Jennifer Duncan
C-IAYT / RYT 500
Yoga Therapy
What is a Yoga Therapist?
A C-IAYT (Certified - International Association Yoga Therapist) must complete a minimum of 800 hours of training with an accredited school to learn the therapeutic application of yogic practices and generally work with clients one-on-one or in specialized group yoga classes focused on a specific health condition. Continuing education is required to maintain C-IAYT status.
Yoga Therapy...
Offers a personalized plan for overall well-being to unify each of the five layers of being (physical, energetic/subtle, mental/emotional, wisdom & bliss) and is a wonderful way to augment medical or mental health care.
Each Yoga Therapy plan is specific to the person based on their unique set of needs. There is no cookie-cutter. As a Yoga Therapist, I am highly trained to know which tool to use and when.
Is it your first time doing yoga? Limited flexibility? Good news! Yoga does not discriminate. Every BODY can do yoga! As a yoga therapist, I am trained in many different types of yoga including chair, restorative, yoga nidra, yin, and gentle. Yoga meets you where you are!!
What type of conditions can Yoga Therapy help?
Chronic physical pain Arthritis Autoimmune disease Sleep/Insomnia High Blood Pressure Diabetes Long Covid Heart Disease Back pain Sciatica Chronic Fatigue Cancer Fertility Pregnancy Loss Menopause Healthy Aging Osteopenia & Osteoporosis Grief & Loss Depression & Anxiety Stress Management Addiction Trauma & PTSD
Yoga therapy utilizes many tools to achieve goals, including:
Asana (physical postures) Pranayama (breathing practices) Mudras (hand gestures) Visualization Meditation Journaling Yogic Philosophy Time in nature
Benefits of Yoga Therapy Include:
Management/reduction of physical pain Increased Range of Motion Improved Posture Improve Gait and Balance Improve Proprioception Develop Self-Awareness/ Interoception Identify Patterns Stress management Reduce Anxiety Reduce Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Activity Increase Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) Activity Improve Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Cultivate Self-Compassion Increase Feelings of Contentment Nurture a Spiritual Practice
Here are some key ingredients to make Yoga Therapy successful:
Honest communication Embracing change Being committed to yourself Consistency A desire to learn A willingness to try new things An understanding that time takes time
How do I begin?
The first step is to contact me to schedule your complimentary 20-minute discovery call. Next, you will need to complete an intake questionnaire. Once I receive your completed intake questionnaire, an intake interview and assessment will be scheduled. Together we will review your concerns and goals to develop your personalized treatment plan. I work with clients in person and via Zoom.
You will need to set aside time in between sessions for assignments. In general, assignments will be 30 minutes or less per day to start. It is also important to attend regular yoga therapy sessions either weekly or bi-weekly. Sessions run 60-90 minutes.
What is “IAYT”? The International Association of Yoga Therapists is a non-profit organization that certifies individuals who have completed an IAYT-accredited yoga therapy program.
Please visit www.IAYT.org if you are interested in learning more about their organization and the C-IAYT designation. Please visit www.yogatherapy.health if you are interested in learning more about yoga therapy.