Yoga & Vedic Studies
I am a Certified Hatha Yoga teacher and Yoga Therapist, practicing since 1993, teaching since 2003, and training teachers since 2007. I specialize in Vedic Counseling, including Vedic Astrology, incorporating years of experience and training to create an individualized approach for my students physically, mentally, and emotionally. With a background in Special Education, I was immediately drawn to special populations, leading me to develop programs such as yoga for addiction recovery, as well as physical and emotional trauma, including yoga for Neurological conditions. My mission is to make yoga accessible and available to all. I hold credentials with The International Yoga Therapy Association as a C-IAYT and with the Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT 500. Yoga Alliance recognizes our Breathe Into Awareness school of yoga at the 200 and 500-hour levels and is also recognized by The International Association of Yoga Therapy.
Available Therapies & Group Training
I will tailor sessions according to your needs. The options below are examples of what I offer.
Reiki Sessions & Attunements
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese word meaning “universal life energy,” and the intention is to improve the flow of life energy in a person. Reiki practitioners learn to detect and alleviate problems of energy flow on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. There is no wrong way to heal, as Reiki energy does the work flowing safely and intelligently through you. ~Dr. Mikao Usui
As a Reiki Master, I offer Individual Reiki Sessions, as well as attunements through the Master Level.
Vedic Astrology Readings & Coaching
Vedic Astrology, also known as Jyotish or the Eye of the Vedas, is an ancient Indian practice that explores how the movement of celestial bodies influences human life. This significant tradition, based on the sacred texts called the Vedas, provides valuable guidance for personal growth, making informed choices, and managing life’s challenges.
At the core of Vedic Astrology is the Kundali, or birth chart, which shows the positions of planets at one’s birth along with the Grahas, or planets, and the twelve Rashis, or zodiac signs, each representing unique traits. It also includes the twelve Bhavas, or houses, that reflect different aspects of life, while the Dasha system describes the planetary cycles that affect an individual’s journey.
The concept of Drishti explains how planets relate to one another, and Gochara considers the effects of current planetary movements.
Vedic astrology aims to enhance self-awareness, assess relationship compatibility during significant moments, and improve decision-making and behavior patterns. It sets itself apart from Western astrology by using a Sidereal Zodiac, focusing on lunar influences, and offering specific remedies to mitigate adverse planetary effects and greater awareness of strengths.
- Birth Chart
- Karma Path
- Yearly Varshaphal/Transit
*See Coaching Page for Pricing
Somatic Experiencing Therapy
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented approach to healing trauma developed by Dr. Peter Levine in the 1970s. It focuses on the mind-body connection and aims to help individuals process and release trauma stored in the body. The approach is based on the understanding that trauma can lead to various physical and emotional symptoms if not fully processed. SE recognizes that trauma often manifests as physical sensations, stored energy, and tension in the body. Therefore, it emphasizes the importance of attending to bodily sensations during the healing process.
I am a Level I student in training and, since 2016, have experienced profound improvement through my personal journey of healing from PTSD.
SE is beneficial for:
- Trauma Recovery: SE is commonly used to help individuals recover from various forms of trauma, including childhood abuse, accidents, natural disasters, and military combat experiences.
- Anxiety and Depression: By addressing somatic symptoms, SE can help alleviate anxiety and depression associated with unresolved trauma.
- Chronic Pain and Illness: SE can be beneficial for individuals suffering from chronic pain or health issues that may have underlying trauma-related components.
- Performance Enhancement: SE techniques can support athletes, performers, and others in high-pressure situations by increasing body awareness and emotional resilience.
Yoga Asana Lab: Anatomy of Movement, Making Yoga Practice Approachable for All
As seasoned yoga practitioners, we often forget fundamental aspects of yoga. Many seasoned students have said this module has made them aware of adopted habits that were not healthy for their bodies.
This module teaches you how to modify for beginning yoga students, those with limited range of motion, and various body types. You will receive handouts from our successful yoga series, which is carefully planned so that each lesson builds skills for a holistic and therapeutic approach to yoga.
The Bhagavad Gita
Ever wonder why you are here? How to move through the conflicting battle in your own mind? Albert Einstein himself wrote: “When I read The Bhagavad-Gita and reflect about how God created this universe everything else seems so superfluous.”
This workshop consists of seven lessons, taking you on an ancient journey applicable to present times.
1. Yoga vs. Renunciation
2. Sattva vs. Rajas
3. Karma vs. Dharma
4. Proof vs. Faith
5. Theory vs. Action
6. Seen vs. Unseen
7. Jnana vs. Vijanana
Combining Theory with Practice, The Hatha Yoga Pradipika & Asana Stories
Hatha Yoga Pradipika is said to be the oldest surviving text on Hatha Yoga. It was written by Swami Svatmarama in the 15th century CE, drawing upon previous texts as well as his own experiences. This text teaches us to the meaning and purpose of Hatha Yoga.
