Yoga

Yoga

Body-based work, such as yoga, may act as a treatment bridge, increasing a sense of awareness, safety and mastery over one’s body while building skills to effectively interpret and tolerate physiological and affective states. Yoga, one of the top ten most widely practiced forms of complementary alternative medicine in the United States, incorporates techniques of breathing exercises, physical postures, movement, relaxation and mindfulness.

How can Yoga Therapy help?

Why Yoga

Body-based work, such as yoga, may act as a treatment bridge, increasing a sense of awareness, safety and mastery over one’s body while building skills to effectively interpret and tolerate physiological and affective states. Yoga, one of the top ten most widely practiced forms of complementary alternative medicine in the United States, incorporates techniques of breathing exercises, physical postures, movement, relaxation and mindfulness. Yoga offers physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages. And, if you’re going through an illness, recovering from surgery or living with a chronic condition, yoga can become an integral part of your treatment and potentially hasten healing.

What is Yoga Therapy

The professional application of the principles and practices of yoga to promote health and well-being within a therapeutic relationship that includes personalized assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management, and yoga practices for individuals or small groups. Although all yoga is potentially therapeutic and healing, yoga therapy is the specific application of yogic tools—postures/exercises, breathwork, meditation techniques, and more—to address an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional needs. Yoga therapists have in-depth training to help them assess and keep their clients safe. They work with you to address your specific goals while considering any limitations you might be experiencing. A yoga therapist can work with patients and put together individualized plans that work together with their medical and surgical therapies. That way, yoga can support the healing process and help the person experience symptoms with more centeredness and less distress.

Benefits of Yoga for First Responders and Veterans

Among others, Yoga can have the potential following benefits: Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility. Yoga helps with back pain relief. Yoga can ease arthritis symptoms. Yoga benefits heart health. Yoga relaxes you, to help you sleep better. Yoga can mean more energy and brighter moods. Yoga helps you manage stress. Yoga connects you with a supportive community. Yoga promotes better self-care.

Overcome Trauma with Yoga

Bessel van der Kolk, clinical psychiatrist and best-selling author of The Body Keeps the Score, shares how yoga can help you get “unstuck” from the imprints of trauma.
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is considered one of the world’s leading authorities on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He has pioneered the use of Yoga as a therapy that is helping these individuals to work through their PTSD and regain a sense of mastery. He discusses mind-body connections in trauma, how Yoga works and precautions for teaching trauma-sensitive Yoga students.

Where can I find more information about Yoga?

Yoga Fit Worldwide

Yoga Fit Worldwide

The Leader in Mind Body Fitness Education. For over 23 years, YogaFit has been educating teachers, enthusiasts, and professionals from a multitude of backgrounds. As a small, privately held, women-owned and operated company, we are committed to integrity, transformation and quality education. YogaFit is strong, connected community of over 250,000 people worldwide. Focusing on pragmatic innovation, karma yoga and higher purpose people first learning. Find An Instructor by going to the Yoga Fit website and entering your province!

TCTSY

Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga

An evidence-based adjunctive treatment for complex, developmental trauma or chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. Empirical research indicates TCTSY to be an effective treatment for the most severe forms of trauma. Our 300-hour certification program is open to certified yoga teachers, licensed mental health care professionals and community providers. All applicants must have completed either the e-course or a foundational training. We also offer a concurrent Latinx / Spanish-speaking program.

Yoga-warriors-international

Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga

An evidence-based adjunctive treatment for complex, developmental trauma or chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. Empirical research indicates TCTSY to be an effective treatment for the most severe forms of trauma. Our 300-hour certification program is open to certified yoga teachers, licensed mental health care professionals and community providers. All applicants must have completed either the e-course or a foundational training. We also offer a concurrent Latinx / Spanish-speaking program.

Certifications

A short description of the various therapist certifications in Ontario.

Icon
Clinical Psychologists

Clinical Psychologists are required to complete a related Masters and Ph.D. program to practice in the province of Ontario that must be research-based and subsequently have a thesis component. They are governed by the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO).

Icon 2
Registered Psychotherapists

Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) are registered by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and, like Registered Social Workers and Clinical Psychologists, are permitted to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy.

Icon 3
Registered Social Workers

Registered Social Workers (RSW) are helping individuals to enhance their well-being. They are governed by the Ontario College of Social Workers.