Before the first session, we’ll discuss your unique needs over the phone and what brought you to yoga therapy.

In the first session, I will likely complete some breath and body assessments and we will do some breath, movement, mindfulness and relaxation practices, and set therapeutic goals. We will also come up with a preliminary plan of a daily home practice, based on your goals, as well as your available time and energy.

In subsequent sessions we’ll review your response to the week’s practice, do movement, breath and mindfulness practices, and then set a new practice related to your goals.

Yoga therapy sessions are always tailored to your individual needs.

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You’ll need comfortable clothes that you can move in. In most cases you’ll do the session in bare feet, but socks with grips are OK.

I have all the equipment we will need for the seesion i.e. mats and props, so you won’t need to bring them.

One-to-one sessions usually last 60 minutes, though the first session is often 75-90 minutes, depending on what we discuss.

You may wish to have just one and then reflect on your needs.

I usually recommend a minimum of three. Sometimes people dealing with stress see me for three sessions in a row and then ask for a session every now and then when they are feeling overwhelmed, have a flare up, or lose motivation to practice.

Three sessions also work well for people who are experiencing temporary grief or loss. Most people find 6 sessions to be about right. Those with mild anxiety and depression, as well as those who are managing heart disease, can find some relief in that time and learn the tools they need to manage their condition.

If you are recovering from trauma, an eating disorder, or PTSD, or if you are managing a condition like cancer, HIV, lasting effects of Covid, cardiac event recovery, or autoimmune disease, then it’s likely that you will book sessions for longer.

Most people find that once a week works well.

After each session you’ll have a new technique to practice at home, so it’s best to have at least a week between sessions.

No, not at all. All the practices are tailored to your body and your needs and many clients have not practised before. 

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No, not at all. Some people don’t have a mental or physical health condition but just want to feel more embodied, experience more joy, or connect with themselves on a deeper level. Doing three to five sessions can be a great way to recharge, to feel more motivated, find a new direction, or to come home to oneself.

No, many of the people yoga therapists work with have often been referred by a physiotherapist, a psychotherapist, or a physician.

Some clients are on medication for their condition and/or following a course of treatment by another provider.

Yoga therapy is a holistic therapy that works on physiological and neural pathways that won’t interfere with your other treatment and will likely improve your ability to heal from, or manage your condition and increase your quality of life. It’s an ideal complementary therapy.

That being said, yoga therapy has the potential in many cases to reduce the amount of time and money spent on acute medical care by improving overall health and encouraging preventative practices.

If you’re in doubt, contact your doctor/medical provider about the benefits and risks of yoga therapy for your condition.

I’d be happy to provide more information to you and your doctor about the specific breath and movement practices we are likely to do.

Usually at my home practice in West Hampstead or online. We can discuss holding sessions at your home or at another venue in certain circumstances.