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  • In this episode, we explore how yoga practices such as self-awareness, movement, and breath can help navigate grief. Edy shares her personal journey and how it guided her to develop therapeutic practices for others. The discussion includes how grief manifests in the body, the importance of movement and breath in emotional release, and practical tools for therapists to aid clients. We discuss innovative concepts like the Liberation Protocol and sexual grief, offering listeners insightful strategies to handle grief. 

    MEET Edy Nathan

    Edy Nathan MA, LCSWR is an author, public speaker, and licensed therapist. She is an AASECT-certified sex therapist, hypnotherapist, and certified EMDR practitioner with more than 20 years of experience. Edy earned degrees from New York University and Fordham University, with post-graduate training at the Ackerman Institute for Family Therapy. She practices in New York City.  In her expertise as a grief therapist, she interweaves her formal training as a psychotherapist with breathwork, guided imagery, ritual, and storytelling. Trauma, abuse, and grief cause the soul to become imbalanced: The goal of the work is to find emotional calibration or balance to defy the depth of darkness and the grip grief often has on the psyche. She believes that everyone experiences grief throughout their lives. Grief is not just about the death of a loved one, but the losses we experience in life.

    Find out more at Edy Nathan and connect with Edy on Facebook, X, and Instagram

    Unmasking the Pain of Loss: Helping Clients Identify & Work with Grief 

    Trauma-Informed Yoga for Therapists: A Practical Approach

    Understanding how the body holds griefThe concept of sexual griefEmpathy and self-awareness in griefPractical breathing techniques for anxietyUnderstanding anxiety and the nervous system The power of journaling for griefBreath work practices for self-regulation
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  • In this episode, I discuss common fears and uncertainties therapists face when integrating yoga into their clinical practice. I will offer practical advice on how to integrate trauma-informed yoga practices into sessions confidently and ethically, even without extensive yoga training. I will go over simple practices like breath awareness and grounding which can significantly enhance emotional and nervous system regulation for clients. I also discuss ways to introduce yoga to clients, whether in-person or via telehealth, the importance of informed consent, and client safety. 

    Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS

    Trauma-Informed Yoga for Therapists: A Practical Approach

    "Teaching clients to be more self-aware, aware of their thoughts, their energy levels, where are they in this room, this moment? Those simple questions can help bring awareness, which is yoga practices.”

    Understanding therapist's hesitationsNormalizing fears and building confidencePractical yoga integration techniquesEthical considerations and informed consentBuilding confidence through practice
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    How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

    Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

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  • In this episode, we discuss how to harness anger in a healthy and embodied way through yoga. We will look at various techniques using movement, breath, and sound to express and release anger. This episode includes a guided practice to help therapists introduce these methods to their clients and understand their own emotional regulation. We will also look at the cultural and social barriers to expressing anger, and the importance of recognizing anger as an energy that needs to be acknowledged and processed. 

    Episode 122 What Is Grief Yoga? | How To Use It In Sessions Today: Interview with Paul Denniston

    Trauma-Informed Yoga for Therapists: A Practical Approach

    " When we allow anger to move through us, we create space for clarity, relief, and balance. We restore balance in our nervous system, freeing up energy that was once trapped in frustration or tension." -Chris McDonald

    Connect With Me

    Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

    Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast

    Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room

    TikTok: @YogaChris58

    Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify

    How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

    Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS

    Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

    Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

  • In this episode, we explore Thought Field Therapy (TFT) and its applications for first responders experiencing chronic stress. Guest Robert Bray, a traumatic stress recovery expert, joins us to discuss his extensive experience and the efficacy of TFT, a technique that alleviates negative emotions by stimulating meridian treatment points. We discuss combining TFT with parts work and yoga to help clients manage anxiety, regulate their nervous systems, and build resilience. Robert outlines how TFT can be integrated with other therapies, offering practical advice and methods to bring yoga into therapy sessions effectively.

