more than just movement of breath. It can be a lifeline, a sanctuary, a way we can return to our center.” -Chris McDonald Connect With Me Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS 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) Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS In this episode, we discuss the intricacies of integrating yoga into therapy sessions ethically and effectively. We delve into the core components of crafting a comprehensive informed consent, addressing scope of practice, risks, and theoretical alignment. Dr. Tina Vitola shares her extensive knowledge on how therapists can bridge conventional mental health practices with holistic modalities while maintaining professional integrity. This episode emphasizes the importance of personal practice, thorough training, and client autonomy, aiming to empower therapists to safely and confidently include yoga and other unconventional practices in their therapeutic work. MEET Dr. Tina Vitola Dr. Tina Vitolo is a clinical innovator, educator, and mentor dedicated to helping therapists bridge the gap between conventional mental health practice and unconventional, holistic, and integrative modalities. With nearly 20 years of experience in the field, she specializes in guiding clinicians to develop a strong theoretical foundation, ensuring they integrate complementary, alternative, and energy-based practices in a way that is both ethical and clinically sound. As the founder of The Black Sheep Therapist community and the creator of the Innovative Practitioner Accelerator (IPA) Program, Dr. Vitolo has empowered hundreds of therapists to align their unique practice styles with empirical frameworks, providing them with the confidence and language to navigate regulatory expectations without compromising their authenticity. She is deeply passionate about supporting clinicians in transforming their personal journeys into cohesive, ethically grounded practice frameworks that foster both professional freedom and integrity. Dr. Vitolo is widely recognized for her expertise in helping therapists build clinical language around their unconventional modalities, ensuring they meet ethical and insurance compliance standards while maintaining alignment with their unique approaches. She is a sought-after consultant, speaker, and educator who specializes in teaching therapists how to integrate their personal and professional identities into their work, ultimately creating a more authentic, impactful, and legally sound practice. Find out more at The Black Sheep Therapist and connect with Tina on Facebook and Instagram Connect With Me Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room TikTok: @YogaChris58 Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple...