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

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...

In this coaching episode of the Yoga in the Therapy Room podcast, we explore the ethical and trauma-informed integration of yoga into therapy sessions. Joined by Kelly Henry, the episode explores the ethics of using yoga for emotional regulation and body-based trauma processing in clinical settings. They discuss practical tips and challenges therapists face when incorporating yoga into their practice, focusing on maintaining ethical guidelines and client autonomy. The episode also highlights the importance of informed consent, co-regulation, and the integration of yoga with other therapeutic modalities. MEET Kelly Henry Kelly Henry, a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Supervisor (LISW-S) and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, YTT, is the proud owner and operator of Sol Therapy LLC. With a rich background spanning over two decades, Kelly has dedicated her career to delivering comprehensive mental health and substance abuse services. Her expertise encompasses various settings, including community mental health, inpatient and outpatient behavioral health facilities, substance abuse treatment centers, and Day Treatment programs. Kelly's core philosophy revolves around self-empowerment, firmly believing that everyone is entitled to the highest quality of life. Complementing her established practices, Kelly recently obtained certification in yoga, with the aim of integrating mindfulness and meditation techniques into her conventional psychotherapeutic approaches. Through her unwavering commitment, Kelly instills hope and provides invaluable support to all individuals under her care. Find out more at Sol Therapy and connect with Kelly on Facebook 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...

In today’s” Yoga Snack,” we discuss simple yet effective vagal toning exercises designed to help regulate the nervous system and promote a sense of calm. Tailored for both personal self-care and therapeutic client sessions, the episode dives into practices such as diaphragmatic breathing, shoulder release techniques, and bee breath meditation. Additionally, listeners can gain insights into the anatomical and physiological aspects of the vagus nerve, its role in stress regulation, and the application of these exercises in therapy sessions. " Knowing that bringing yoga into the therapy room can be an experiment to see what works for each client, and it's important to individualize to different bodies and needs." -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

In this episode, we focus on safely guiding hypermobile clients through yoga practices to prevent injury and support long-term well-being. We discuss key safety considerations, common misconceptions, and practical techniques for yoga practices tailored to clients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility. Libby shares her journey with hypermobility, explores its impact on the nervous system and mental health, and provides actionable advice on effective queuing and creating empowering yoga experiences. MEET Libby Hinsley Libby Hinsley is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, yoga teacher trainer, and personal trainer specializing in treating hypermobility syndromes and chronic pain. Her book, Yoga for Bendy People: Optimizing the benefits of yoga for hypermobility, was published in 2022 and explores how people with joint hypermobility syndromes can use the tools of yoga to support their thriving. She has also developed a successful strength training program for people with hypermobility syndromes. As a person living with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and related health conditions, she is committed to raising awareness about hypermobility syndromes in the yoga and physical therapy communities and beyond. She also teaches anatomy for yoga teachers through her program called Anatomy Bites. Find out more at Libby Hinsley and connect with Libby on Instagram, and check out the Zebra Talks Podcast 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

In this episode, we explore the integration of yoga and holistic practices into public mental health care. We discuss practical strategies to make these tools accessible for clients, the benefits of trauma-informed yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness, and the barriers to implementation. Nina Marie shares her experiences as a peer support specialist, explaining how techniques like resourcing can be beneficial in public mental health settings. Learn about their approaches to making mental health care more compassionate and accessible, complete with a guided resourcing activity for therapists to incorporate into their practices. MEET Nina Marie Collins I am a 500-hr yoga teacher, and I also work in the public mental health field as a Peer Support Specialist. I care deeply about bringing holistic practices into mental health care, particularly public mental health care which often serves people with both mental health challenges and poverty. These people may otherwise not get access to holistic practices. I have taught yoga in several of the mental health settings I've worked in. Recently, I am completed a training to be a facilitator of energy work. I am passionate about bringing holistic practices and spirituality into mental health care, particularly in the public system. Find out more at Spectrum Yoga and connect with Nina on Instagram and Facebook 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...

