Yoga Therapy
For children, young people & families
What is yoga therapy?
Yoga therapy is an inclusive, integrative and transformative approach for working with parents, children, young people and families - it can cultivate a sense of one’s unique voice, confidence, self-awareness, connection to their essence and whole selves, to nature, to relationships with others and sense of what truly matters for their lives. It’s a coming home to oneself and welcoming of all our parts.
Yoga therapy is grounded in ancient yoga wisdom, philosophy and ethics, and invites us to integrate psychological therapy models within the story and language of the body. It encourages qualities such as curiosity, awareness, non-judgement, interoception and compassion- building blocks for psychological wellbeing. It views the body as full of wisdom, and a tool to integrate our mind-body-whole human experiences (e.g. through movement, breath, mantra, song, meditation and other regulatory practices) and in turn build coping skills to transform and take into our daily lives.
How we can support:
I draw on years of experience as a clinical psychologist, yoga teacher, and specialist training as a yoga therapist. Sessions are explorative and adapted to the unique child, young person or family - they can include talking, movement and creative therapy approaches. No prior experience of yoga is required.
Yoga therapy can support experiences, including:
Trauma
Adjusting or living with special educational needs, neurodevelopmental differences, or long term physical illness.
Anxiety, anger feelings, fears and worries
Low mood
Behaviour concerns
Identity, relationship, confidence, friendship issues
& much more
These sessions are all about P.A.C.E:
P
Playfulness
Sessions can be explorative, full of creativity, play, self-discovery, self-expression and rest. Story and games for smaller children, and developmentally appropriate and meaningful ways for young people to engage with wellbeing practices.
A
Acceptance
We meet children, young people and families where they are at and begin there. We acknowledge the complexities and context that can impact on our lives, or even that day, and meet without judgement.
C
Curiosity
Curiosity about experiences (body-mind-heart). Classes include physical postures, introducing different aspects of the yoga framework (acknowledging its roots and modern developments).
E
Empathy
Promoting empathy, connection and compassion. Building relationships and letting children and families lead. Interweaved with wellbeing ideas adapted to their developmental stage, to take into their lives.
*PACE is an approach created by Dr Dan Hughes. It has been adapted in different settings to promote child & family wellbeing.
Children & Young People
Yoga therapy sessions are offered directly with children and young people, and liaison with parents / child’s support network alongside. I can also see whole families together, or work directly with parents to nurture ways to integrate these ideas into their own or their child’s life. I have extensive experience of working with schools and wellbeing organisations to strengthen community support for children and families. As part of this mission, I have contributed to developing and teaching on ‘YOGA CLUB!’, a special child yoga teacher training (founded by Yoga on the Lane) to deliver free yoga to children in schools.
Drawing on recent developments in the fields of psychology, science and neurobiology, and the wisdom of yoga, this approach is holistic, human, research-based and non-pathologising.
“Body-based techniques such as yoga and breathing exercises alongside talking therapies can have a profound effect on psychological and physical health.” ~The Tavistock Clinic.
Looking for support?
You might get in touch if you are a:
Parent/Caregiver interested in yoga therapy for your child, young person or family.
Parent/Caregiver interested in yoga therapy approaches for themselves or to integrate into their child and family’s lives.
School or Wellbeing Organisation interested in therapeutic yoga sessions in the workplace, integrating yoga therapy skills within a whole child, school and community approach in mind, including staff wellbeing and supporting children with experiences of trauma and diverse needs.
Yoga Teacher / Trainee / Psychological Professional (Qualified or Trainee) looking for consultation and supervision.
You must be 18 years or older to enquire.
Please note this support is not suitable if you have an urgent or crisis concern about you, or a child or young person - in this case please contact the GP or other known health or care professional.