    MEET Robert Bray

    Robert L. Bray, Ph.D., LCSW has worked in the field of traumatic stress recovery for over 40 years. Beginning as a volunteer on a crisis hotline and throughout his professional career, he has always focused on the impact of traumatic stress on the mental and physical health of individuals, families, and communities. Dr. Bray has extensive experience as a clinician helping in recovery from natural disasters, criminal acts, and domestic violence of all types. He has been training, writing, and developing Thought Field Therapy since 1996. Dr. Bray’s book “Heal Traumatic Stress NOW: Complete Recovery with Thought Field Therapy – No Open Wounds” provides a consumer-friendly self-help guide to anyone struggling with overwhelming stress. He is also an approved ICISF trainer. https://rlbray.com/ 

    Find out more at Thought Field Therapy Center and connect with Robert on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube

    Take this 9-question personal self-assessment to discover where you are on your journey and how to move forward with our special tools for more easeUnderstanding Thought Field TherapyLive Demonstration of TFTMemory Consolidation and Trauma ResponseMemory Reconsolidation Techniques Understanding Trauma in First RespondersInner Child Work and TappingYoga and Tapping Integration
    Connect With Me 

    Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

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    How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the...

  • In this episode, we explore the vital concept of self-compassion, specifically tailored for therapists. Learn about why self-compassion prevents burnout and compassion fatigue, backed by research studies from pioneers like Kristen Neff and Mark Leary. Discover simple, practical yoga-based self-compassion exercises to integrate into both personal self-care routines and therapy sessions with clients. 

    "The more we do these, the more we are changing our neural pathways to move towards more self-compassion. It's going to take some time, so give yourself grace.”

    The Importance of Self-Compassion for TherapistsDefining Self-CompassionSelf-Compassion Practices for TherapistsSelf-Compassion Exercises
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    How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

    Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS

    Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

    Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

  • In this episode, we explore the integration of polyvagal theory with yoga practices to enhance therapeutic approaches. Joined by Dr. Arielle Schwartz, a recognized expert in trauma-informed care, the discussion delves into the benefits of combining gentle yoga movements, breathwork, and mindfulness to help clients achieve safety, connection, and calm. Dr. Schwartz shares her journey into yoga and polyvagal theory, its application in therapy, and practical tools for therapists to incorporate these practices safely and ethically. 

    MEET Dr. Arielle Schwartz

    Arielle Schwartz, PhD, CCTP-II, E-RYT, is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified complex trauma professional, EMDR Consultant, and Kripalu yoga teacher. She is an internationally sought-out speaker, a leading voice in the field of trauma recovery, and the author of eight books including The Complex PTSD Workbook, EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychology, The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook, and Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga.   As the founder of the Center for Resilience Informed Therapy, she offers an integrative, mind-body approach to therapy that includes relational therapy, somatic psychology, EMDR Therapy, parts-work therapy, and therapeutic yoga for trauma. She specializes in applied polyvagal theory which focuses on addressing imbalances within the autonomic nervous system that underlie most mental and physical health conditions.   Dr. Schwartz provides informational mental health and wellness updates through her writing, public speaking, social media presence, and blog. She believes that the journey of trauma recovery is an awakening of the spiritual heart. Learn more at www.drarielleschwartz.com and www.resilienceinformedtherapy.com

    Find out more at Dr. Arielle Schwartz and Center for Resilience Informed Therapy®

    2-Day: Transform Trauma Recovery with Polyvagal Theory: Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Certification Training

    Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma Recovery Flip Chart: A Psychoeducational Tool for Embodied Healing through the Lens of Applied Polyvagal Theory

    Exploring Polyvagal Theory and YogaDaily Yoga Practices and Polyvagal TheoryPhases of Trauma RecoveryMindful Mobilization and Sympathetic Nervous SystemClient-Centered Approach in TherapyEthical Considerations in Therapeutic Practices
    Connect With Me 

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  • In this episode, we discuss the art of helping clients navigate physical discomfort safely and effectively. We look at the practice of titration, a technique to manage challenging body sensations without overwhelming clients. Annabelle shares her journey into yoga and somatic practices, insights on recognizing signs of dysregulation, and practical yoga-based techniques for fostering body awareness and resilience. We also discuss trauma-informed care, the importance of play and creativity in therapy, and offer a grounding orientation practice to connect with one's surroundings. We look at valuable tools for therapists interested in integrating somatic approaches and yoga into their practice, ensuring safe and transformative client experiences.