In this episode, we explore how yoga practices such as self-awareness, movement, and breath can help navigate grief. Edy shares her personal journey and how it guided her to develop therapeutic practices for others. The discussion includes how grief manifests in the body, the importance of movement and breath in emotional release, and practical tools for therapists to aid clients. We discuss innovative concepts like the Liberation Protocol and sexual grief, offering listeners insightful strategies to handle grief. MEET Edy Nathan Edy Nathan MA, LCSWR is an author, public speaker, and licensed therapist. She is an AASECT-certified sex therapist, hypnotherapist, and certified EMDR practitioner with more than 20 years of experience. Edy earned degrees from New York University and Fordham University, with post-graduate training at the Ackerman Institute for Family Therapy. She practices in New York City. In her expertise as a grief therapist, she interweaves her formal training as a psychotherapist with breathwork, guided imagery, ritual, and storytelling. Trauma, abuse, and grief cause the soul to become imbalanced: The goal of the work is to find emotional calibration or balance to defy the depth of darkness and the grip grief often has on the psyche. She believes that everyone experiences grief throughout their lives. Grief is not just about the death of a loved one, but the losses we experience in life. Find out more at Edy Nathan and connect with Edy on Facebook, X, and Instagram Unmasking the Pain of Loss: Helping Clients Identify & Work with Grief Trauma-Informed Yoga for Therapists: A Practical Approach 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

In this episode, I discuss common fears and uncertainties therapists face when integrating yoga into their clinical practice. I will offer practical advice on how to integrate trauma-informed yoga practices into sessions confidently and ethically, even without extensive yoga training. I will go over simple practices like breath awareness and grounding which can significantly enhance emotional and nervous system regulation for clients. I also discuss ways to introduce yoga to clients, whether in-person or via telehealth, the importance of informed consent, and client safety. Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS Trauma-Informed Yoga for Therapists: A Practical Approach "Teaching clients to be more self-aware, aware of their thoughts, their energy levels, where are they in this room, this moment? Those simple questions can help bring awareness, which is yoga practices.” 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 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 how to harness anger in a healthy and embodied way through yoga. We will look at various techniques using movement, breath, and sound to express and release anger. This episode includes a guided practice to help therapists introduce these methods to their clients and understand their own emotional regulation. We will also look at the cultural and social barriers to expressing anger, and the importance of recognizing anger as an energy that needs to be acknowledged and processed. Episode 122 What Is Grief Yoga? | How To Use It In Sessions Today: Interview with Paul Denniston " When we allow anger to move through us, we create space for clarity, relief, and balance. We restore balance in our nervous system, freeing up energy that was once trapped in frustration or tension." -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

In this episode, we explore Thought Field Therapy (TFT) and its applications for first responders experiencing chronic stress. Guest Robert Bray, a traumatic stress recovery expert, joins us to discuss his extensive experience and the efficacy of TFT, a technique that alleviates negative emotions by stimulating meridian treatment points. We discuss combining TFT with parts work and yoga to help clients manage anxiety, regulate their nervous systems, and build resilience. Robert outlines how TFT can be integrated with other therapies, offering practical advice and methods to bring yoga into therapy sessions effectively. MEET Robert Bray Robert L. Bray, Ph.D., LCSW has worked in the field of traumatic stress recovery for over 40 years. Beginning as a volunteer on a crisis hotline and throughout his professional career, he has always focused on the impact of traumatic stress on the mental and physical health of individuals, families, and communities. Dr. Bray has extensive experience as a clinician helping in recovery from natural disasters, criminal acts, and domestic violence of all types. He has been training, writing, and developing Thought Field Therapy since 1996. Dr. Bray’s book “Heal Traumatic Stress NOW: Complete Recovery with Thought Field Therapy – No Open Wounds” provides a consumer-friendly self-help guide to anyone struggling with overwhelming stress. He is also an approved ICISF trainer. https://rlbray.com/ Find out more at Thought Field Therapy Center and connect with Robert on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube Take this 9-question personal self-assessment to discover where you are on your journey and how to move forward with our special tools for more ease 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...

