Degrees: BA (Psychology), BSW, MSW.
First Year Practice:
1992
Languages Served:
English
Clinical Specialties:
Acute/Chronic Physical Illness
Grief/Trauma/Loss
NonClinical Specialties:
Consulting/Group Facilitation
Staff Training/Development
Conducting Workshops/Seminars
Age Groups Served:
Adults
Older Adults
Specialized Training:
Certified Yoga Teacher (200 hour); Trauma-Sensitive Yoga; Yoga for Pelvic Health; Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (Aphasia Institute); Advanced Social Work Practice with Older Adults (OASW certificate); & Level 1 Multidisciplinary Palliative Care Education.
Personal Statement:
Yoga is a powerful tool that I apply to promote mental health and recovery among my clients who have experienced trauma, grief and loss, stress, anxiety or depression. Specifically, I use breathing exercises, gentle movement and meditation to calm the nervous system. As a result, I help people create the internal conditions for healing and growth by fostering a mind-body connection.
I became a yoga teacher in order to enhance the therapeutic skills I gained from 25 years of working in mainly long-term care and community support settings providing education and support groups. I practice trauma-sensitive yoga, which is an approach that provides a safe, accepting environment where clients feel in control and are not expected to talk about what has happened to them. Thus, trauma-sensitive yoga can be an excellent complement to talk therapy. Modifications are offered for individual physical and comfort needs. My clients always have the choice to opt out of any practice that does not feel right for them. I do not do physical assists unless absolutely necessary, and then, only with permission. Trauma-sensitive yoga helps my clients learn how to release tension, notice what is happening in their bodies, tolerate physical sensations and gain better control over their emotions. My motto is “learn, grow, thrive”. In this atmosphere of safety, my clients have the opportunity to learn how their body and mind can work together, grow from their challenges, and thrive in life. I love working with people who have never tried yoga before, think they can’t do yoga or have had a negative experience in the past. I offer in person private sessions for individual and couples, group classes, workshops, as well as custom themed classes.
In addition, I teach yoga for female pelvic wellness. Yoga can address the anxiety and stress that often accompanies pelvic health conditions. Please contact me for a complementary 15-minute consultation to discuss your specific needs or goals and how yoga might help!
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