Experts Agree That Yoga is a Powerful Intervention in a Somatic Approach
The process of traditional psychotherapy, particularly with trauma survivors, can be slow and sometimes ineffective. Psychotherapists have begun to turn their attention to the healing potential of the client's somatic experience as well as their emotions and thoughts. This approach is also being used successfully to enhance the treatment of anxiety and depression. Recent research by Bessel van der Kolk, MD, and Richard Miller, PhD, indicates that yoga is a powerful intervention in a somatic approach.

This webinar introduces mental health professionals to simple chair yoga postures which can be used with clients who are engaged in any therapy modality. These yoga postures also offer relaxation and self-care to the practitioners themselves. Participants will receive a script of the posture sequence and be able to experience it on their own.

Course Content

A. The Connection Between Yoga and Neuroscience
  1. Recent research
  2. Functioning of Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
  3. Triune Brain Model
  4. Description of ANS dysregulation
  5. Goals of ANS regulation: The “Window of Tolerance”
B. What is Yoga?
  1. Definition from classic text
  2. Raja Yoga (The Royal Path)
C. Trauma-Informed Chair Yoga
  1. Key aspects of practice
    a. Focus on the breath
    b. Coordination between breath and movement
    c. Focus on body sensations
    d. Bi-lateral positions
    e. Holding posture still
    f. Relaxation between each posture
  2. Elements of Trauma-Informed Yoga
    a. Environment
    b. Structure
    c. Teacher qualities
    d. Assists
    e. Language
    f. Choices
  3. Other Physiological Benefits of Yoga Postures
  4. Other Benefits of Yoga for Psychotherapy