Yoga

Yoga as Therapy

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.

*Disclaimer: While Nicole is licensed as a professional counselor and has a certification to teach yoga and 500+ hours of yoga training. 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.

Articles

https://kripalu.org/resources/befriending-your-body-how-yoga-helps-heal-trauma

https://yogainternational.com/article/view/whats-the-difference-between-yoga-therapy-and-accessible-yoga

https://yogainternational.com/article/view/The-Distinction-Between-a-Yoga-Class-and-a-Yoga-Therapy-Session

Yoga Classes and Workshops

Yoga + Meditation Class

Every Friday from 9:30-10:30am

This class is a beautiful way to wrap up the work week and transition into the restful ease of the weekend. The class flows through three parts. It begins with gentle yoga, transitions into a daily somatic breath release to clear energy and space for stillness, and ends in a mostly guided meditation.

Class is held at Full Circle Yoga Studio in Vienna, WV

or go through the FullCircleYogaWV app

Stay On Your Mat: Yoga + Therapy Series

This is an 8-week series that delves into the power of finding your place on your yoga mat, giving yourself permission to take up space in the world, and learning how to set and maintain healthy boundaries with others. This series will be therapeutic in how the tender space is held warmly for exploration, introspection and learning. It will include brief teachings, yoga sequences, and guided meditation. We will discover your basic rights through a journey along the seven main chakras, while being gently invited to find your truth and power. This series is being facilitated by Nicole Martin, a licensed counselor, certified yoga teacher, and certified somatic breathwork practitioner.

This series will meet every Sunday for 8 weeks from 6-7:30pm at Full Circle Yoga in Vienna, WV. Series begins January 5th and ends on February 23rd.