    MEET Annabelle Coote

    Annabelle Coote is a seasoned somatic therapist who loves weaving together the art and science of therapy. She helps both clients and therapists discover the joy and fulfillment of creative and experiential work.   A licensed mental health therapist, board-certified dance/movement therapist, and certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, she is the founder of Movement Matters Integrative Psychotherapy. Annabelle is the author of book chapters on depression, trauma, and telehealth and is a frequent presenter at conferences and summits. She offers individual and group consultation to help therapists integrate somatic approaches in their work.   Her interests include mindfulness, neurobiology, trauma, anxiety, women’s issues, life transitions, cultivating creativity, and therapist resilience. She is known for her humor, quirky metaphors, spontaneous creativity, kind compassion, and the conviction that profound transformation happens in very tiny steps.

    Find out more at Somatic Matters and connect with Annabelle on TikTok

    Understanding Titration in TherapyChallenges of Body Discomfort in TherapyTrauma-Informed Somatic PracticesPractical Techniques for Managing DiscomfortTitration in Yoga PracticesHandling Overwhelm and Sensation in Clients
    Connect With Me 

    Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

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    How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

    Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald,...

  • In today’s,” Yoga Snack,” I will guide listeners through a simple mindfulness meditation practice. Designed to help therapists integrate yoga into their practice and enhance self-care, this episode offers valuable insights into the benefits of mindfulness meditation, practical tips for staying present, and a guided meditation that can be easily incorporated into daily routines.

    " It is the practice of bringing your attention to the present moment and bringing a sense of curiosity, of wonder into the moment without judging yourself." -Chris McDonald

    Connect With Me

    Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

    Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast

    Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room

    TikTok: @YogaChris58

    Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify

    How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

    Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS

    Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

    Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

  • In this episode, We explore how integrating joy and yoga into therapy sessions can enhance attunement with clients. Terry shares her yoga journey and provides practical, simple yoga movements and practices to help therapists and clients access joy, reduce stress, and promote connection and vitality. The episode also focuses on gentle yoga, the importance of service, gratitude, play, and rest, and a discussion on laughter yoga and playful movement exercises.

    MEET Terry Littlefield

    Terry is the creator of Postures Breath & Joy. Her mission is to help people, especially those of us mid-century and beyond, get moving, get breathing, and get to know and share joy on the regular. She teaches with heart and humor and endless hours of education.  Terry is a lifelong learner.  She believes laughter is the best medicine and an essential part of any movement practice. Her classes blend science and spirit, breath work and belly laughs, movement and breath work/meditation. She began studying/practicing yoga in 2003 and hasn't looked back, She is an E-RYT-500 yoga teacher; Level 1 Girls Gone Strong coach; Trained in Yoga Tune Up, Somatics & Restorative, Laughter Yoga, Reiki, Tapping, and more. 

    Find out more at Terry Littlefield and connect with Terry on Instagram, YouTube,  and Facebook

    Discovering Gentle YogaIncorporating Joy and PlayThe Power of Attunement and Laughter YogaJoyful Movement PracticesGrounding Through Toe Exercises
    Connect With Me 

    Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

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    TikTok: @YogaChris58

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    How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

    Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

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  • In this episode, we discuss the integration of yoga into mental health sessions. I will go over three key strategies for incorporating yoga practices, including grounding, breathwork, and asana, in a trauma-informed and ethical manner. This episode features detailed case studies and snapshots that illustrate transformational results in therapy, addressing anxiety, chronic worry, developmental trauma, and anger. I will also share practical tips on planning yoga practices, using organic approaches, and inviting clients to direct their own movements, empowering therapists to bring yoga into their practice safely and effectively.

    " It can be intimidating to move from traditional talk therapy to a more somatic body-based approach with trauma-informed yoga or somatic practices. It's just out of most of our comfort zone until we get used to doing it and learn more about it. ”

    Basics of Integrating Yoga into TherapyCase Studies: Real-Life Applications
    Connect With Me

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    How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

    Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

    Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

  • In this episode, we explore how yoga-inspired practices can help therapists and clients manage anxiety. We discuss grounding techniques like breathwork, mudras, and simple movements that are easily integrated into therapy sessions. Joanna shares her journey with yoga, starting from personal stress relief to incorporating it into her trauma-informed therapy practice. We discuss the importance of trauma-informed care and customizable, accessible practices for clients with varied needs. 

