I have 40 years of yoga experience. I offer ongoing public classes, workshops and retreats in Sonoma County, and teacher-trainings and consultation. Over the years I have worked with a wide variety of students from ages 14-80 years old, all kinds of fitness levels, and a wide range of physical limitations and injuries. Pranayama I, II and III “Prana is the energy permeating the Universe at all levels. It is physical, mental, intellectual, sexual, spiritual and cosmic energy. All vibrating energies are prana. It is energy which creates, protects, and destroys.” - BKS Iyengar In this series of three 4-week modules we will begin to explore the connections between body, breath and mind, using a variety of pranayama practices including the three yogic bandhas, antara and bahya kumbaka, jiva mudra, bhastrika and nadi shodana. In each class we will employ some asana work, sometimes vigorous, then slow it down with inversions and/or supported chest-openers, and finally practice various pranayamas in the lying-down, seated and standing positions. We will also incorporate some powerful complementary techniques assimilated from Chinese taoist yoga, not found in Indian hatha yoga.

Simply put, “Yoga + Therapy = Balance”. Yoga is perhaps the oldest modality of somatic psychology and it has truly stood the test of time with modern Western research suppporting its many benefits in treating a wide variety of ailments and conditions that impact our mind/body/energy/spirit. My intention for these one-on-one sessions is that you, the client, are able to establish a deeper appreciation for your TRUE SELF. My approach in Yoga Therapy is to first meet with you for an initial assessment where we discuss the presenting issue (i.e. anxiety, stress, body image, substance use, grief) and establish specific physical, emotional and energetic goals. I offer you a thorough and efficient intake health assessment before working collaboratively with you to establish goals. I treat you with full acceptance and lovingkindness. I offer you supportive coaching through Pranayama breathwork, a series of traditional poses (asana) and a final relaxation. I may recommend other traditional yoga therapy modalities that can include stress reduction techniques such as yoga nidra (see sidebar for description), guided imagery meditation and Shatkarma. A typical session is 75 minutes and that allows for time to engage in a therapeutic discussion as well as guidance and coaching around the client’s yoga practice. A typical session will also include any of the aforementioned yoga techniques, including a mindfulness breathing component and a guided deep relaxation, or yoga nidra. By combining the traditional philosophies and exercise of yoga with current evidenced-based and strengths-based psychotherapy, I encourage each client to find balance in their lives and tap into the true healing powers that reside within. I am available to support you in your life journey by providing you with an individualized YOGA routine to help you develop strength, flexibility and endurance. With over ten years of clinical experience as a clinical social worker, I offer supportive counseling to individuals, couples and families dealing with: • grief and loss • anxiety • depression • trauma • relationship issues • substance use • conscious living/mindful dying support services for terminally ill clients • other life challenges and stressors The private yoga therapy services I offer are certain to provide increased peace of mind, physical and mental flexibility and strength, muscle tone, and energy. The private sessions are for any age, any ability, ANYONE! Along with the client's feedback, you and I tailor the yoga practice and the therapeutic conversation to your personal needs and goals. Partner yoga is available for couples who want to deepen each person’s individual practice while strengthening their bond with one another.