somatic yoga therapist | musician | embodied guide
1:1 Somatic Yoga Therapy ~ Whole Person Healing
Somatic yoga therapy is a unique approach to body centred healing that aims to support the whole person through personalised application of the practices and principles of Yoga. Central to the Yoga tradition is the understanding that all of life (and health) is interconnected and exists in relationship; the systems of the Body, Spirit, Earth & Culture all intermingle and influence one another.
Whilst a general yoga class might help us feel better in some ways, not all yoga is supportive to what is arising in our life and can sometimes even exacerbate mind/body symptoms. Somatic Yoga Yherapy is a unique 1:1 space that deepens to the heart of intention with attention; we are trained to integrate modern research and medical science with ancient wisdom and practice. We work together to clarify your needs and co-create practices and experience for you to feel like more of an active participant in your own healing.
In these sessions there are various entry points:
compassionate conversation and self inquiry, movement practices, breath work, self awareness, attunement to sensation, feeling and thought; all within confidential space. I work somatically and continue to train in this field, meaning, I am guided by the intelligence of what is happening now in your body within the context of a session. To work somatically is not to override what’s arising or look for a different experience but to turn towards what is arising as the very experience that is calling out for presence, enquiry and empathy.
I have also found support in practices such as creative writing, voice work and intuitive movement. If the desire it there, these are also woven into sessions but it really depends on you and what you wanting and willing to explore.
My areas of experience are
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Supporting fear, anxiety and overwhelm
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Holding space for loss, grief and major life transitions like job loss, relocation, or changes in relationship
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Rest, relaxation and embodied connection for women through peri-menopause, menopause and beyond
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Working with menstrual complexities and pelvic and lower back pain
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Supporting sleeping issues and developing healthy day/night time routines to facilitate deeper sleep
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Compassionate inquiry and befriending of parts of self that are inhibiting creative flow and freedom - perfectionism, self critique, sabotage and judgement
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Holistic pelvic care for women who have experienced loss, birth trauma, vaginismus, pain or numbness
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Practices and enquiry to deepen self intimacy and pleasure
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Managing anger & relational resentments - channeling, expressing and establishing clear boundaries
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Restorative yoga for deep relaxation
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Supporting chronic pain & fatigue, fibromyalgia and auto-immune conditions
Sessions give you the chance to turn towards what is coming up for you in your body and life. There may be a similar theme that weaves through or we might start somewhere and then naturally follow through to somewhere else.
Sometimes there are practices to work with at home and other times the session might just exist on its own, either option is fine. This is guided your capacity and needs.
Please note that whilst I have training in complex trauma and work sensitively with trauma, I may not be the right fit if you are wanting support specifically with a traumatic event(s). Yoga Therapy sometimes works best in tandem with other modality’s, so I may refer you to another practitioner if I feel they are more suited. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you are unsure.
Where we begin is with an initial consultation, which involves finding more information about your current situation and needs. Depending on what they are, this session will most likely include exploration of range of movement, postures and breathing.
Currently I am not offering 1:1 therapy but will be back in practice soon.
Please feel free to email any interest to ellenaster3@gmail.com