Beyond the physical benefits Asana provides, the mythology/stories behind them provide a bridge from our outer world into our inner world when we apply the deeper meaning. Rooted in Indian culture, the ancient myths and symbols represented in the stories apply to our modern lives, offering the realization of untapped wisdom both physiologically as well as psychologically.
Yoga Teacher Training: 200 Hour Breathe Into Awareness Foundations
- Emphasis on Hatha, Vinyasa Yoga, and Restorative
- Accessible Practice Anatomy & Physiology (Emphasis on Healthy Movement)
- Intro to Subtle or Energetic Anatomy
- Injury Prevention
- Support & Modification for Group Classes (Pregnancy & Common Injuries/Conditions)
- History of Yoga
- The Yoga Sutras
- Intro to Sanskrit
- Intro to Ayurveda
- Asana (Posture) Lab
- Pranayama
- Meditation
- Yoga Nidra
- Intelligent Sequencing & Class Planning
- Business of Yoga
Yoga Teacher Training: 300 Hour Breathe Into Awareness "Graduate" Studies
- Emphasis on Deeper
- Therapeutic Applications
- Anatomy & Physiology of Injuries and Conditions
- Asana, Pranayama, & Meditation for Special Populations
- Yoga for Women
- Yoga for Trauma & Addiction Recovery
- Yoga for Anxiety & Depression
- Yoga for Your Brain (Mindset)
- Yoga for Neurological Conditions (TBI, Stroke/Paralysis, MS etc.)
- Ayurveda-Yoga Chikitsa
- Philosophy-Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika
- Intro to Vedic Astrology
- Thesis Project & Workshop Development
Breathe into Recovery: Yoga for Anxiety & Depression with emphasis on Addiction, Trauma, & Recovery
Yoga practices are proven tools aiding in the ease of the symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as reconnecting those with trauma to their body. Upon completion of the training, teachers will feel confident in sharing with an additional depth of compassionate and educated skills making them highly qualified for positions connected to counseling/treatment facilities, transitional living, and correctional facilities.
* Certification available with completion of The Psychology of a Yoga Practice and The Five Kleshas, as well as self study and practicum.
Ayurveda & YOGA CHIKITSA "YOGA THERAPY" I & II
Yoga Chikitsa is as old as yoga itself and is a holistic approach to what we may consider Western/Eastern Psychology and/or Asana Therapy. Neither of these are complete therapies alone. Yoga Chikitsa considers the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual and offers an individualized program considering the person’s dominate dosha & guna in order to help the individual live a more harmonious life through self-realization and greater connection to the Universe or Cosmic Consciousness. We will explore the physical body & pranic body for greater understanding of the benefits of individualized programs that include an Ayurvedic approach to asana, pranayama, mantra, and mudras for overall well-being.
Part I: The Organic & Subtle Body — Introduction to a Yoga & Ayurveda Practice
Gain a deeper understanding of your body/temperament as it relates to nature, diet, as well as exploration of The Five Vayus. This workshop teaches how to incorporate Ayurveda into your yoga practice.
Part II: Ayurveda, The Mind, and Collective Consciousness
According to Ayurveda, the body is a representation of the mind. The mind plays a critical role in our overall health. Mental toxins and unresolved emotions can lead to disease in the body. For example, chronic anxiety can upset the health of the colon. Consideration of the effects of our environment and culture is explored. This module will combine elements of Part I and Part II of Yoga Chikitsa to formulate an individual Yoga and Ayurvedic Lifestyle plan to follow for 40 days.
Additionally, we will explore Jyotish or Vedic Astrology and how each of the planets represents different spiritual and psychological factors and potentials in your life, as well as how the signs/planets relate to the doshas, gunas. elements, chakras.
* If interested, Full Birth Chart Reading consultations are available for an additional $250. These consultations run for 1.5 to two hours and are specific to your life tendencies and Karmic Lessons. An additional 2 Hours of CEUs can be added.
Yoga for Women
As women, our anatomy and physiology is often not considered as we try to tailor our bodies and practice in such a way that may not be ideal for us. This workshop explores various aspects of yoga for women in different stages of life.
Meditation: Mantra, Mandalas, & Malas
There are various methods of meditation. While our destination for meditation may be similar, our journeys vary. This workshop explores various methods to prepare our minds for meditation.
Yoga For Neurological Health
From Traumatic Brain Injury to Parkinson’s, Yoga, in conjuction with traditional therapies, is a valid complementary management and rehabilitation treatment modality. This workshop explores asana, pranayama, and meditation techniques I have used with
my clients with great success.
Private Sessions
Longer sessions are often used as combo sessions with Reiki and/or a mini Life Coaching session.
“Getting to Know
You” Session
Required for all first-time clients.
$175
for one 90 min. session
Private & Semi-Private
Sessions
Offered for you and/or a small group
60 min – $150
90 min – $175
120 min – $210
additional $20 if adding up to 2 people