work with me

While I do have the the qualifications for wellness coaching, my philosophical allegiance is with peer support and the long history of yoga teachers working with students 1-on-1. I start from there and integrate other modalities when they are helpful. I am not a therapist, nor do I have the qualifications to offer therapy. My goal is to guide you to discover new ways of experiencing and interacting with the world that lead to greater health in all the domains of your life. The primary vehicle we will use is yoga, broadly defined as a system of practices that lead to a quieter mind and a life filled with purpose. This is not physical therapy either. Physical therapy uses a targeted approach for a specific area of the body. Yoga works with the body as a whole, seeing physical health as inseparable from mental health. Our goal when working with the physical body will be to address root causes of suffering such as chronic stress or unhelpful movement patterns. They often go together. Integrative yoga sessions complement and support the work of other healing modalities, including western medicine.

I take a solutions-oriented, person-first approach to well-being. I strongly believe that everyone gets to decide what bests supports their recovery and that everyone's journey is unique. Neither yoga nor recovery is one-size-fits-all. My work with you will always support your choices regarding other modalities, including western medicine. Part of what we do together is integrate all of the avenues of healing that you find useful.

Pranayama is the traditional yogic term for breathing practices. Most breath instruction given in yoga classes is meant to encourage a state of "rest and digest." It is generally gentle and relaxing. The style of breathwork done in experience sessions is a specific breathing technique that intentionally stimulates your nervous system for a limited period of time. It is hard work, and the effects are often dramatic and life-changing. If what you want to learn are breath practices that improve focus, relaxation, and awareness, or if you want to work on improving your default breathing patterns, then integrative yoga sessions are a better fit. If you are looking for a more intense experience to rapidly shift your perspective, clear blocks, or release stored emotions, then this style of breathwork will be a great place to start. Most of us benefit from both.

The intensity of this altered state will be perceived differently by each person and at each session. The important thing to know is that you are always in control! You have not ingested a chemical or plant substance. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, you can stop the technique and return to normal breathing, which will quickly bring you back to homeostasis.

Breathwork is a healing modality that is safe and effective for most people. Having said that, please read the list of contraindications listed below. The beauty of breathwork is that are always in control of your experience. Unlike when taking a chemical or plant substance, the effects of breathwork quickly pass simply by breathing normally. If you become overwhelmed for any reason, you can simply discontinue the technique and breathe slowly through your nose. The only two responses I have seen which may feel uncomfortable are an intense emotional release and a physical symptom called tetany. Tetany is muscular cramping, typically in the hands. It is not harmful, and it passes when the breath returns to normal. Intense emotional experiences will likely feel cathartic and necessary, but they may also feel overwhelming. Remember that you are 100% in charge. You simply return to your normal breath and your body will quickly return to homeostasis.

Yes. Here are some commonly discussed contraindications for this type of breathwork. Please be aware that this list is not meant to be exhaustive. Please check with your doctor before participating if you have questions or concerns. Pregnancy Cardiovascular disease High blood pressure History of aneurisms (including family) Epilepsy or history of seizures History of psychosis Osteoporosis Recent surgery Glaucoma An active addiction Untreated mental illness

No! There are contraindications for particular poses, but not for the practice itself. We will address potential contraindications together based on your health history. Having particular health concerns that may affect your practice is a great reason to take private yoga classes. With guidance, yoga is a very safe practice that can be tailored to every body.

Pranayama is the traditional yogic term for breathing practices. Most breath instruction given in yoga classes is meant to encourage a state of "rest and digest." It is generally gentle and relaxing. Conscious, connected breathwork is a specific breathing technique that intentionally stimulates your nervous system for a limited period of time. It is hard work, and the effects are often dramatic and life-changing. If what you want to learn are breath practices that improve focus, relaxation, and awareness, or if you want to work on improving your default breathing patterns, then integrative yoga sessions are a better fit. If you are looking for a more intense experience to rapidly shift your perspective, clear blocks, or release stored emotions, then conscious, connected breathwork will be a great place to start. Most of us benefit from both.

The intensity of this altered state will be perceived differently by each person and at each session. The important thing to know is that you are always in control! You have not ingested a chemical or plant substance. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, you can stop the technique and return to normal breathing, which will quickly bring you back to homeostasis.

Breathwork is a healing modality that is safe and effective for most people. It can be intense, but it's your breath and you always get to decide how to breathe! Having said that, please read the list of contraindications listed below. The beauty of breathwork is that are always in control of your experience. Unlike when taking a chemical or plant substance, the effects of breathwork quickly pass simply by breathing normally. If you become overwhelmed for any reason, you can simply discontinue the technique and breathe slowly through your nose. The only two responses I have seen which may feel uncomfortable are an intense emotional release and a physical symptom called tetany. Tetany is muscular cramping, typically in the hands. It is not harmful, and it passes when the breath returns to normal. Intense emotional experiences will likely feel cathartic and necessary, but they may also feel overwhelming. Remember that you are 100% in charge. You simply return to your normal breath and your body will quickly return to homeostasis.

Yes. Here are some commonly discussed contraindications for this type of breathwork. Please be aware that this list is not meant to be exhaustive. Please check with your doctor before participating if you have questions or concerns. Pregnancy Cardiovascular disease High blood pressure History of aneurisms (including family) Epilepsy or history of seizures History of psychosis Osteoporosis Recent surgery Glaucoma An active addiction Untreated mental illness