In this episode, we explore the vital concept of self-compassion, specifically tailored for therapists. Learn about why self-compassion prevents burnout and compassion fatigue, backed by research studies from pioneers like Kristen Neff and Mark Leary. Discover simple, practical yoga-based self-compassion exercises to integrate into both personal self-care routines and therapy sessions with clients. "The more we do these, the more we are changing our neural pathways to move towards more self-compassion. It's going to take some time, so give yourself grace.” 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 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 explore the integration of polyvagal theory with yoga practices to enhance therapeutic approaches. Joined by Dr. Arielle Schwartz, a recognized expert in trauma-informed care, the discussion delves into the benefits of combining gentle yoga movements, breathwork, and mindfulness to help clients achieve safety, connection, and calm. Dr. Schwartz shares her journey into yoga and polyvagal theory, its application in therapy, and practical tools for therapists to incorporate these practices safely and ethically. MEET Dr. Arielle Schwartz Arielle Schwartz, PhD, CCTP-II, E-RYT, is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified complex trauma professional, EMDR Consultant, and Kripalu yoga teacher. She is an internationally sought-out speaker, a leading voice in the field of trauma recovery, and the author of eight books including The Complex PTSD Workbook, EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychology, The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook, and Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga. As the founder of the Center for Resilience Informed Therapy, she offers an integrative, mind-body approach to therapy that includes relational therapy, somatic psychology, EMDR Therapy, parts-work therapy, and therapeutic yoga for trauma. She specializes in applied polyvagal theory which focuses on addressing imbalances within the autonomic nervous system that underlie most mental and physical health conditions. Dr. Schwartz provides informational mental health and wellness updates through her writing, public speaking, social media presence, and blog. She believes that the journey of trauma recovery is an awakening of the spiritual heart. Learn more at www.drarielleschwartz.com and www.resilienceinformedtherapy.com Find out more at Dr. Arielle Schwartz and Center for Resilience Informed Therapy® 2-Day: Transform Trauma Recovery with Polyvagal Theory: Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Certification Training Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma Recovery Flip Chart: A Psychoeducational Tool for Embodied Healing through the Lens of Applied Polyvagal Theory 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,

In this episode, we discuss the art of helping clients navigate physical discomfort safely and effectively. We look at the practice of titration, a technique to manage challenging body sensations without overwhelming clients. Annabelle shares her journey into yoga and somatic practices, insights on recognizing signs of dysregulation, and practical yoga-based techniques for fostering body awareness and resilience. We also discuss trauma-informed care, the importance of play and creativity in therapy, and offer a grounding orientation practice to connect with one's surroundings. We look at valuable tools for therapists interested in integrating somatic approaches and yoga into their practice, ensuring safe and transformative client experiences. MEET Annabelle Coote Annabelle Coote is a seasoned somatic therapist who loves weaving together the art and science of therapy. She helps both clients and therapists discover the joy and fulfillment of creative and experiential work. A licensed mental health therapist, board-certified dance/movement therapist, and certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, she is the founder of Movement Matters Integrative Psychotherapy. Annabelle is the author of book chapters on depression, trauma, and telehealth and is a frequent presenter at conferences and summits. She offers individual and group consultation to help therapists integrate somatic approaches in their work. Her interests include mindfulness, neurobiology, trauma, anxiety, women’s issues, life transitions, cultivating creativity, and therapist resilience. She is known for her humor, quirky metaphors, spontaneous creativity, kind compassion, and the conviction that profound transformation happens in very tiny steps. Find out more at Somatic Matters and connect with Annabelle on TikTok 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 Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing...