    MEET Joanna Barrett

    Joanna Barrett is a Nationally Certified Counselor in the United States, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Massachusetts), a Licensed Professional Counselor (Pennsylvania and Virginia), and an Emotional Wellness Yoga Instructor. Through her comprehensive approach, Joanna also provides Professional Mentorship and Consultation for yoga instructors and mental health professionals.  Joanna helps her clients manage high stress, busy lifestyles, anxiety, depression, past traumas, and challenging relationships. She offers traditional therapy and trauma-informed yoga, creating a safe, judgment-free environment for clients to openly explore their inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences.  Her approach combines the therapeutic modalities of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Expressive Arts Therapies, and therapeutic yoga. This allows her to tailor sessions to each client's unique needs and foster a collaborative healing journey.  Joanna earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has completed over 1,000 hours of specialized yoga training. She is also a passionate advocate for mental health as an Ambassador with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation and for animals through Second Chance Animal Services in Massachusetts, where she created a fund to help families adopt dogs.  As a consultant to organizations and a seasoned conference presenter, Joanna shares her knowledge of stress management and mental health nationwide. She is also a published writer and guest expert on podcasts, where she provides insights on emotional well-being and holistic wellness to a global audience.  Clients who work with Joanna experience a range of powerful outcomes. They often report a greater sense of inner peace, resilience, and emotional balance, finding new ways to manage stress and nurture positive relationships. With Joanna’s support, clients build deeper self-awareness, make progress in healing from past traumas, and establish routines that promote well-being and prevent burnout. Her yoga-informed techniques also help clients reconnect with their bodies, enhancing grounding, nervous system regulation, and releasing stored emotional tension.  Ultimately, Joanna's clients learn how to live more fully and authentically, equipped with lasting tools to thrive both mentally and physically. Her goal is to empower them to create intentional, fulfilling lives so they can embrace each day with renewed purpose and joy.

    Find out more at Joanna Barrett Therapy & Wellness and connect with Joanna on Facebook and Instagram

    Yoga Practices for Anxiety ReliefBreathwork Techniques for Emotional RegulationIncorporating Asana Practices in TherapyPractical Tips for TherapistsMudra for Anxiety Relief
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  • In this encore episode with Jenna Little, we explore trauma-informed yoga and story work. We discuss how these practices can be integrated to support deep healing through the mind-body connection, emphasizing the importance of invitational language, pacing, and somatic practices. Jenna shares her journey, insights on using yoga in therapeutic settings, and effective ways to process trauma and enhance self-awareness. 

    MEET Jenna Little

    Jenna Little is a Somatic Therapist, trauma-informed Yoga Teacher, and Registered Dietitian who has a passion for integrative and holistic healing. She blends many modalities for a unique embodied healing process that supports and empowers clients to come home to their bodies, souls, spirit, and story for healing, wholeness, and freedom. She works with individuals as well as offers several groups and yoga classes including her signature Yoga For Healing intensive. She finds meaning in raising her 3 daughters as well as running her business and balancing her sacred work in the world.

    Find out more at Jennal Little, and connect with Jenna on Instagram

    Understanding Trauma-Informed Yoga and Story WorkIntegrating Yoga and Story Work in TherapyDefining Trauma-Informed YogaPractical Applications in TherapyUsing Visual Tools in TherapyCommunity and Group Healing
    Connect With Me

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    Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast

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    How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

    Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

    Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

  • In this encore episode, Kim Bevans shares her expertise on incorporating somatic interventions into traditional talk therapy, exploring common misconceptions and the profound healing impact of therapists using their own embodiment. We discuss practical tips for therapists looking to enrich their toolkit with somatic techniques and emphasize the importance of therapists having their own movement practices. We also look at various somatic interventions, including movement, identifying body sensations, and using expressive therapy approaches. 

