What is Yoga Therapy?

Yoga therapy is an often misunderstood practice.

At least, many people clump it into the idea of an exercise yoga class. But, it is very different, and you may actually want to consider trying it out instead of “traditional” talk therapy. Everyone has different needs when it comes to their mental health, and this may be the thing that works for you!

So first, what is Yoga Therapy?

As Dayna Pinkerton at Unity Yoga Center describes it, Yoga Therapy is “the essence of Svadhyaya, the virtuous observance and practice of self-study leading to greater Self-understanding. In the sacred space of compassion, we come to know ourselves more deeply.”

Overall, it depends on each practitioners training and methods. A common definition is:

Yoga therapy is a healing process for your inner-self. This can look like movement, breath-work, discussion and analysis, postures, visualization practices, stretching, talk therapy, and more - combined. Each Yoga Therapist will generally work with you to come up with an individualized toolkit - depending on your trauma, mental health, how physical versus spiritual of a person you are, and other factors.

Next, we wanted to introduce you to Dayna Pinkerton herself, who has worked with Glimmer. Meaning that not only is she certified in her practice, but she has been trained and vetted as an LGBTQIA+-affirming practitioner.

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An introductory message from Dayna Pinkerton, Certified Yoga Therapist:

Hello! My name is Dayna Pinkerton. I am a certified yoga therapist, C-IAYT.

As we all know, stress (including illness, anxiety, depression, disconnection, and isolation) causes us to react, sometimes unconsciously, in ways that bring about physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual disturbances. Often our difficulties become ingrained and we begin to see our afflictions as part of our identity, our diagnosis as who we are, rather than experiencing our truly divine nature. Yoga therapy is a whole person healing modality to bring about comprehensive equanimity.

Yoga therapy cultivates awareness and fosters our ability to respond with greater intention and choice. When we are thinking and acting from a place of greater clarity and less stress induced confusion, we are empowered.

I have been a student of yoga for more than 25 years, learning first-hand how mindfulness, disciplined practices of posture and breath, meditation, prayer, curiosity, and rest, support me throughout life. The therapeutic process has helped me gain a better understanding of myself (for example; motivations, aversions, desires) and to become more compassionate with myself and others.

The work of yoga therapy utilizes an assessment of the 5 layers of being (physical, energetic, mental, emotional, and spiritual) to gain a thorough snapshot of your current condition and goals. Honoring the uniqueness of each person and keeping in mind your strengths and challenges, a tailored set of practices is curated specifically for you. The learning and witnessing of your process brings about empowerment and embodiment---subtle, yet profound shifts. Authentic healing.

As a trauma informed practitioner, I am aware of how the body does indeed hold our biography. When the instrument of our physical container is out of tune with the present and continuing to react to what has happened in the past, our nervous systems remain in constant overdrive. Tending the temple of the body allows us to feel good, relax a bit more, and begin to foster trust in the natural healing capacity of our amazing systems.

Rooted in a long, time tested tradition, yoga’s primary goal is to reduce the fluctuations of the mind; as stated in Yoga Sutra 1:2, “yogas citta vritti nirodhah”. Development and refinement of the mind makes yoga an effective approach to mental emotional disturbances such as anxiety and depression. In a study of 45 people diagnosed with major depression, 77% who participated in a ten-week meditation, yoga, and psychoeducation program reported a remission of symptoms at a nine-month follow-up. (Butler et al., 2008).

Therapeutic yoga education is more than a yoga class and no prior experience is needed. Your first session is the above-mentioned assessment where we will discuss your responses to a comprehensive questionnaire, chart the direction of practices, and with your agreement, decide on the path of action. Remaining sessions include intention setting, teaching of posture, breath, mindfulness, inquiry, discussion (or other applicable techniques) to support your goals.

In consultation with other members of your wellness team, and with your permission, I will create practices to complement additional treatments you may be undergoing. Research on the application of yoga therapy shows that virtually all clinical yoga practices incorporate systematic breathing and physical relaxation, which is known to reduce reactivity of the autonomic nervous system (Khalsa, 2004) and support healing.

I named my school Unity Yoga Center. because I believe that the integrative process of personal self-understanding leads to greater connection to all beings. Personal healing leads to collective healing.

As the human system comes into the experience of greater contentment and decreased stress, well-being emerges and we feel good! Yoga therapy meets you where you are offering valuable steps for transformation.

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Interested in trying it out?

To Learn More:

Yoga Journal: An Introduction to Yoga Therapy

The Yoga Therapy Institute: What is Yoga Therapy?

Greatist: Can Yoga Therapy Help Your Mental Health? Om, Yes!

Ready to find the perfect LGBTQIA+ Wellness Professional for you? Take our free quiz here to be matched to a Glimmer Verified Wellness Professional.✨

To be connected to Dayna Pinkerton or another Wellness Professional, please email us at team@weglimmer.com.