Concepts of yoga, such as diaphragmatic breathing, mediation, and systematic relaxation can significantly reduce the stress response throughout the body, and in turn provide a calming and "in control" sensation. As a licensed counselor and yoga teacher, Nicole believes in the body's innate ability to heal. Using an integrated approach to healing, such as combining evidence-based counseling with trauma-sensitive yoga, can lead to feelings of empowerment and self confidence. Whether you are seeking to reduce symptoms of anxiety or other mental/emotion struggle, gain strength and stability, or simply learn more about yoga in general, we will always put your safety first and practice listening to the body. This will reduce the risk of injury and enhance the positive outcomes of your time on and off the mat.
"Therapeutic yoga is an inherently holistic approach, simultaneously working on the body, mind, and spirit. Various yoga practices systematically strengthen different systems in the body, including the heart and cardiovascular system, the lungs, muscles, and the nervous system. Yoga practices can improve function of the digestive system, foster psychological well-being, and improve oxygen delivery to tissues. Yoga also can help the body more efficiently remove waste products, carcinogens, and cellular toxins.
Most people in the West live stressful lives, and yoga—and by extension yoga therapy—is perhaps the best overall stress reduction system ever invented. Stress has been linked to a wide variety of medical problems, from migraine headaches and irritable bowel syndrome to potentially life-threatening conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Since persistently high levels of stress hormones, particularly cortisol, can undermine function of the immune system, here too yoga can help." -Timothy McCall, M.D.
Read more: https://www.yogajournal.com/teach/an-introduction-to-yoga-therapy
*Disclaimer: While Nicole is licensed as a professional counselor and has a certification to teach yoga, she has not completed her certification as a "yoga therapist" from the International Association of Yoga Therapists. The yoga therapy provided in counseling sessions is a therapeutic integration of counseling modalities and yoga principles and practices.