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Yoga Therapy
Yoga therapy is a personalized and holistic approach to health and wellbeing that integrates the principles and practices of yoga with therapeutic techniques. Unlike group yoga classes, which cater to a wide range of participants, yoga therapy is tailored to address individual health concerns, both physical and mental.
In a Brighter Life yoga therapy session, we’ll work one-on-one. I’ll discuss your overall health, lifestyle, and specific challenges, alongside your hopes, dreams and ambitions for your unique wellness journey. We’ll then explore a customized yoga practice that may include physical postures, breathwork, meditation, and other yogic tools to address your unique needs. We can practice this in our sessions together, or I can support you to develop and maintain a home practice.
The key distinction between yoga therapy and group yoga classes lies in the individualized attention and tailored interventions offered in the therapeutic setting. While group classes provide a shared experience and general benefits, yoga therapy delves into the specifics of your unique physical and emotional landscape, adapting practices to alleviate symptoms, promote healing, and enhance overall wellbeing.
Yoga therapy is particularly effective for managing and preventing chronic conditions associated with digestion, sleep, anxiety, depression, hormonal fluctuation, and much more.
Yoga therapy can help reduce stress, induce calm, support injury recovery and prevention, and develop sustainable, attainable wellness practices for life.
By focusing on your specific health goals and challenges, yoga therapy becomes a powerful complement to traditional healthcare approaches, fostering a deeper connection between your body, mind, and soul for enhanced healing, integration, and transformation.
At Brighter Life we offer Personalised Sessions in Yoga, Movement Repatterning, Therapeutic Dance, Gentle Bodywork and Mindful Resting.
1:1 SESSIONS
As a trauma informed movement and wellbeing coach, I've been practicing, discovering and studying health through movement for almost 30 years. My passion lies in facilitating a personalised approach for each person I work with - an approach that honours your unique body, mind, history and hopes.
Sessions can be designed for:
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Increased Strength, Flexibility And Stamina
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Beginners Wanting An Introduction To A Safe, Sustainable Movement Practice
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Introduction To ‘Next Level’ Practices Including; Pranayama, Meditation, Bandhas And Traditional Yogic Cleansing Practices
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Pain Management
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Recovery From Injury
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Relief From Stress
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Support In Healing And Recovery
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Personalised Home Practice
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Reconnection To Self, Through Movement Practices And Enquiries
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Understanding How To Support Yourself In A General Yoga Class
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Deepening The Spiritual Aspect Of Your Practice
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Somatic And Interoceptive Movement Practices (How it feels, not what it looks like)
If you'd like to chat about 1:1 sessions, designed specifically for you, get in touch with me on:
Phone: 021884518
Email: info@brighterlife.nz
GROUP CLASSES
Group yoga classes offer a myriad of benefits, fostering a sense of community, shared energy, and mutual support. In group yoga classes, you’ll experience the collective synergy of practicing together and being part of a positive and motivating atmosphere. The group dynamic can inspire you to explore your boundaries, deepen your practice, and stay consistent with your yoga journey.
I teach group yoga classes at the beautiful Yoga Within in Browns Bay, Auckland. To find out what's on offer, and to join me (or one of the many wonderful Yoga Within teachers) for a class, click on the button below
Trauma Sensitive Yoga
Trauma-sensitive yoga (TSY) is a specialized approach that recognizes the potential impact of trauma on an individual's physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. This therapeutic practice focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment, empowering you to engage with your body in a way that promotes healing and resilience.
Unlike traditional yoga classes, trauma-sensitive yoga is mindful of potential triggers and emphasizes choice, consent, and the autonomy at all times.
TSY incorporates elements such as breath awareness, gentle movement, and grounding techniques to help you reconnect with your body in a positive and nurturing manner.
The benefits of trauma-sensitive yoga are profound, particularly for those who have experienced trauma or are dealing with conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. This approach can aid in regulating your nervous system, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improving self-awareness.
Trauma-sensitive yoga provides a safe space for you to explore your bodily sensations and emotions at your own pace, fostering a sense of empowerment and promoting a gradual restoration of trust and safety in your body.
TSY is especially suitable for survivors of trauma, individuals experiencing chronic stress, and those seeking a gentler and more mindful approach to physical and emotional wellbeing.
If you'd like to know more about TSY and the 8 week ACC ISSC funded courses we offer, click the button below.
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My Story
I had my first experience of anxiety when I was about 17 years old. It seemed to come out of nowhere, and was debilitating. Fortunately for me, my doctor suggested I try yoga, and from there a lifelong practice grew. My first experience of yoga involved me trying to out-bend everyone else in the room while hoping the teacher would notice how 'good' I was at this thing called yoga. I hadn't yet caught onto the fact that yoga isn't about how flexible you are, or how long you can hold a posture for. It took me some time to understand that what I was most benefitting from in a yoga class was the feeling of calm and the reduction in my anxiety that happened afterwards. Once I became aware of this, I was truly hooked.
Fast forward 3 decades and you'll still find me on my mat most days of the week. However, I no longer try to be the most flexible, or grit my teeth while holding a pose. These days you're more likely to wonder if I might have fallen asleep in that yoga shape, or if what I'm doing is even yoga! Yoga has been my constant friend for the past 30 years - it’s helped me overcome times of debilitating anxiety, it’s been with me as I navigated pregnancy, post-partum and parenting. Yoga has helped my digestion, healed my injuries and built the strength I need to stay active and vital as I age. Because of yoga I’ve made wonderful friends, had unique and heartfelt experiences and deepened my ability to be a compassionate and loving human being.
Upcoming Yoga Retreats
Wed, 26 JunTHE YOGA SHALA, UBUD, BALI26 Jun 2024, 3:00 pm – 03 Jul 2024, 11:00 amTHE YOGA SHALA, UBUD, BALI, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Fri, 02 AugMana Retreat Centre02 Aug 2024, 6:00 pm – 05 Aug 2024, 2:00 pmMana Retreat Centre, Manaia 3581, New Zealand
Fri, 25 OctAppleby House Nelson25 Oct 2024, 3:00 pm – 29 Oct 2024, 11:00 amAppleby House Nelson, Redwood Road, Rabbit Island 7081, New Zealand