    MEET Kim Bevans

    Kim Bevans is a body-oriented therapist and Embodiment Expert. Kim received her master's degree from Columbia College Chicago in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling. Kim is a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts. Kim provides therapy to women who over-intellectualize, spend too much time in their thinking minds, and feel emotionally overwhelmed. Kim helps women hear the call in their bodies and hearts to facilitate deeper connection, understanding, and healing within themselves. Her private practice is in Boston, Massachusetts.  Based on her years of embodied clinical experience and ongoing learning, Kim provides education and consultation for therapists who want to level up their mind-body toolbox. 

    Find out more at Kim Bevans, and connect with Kim on Instagram

    Exploring Somatic InterventionsThe Importance of Therapist's EmbodimentPersonalized Approach to TherapyBuilding Comfort and TrustSuccess Stories with Somatic Interventions
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    TikTok: @YogaChris58

    Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify

    How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

    Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

    Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

  • In today’s” Yoga Snack,” we focus on practical mindfulness techniques to help navigate the holiday season with greater peace and intention. I share simple yet effective practices, including gratitude rituals, sensory walks, and breathing exercises, aimed at cultivating presence amidst the busy season. 

    " One thing I've reflected on over the years is to really pause, step back, and think about what are my expectations for the holiday season. What do I want to cultivate and bring in? Do I want to bring in that stressful energy? How can I find more calm?”

    Connect With Me

    Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

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    TikTok: @YogaChris58

    Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify

    How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

    Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

    Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

  • In this episode, we explore the transformative effects of combining EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) with yoga for trauma healing. We discuss the science behind EMDR, its protocols, and the benefits of integrating mindful movement, breathwork, and body awareness practices from yoga. This episode will share a practical yoga session and examples of how these modalities enhance therapeutic outcomes, fostering a sense of empowerment and embodiment in clients.

    MEET Paula Soto

    Paula Soto LCSW, LISW-CP, ERYT200, YACEP/Paula owns Intersections Wellness and Intersections Wellness Intensive Treatment. She offers EMDR intensives, adjunct EMDR therapy, trauma-focused yoga instruction, consultation, continuing education, and program development. Paula serves therapy clients in PA and SC. 

    Find out more at Intersections Wellness 

     Integrating Yoga and EMDR in TherapyThe EMDR Reprocessing Session ExplainedChallenges and Considerations in EMDR Therapy Integrating Yoga with EMDR TherapyTailoring Yoga Practices to Client NeedsChair Yoga Demonstration
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    Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

    Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast

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    TikTok: @YogaChris58

    Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify

    How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

    Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

    Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

  • In today’s episode, we discuss how therapists can integrate simple, trauma-informed breathing techniques into clinical sessions to help clients regulate their nervous systems, reduce anxiety, and reconnect with their bodies. We will go into the benefits of breathwork and safety considerations. I will also share practical examples of breathwork practices for you to try in your therapy sessions. We also discuss the importance of using these techniques preventatively, how to individualize practices for clients and offer guidance on incorporating these methods ethically and safely. 

    "Breathwork is one of the simplest, most effective tools you can offer your clients. It can help with racing thoughts, soothe heightened emotions, and create moments of calm, even in the most overwhelming situations.”

    The Power of Breathwork in TherapyPreventative Breathwork PracticesSafety Considerations for BreathworkSimple Breathwork Techniques

    Cyclic breathing: Why experts say just 5 minutes a day can reduce stress

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    Sign up for my FREE email course: How to Build Confidence As A Holistic Counselor

    Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

    Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

  • In this episode, we explore the profound connection between yoga and creativity. Guest Puja Shah, a writer and yoga enthusiast, discusses how practices like asanas and pranayama can unleash creative potential and serve as coping tools for mental health. Puja shares her journey with yoga, insights on how it influenced her writing, and yoga's therapeutic benefits for therapists and their clients. The episode also includes a practical demonstration of the Brahmari Pranayama for fostering creativity. 

    MEET Puja Shah

    Puja is a visionary poet who shares her voice through fiction, spoken word poetry, guided meditations, and teaching. Puja holds a D.M.D. doctorate degree and has completed multiple training courses in yoga, meditation, and ancient wisdom. She teaches corporate mindfulness guided meditations and is the author of the multiple award-winning novel For My Sister focuses on girls' rights. 