In today’s,” Yoga Snack,” I will guide listeners through a simple mindfulness meditation practice. Designed to help therapists integrate yoga into their practice and enhance self-care, this episode offers valuable insights into the benefits of mindfulness meditation, practical tips for staying present, and a guided meditation that can be easily incorporated into daily routines. " It is the practice of bringing your attention to the present moment and bringing a sense of curiosity, of wonder into the moment without judging yourself." -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 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 explore how integrating joy and yoga into therapy sessions can enhance attunement with clients. Terry shares her yoga journey and provides practical, simple yoga movements and practices to help therapists and clients access joy, reduce stress, and promote connection and vitality. The episode also focuses on gentle yoga, the importance of service, gratitude, play, and rest, and a discussion on laughter yoga and playful movement exercises. MEET Terry Littlefield Terry is the creator of Postures Breath & Joy. Her mission is to help people, especially those of us mid-century and beyond, get moving, get breathing, and get to know and share joy on the regular. She teaches with heart and humor and endless hours of education. Terry is a lifelong learner. She believes laughter is the best medicine and an essential part of any movement practice. Her classes blend science and spirit, breath work and belly laughs, movement and breath work/meditation. She began studying/practicing yoga in 2003 and hasn't looked back, She is an E-RYT-500 yoga teacher; Level 1 Girls Gone Strong coach; Trained in Yoga Tune Up, Somatics & Restorative, Laughter Yoga, Reiki, Tapping, and more. Find out more at Terry Littlefield and connect with Terry on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook 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 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 the integration of yoga into mental health sessions. I will go over three key strategies for incorporating yoga practices, including grounding, breathwork, and asana, in a trauma-informed and ethical manner. This episode features detailed case studies and snapshots that illustrate transformational results in therapy, addressing anxiety, chronic worry, developmental trauma, and anger. I will also share practical tips on planning yoga practices, using organic approaches, and inviting clients to direct their own movements, empowering therapists to bring yoga into their practice safely and effectively. " It can be intimidating to move from traditional talk therapy to a more somatic body-based approach with trauma-informed yoga or somatic practices. It's just out of most of our comfort zone until we get used to doing it and learn more about it. ” 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 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 explore how yoga-inspired practices can help therapists and clients manage anxiety. We discuss grounding techniques like breathwork, mudras, and simple movements that are easily integrated into therapy sessions. Joanna shares her journey with yoga, starting from personal stress relief to incorporating it into her trauma-informed therapy practice. We discuss the importance of trauma-informed care and customizable, accessible practices for clients with varied needs. MEET Joanna Barrett Joanna Barrett is a Nationally Certified Counselor in the United States, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Massachusetts), a Licensed Professional Counselor (Pennsylvania and Virginia), and an Emotional Wellness Yoga Instructor. Through her comprehensive approach, Joanna also provides Professional Mentorship and Consultation for yoga instructors and mental health professionals. Joanna helps her clients manage high stress, busy lifestyles, anxiety, depression, past traumas, and challenging relationships. She offers traditional therapy and trauma-informed yoga, creating a safe, judgment-free environment for clients to openly explore their inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Her approach combines the therapeutic modalities of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Expressive Arts Therapies, and therapeutic yoga. This allows her to tailor sessions to each client's unique needs and foster a collaborative healing journey. Joanna earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has completed over 1,000 hours of specialized yoga training. She is also a passionate advocate for mental health as an Ambassador with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation and for animals through Second Chance Animal Services in Massachusetts, where she created a fund to help families adopt dogs. As a consultant to organizations and a seasoned conference presenter, Joanna shares her knowledge of stress management and mental health nationwide. She is also a published writer and guest expert on podcasts, where she provides insights on emotional well-being and holistic wellness to a global audience. Clients who work with Joanna experience a range of powerful outcomes. They often report a greater sense of inner peace, resilience, and emotional balance, finding new ways to manage stress and nurture positive relationships. With Joanna’s support, clients build deeper self-awareness, make progress in healing from past traumas, and establish routines that promote well-being and prevent burnout. Her yoga-informed techniques also help clients reconnect with their bodies, enhancing grounding, nervous system regulation, and releasing stored emotional tension. Ultimately, Joanna's clients learn how to live more fully and authentically, equipped with lasting tools to thrive both mentally and physically. Her goal is to empower them to create intentional, fulfilling lives so they can embrace each day with renewed purpose and joy. Find out more at Joanna Barrett Therapy & Wellness and connect with Joanna on Facebook and Instagram Connect With Me Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58 Facebook:

In this encore episode with Jenna Little, we explore trauma-informed yoga and story work. We discuss how these practices can be integrated to support deep healing through the mind-body connection, emphasizing the importance of invitational language, pacing, and somatic practices. Jenna shares her journey, insights on using yoga in therapeutic settings, and effective ways to process trauma and enhance self-awareness. MEET Jenna Little Jenna Little is a Somatic Therapist, trauma-informed Yoga Teacher, and Registered Dietitian who has a passion for integrative and holistic healing. She blends many modalities for a unique embodied healing process that supports and empowers clients to come home to their bodies, souls, spirit, and story for healing, wholeness, and freedom. She works with individuals as well as offers several groups and yoga classes including her signature Yoga For Healing intensive. She finds meaning in raising her 3 daughters as well as running her business and balancing her sacred work in the world. Find out more at Jennal Little, and connect with Jenna 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 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 encore episode, Kim Bevans shares her expertise on incorporating somatic interventions into traditional talk therapy, exploring common misconceptions and the profound healing impact of therapists using their own embodiment. We discuss practical tips for therapists looking to enrich their toolkit with somatic techniques and emphasize the importance of therapists having their own movement practices. We also look at various somatic interventions, including movement, identifying body sensations, and using expressive therapy approaches. MEET Kim Bevans Kim Bevans is a body-oriented therapist and Embodiment Expert. Kim received her master's degree from Columbia College Chicago in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling. Kim is a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts. Kim provides therapy to women who over-intellectualize, spend too much time in their thinking minds, and feel emotionally overwhelmed. Kim helps women hear the call in their bodies and hearts to facilitate deeper connection, understanding, and healing within themselves. Her private practice is in Boston, Massachusetts. Based on her years of embodied clinical experience and ongoing learning, Kim provides education and consultation for therapists who want to level up their mind-body toolbox. Find out more at Kim Bevans, and connect with Kim 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 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