    Find out more at Puja Shah and connect with Puja on Instagram and at For My Sister

    Yoga and CreativityIntegrating Yoga into TherapyThe Power of Letting Go in YogaMindfulness and Emotional ReleaseCreating Space for Self-CareA Yoga Practice for Creativity
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    TikTok: @YogaChris58

    Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify

    Sign up for my FREE email course: How to Build Confidence As A Holistic Counselor

    Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

    Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

  • In today’s” Yoga Snack,” we focus on a Pranayama practice called color breathing. This practice combines breathwork with visualization to help clients manage stress, connect with their inner world, and achieve greater self-awareness. We discuss how therapists can integrate these techniques into their sessions, providing clients with easy-to-implement tools to enhance their well-being. 

    "This is something you could do while you’re driving, you can do them while you're in a waiting room, and we can do them as we take breaks during the day as therapists for our own self-care”

    Colour For Health

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    Sign up for my FREE email course: How to Build Confidence As A Holistic Counselor

    Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

    Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

  • In this episode of Yoga in the Therapy Room, we explore the ancient practice of mudras—symbolic hand gestures used in yoga and meditation to channel life force energy. We discuss the origins, benefits, and practical applications of various mudras, including their potential to enhance mood, and focus, and reduce stress. This guide is designed for therapists looking to integrate these techniques into their practice and individuals interested in incorporating them into their self-care routines. This episode walks you through mudras like Anjali, Gyan, Dhyana, and Apana and the benefits of each of these techniques.

    " If we go back to interoception and noticing what's going on in our body if we have our hands in a mudra, we can feel the sensations of the fingertips touching, the placement of the hands if they're on the lap. Just even connecting with that alone can be grounding or a mindfulness practice." -Chris McDonald

    Understanding Mudras: Definition and BenefitsExploring the Elements and Origins of MudrasPractical Applications and Benefits of MudrasGuided Mudra Practices Integrating Mudras into Therapy and Self-Care
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  • In this episode, we discuss how yoga can be a powerful tool for nervous system regulation, particularly for therapists and their clients dealing with trauma and anxiety. Amanda, a mental health therapist and yoga instructor, shares her journey into yoga and offers practical insights into bringing yoga into the therapy room. She highlights the importance of an intuitive approach and provides a hands-on yoga practice to help you experience the benefits firsthand. Amanda also discusses the integration of various therapeutic theories with yoga, emphasizing the role of self-care and the therapist's own nervous system regulation. 

    MEET Amanda Baker

    Amanda believes that we are more authentic as our child-like selves than we are as an adult. We are more likely to share our truth and live our truth as children, but who says we have to stop? Amanda is a mental health therapist, 500hr yoga instructor, and poet. She integrates mental health, yoga, creativity, and writing into her work and daily life. Amanda has worked in the clinical field of social work for over 10 years and in the last five she has utilized yoga psychology as a framework for treating mental health diagnoses, symptoms, and mind-body restoration. Amanda came back to her child-like passions just before the pandemic as she embarked on basic yoga teaching training and writing poetry daily. She loved music, dance, and writing as a kid. In coming back to self with her interests she stumbled on the healing benefits of these inner resources in self. Your mind, your body, and your heart. Amanda offers therapeutic yoga workshops, classes, and one-on-one therapy in Baltimore, MD. She also has two published poetry books, entitled ASK: A Collection of Poetry, Lyrics, and Words as well as "What Is Another Word for Intimacy" which can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Yellow Arrow Publishing. Apply

    Find out more at Amanda Baker Writes and connect with Amanda on Instagram and at Fire Fly Counseling Collective

    ASK: A Collection of Poetry, Lyrics, and Words by Amanda Baker

    Amanda Baker Patreon

    Integrating Yoga into TherapyNervous System Regulation through YogaClinical Theories and YogaPractical Applications and TechniquesEmbodying Confidence Through Yoga PracticeTherapist Self-Care and Client ConnectionTrauma-Informed Yoga PracticesGuided Yoga Practice for Listeners
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