Yoga therapy at Harrogate Yoga
Yoga therapy sessions are private and one-to-one, this ensures that the individual needs of the client/student can be met. A wide range of health problems can be eased by yoga therapy and this is always through attending to the whole person. In order to move towards better health, the body/mind of a client may need care and attention on many levels. Whereas a typical session with Amanda will address the physical problems that the client presents with; their emotional, mental and spiritual needs will also be carefully considered.
Amanda has worked therapeutically with individual clients for many years. Health issues of clients have included – cancer, stroke, myalgic encephalitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, arthritis, depression, anxiety, anger, addictions.
Training for this type of work began on a year long course with Jabadao in 1996/1997. Influences that informed the Jabadao course, included Process Oriented Psychology, Transactional Analysis, Laban Movement Analysis, Bartenieff’s Fundamentals, Authentic Movement, Contact Improvisation.
Between 2003 and 2007 Amanda worked to gain her IBMT diploma – Integrative Bodywork and Movement Therapy. Gaining the IBMT diploma includes the study of experiential anatomy and the body systems, plus embodiment and study of infant developmental movement. Ideally, the developmental patterns and reflexes will be integrated and embodied in infancy, but often the process is not completed. As adults this can affect how easily we’re able to learn, move and operate in the world. As an IBMTI graduate, Amanda is skilled in the art of re-patterning the movement of adults, children and babies. Possible benefits of this are myriad. Here are a very few examples: in movement/function – the ability to balance better, swim better, run better, move with more ease; in relationship with self, others and with the world – the ability to feel more whole and connected to one’s feelings, the ability to stand one’s ground and be more effective in confrontational situations, the ability to ‘give and take’ in relationship. This work is underpinned by Somatic Psychology and Authentic Movement that Amanda also studied on the IBMT training. Authentic Movement involves non-judgmental, compassionate witnessing – the ability to do this is a vital part of the therapeutic process when working with clients or students.
To ensure that work with clients is effective, practitioners need the ability to create safe boundaries and to have awareness of the possibility of projections. The wisdom that arises from self-inquiry contributes to this ability. During the 1990’s, Amanda underwent seven years of personal psychotherapy in the Hakomi method, leading to an on-going practice of self-inquiry.
Yoga is the central core of Amanda’s teaching and work with clients, the modalities described above are seamlessly incorporated into this. When working with clients, Amanda has a precept learned from Kedzie Penfield of – ‘whatever it takes’ – meaning the paramount importance of addressing the client’s needs rather than adhering to any specific modality.
As a result of her extensive studies and experience, Amanda is a highly skilled practitioner in helping clients with issues concerning their health – both physical and mental, their emotions, relationships, work – all that encompasses life.
Read in Published Articles how Amanda has worked with clients – ‘The Significance of the Student – Teacher Relationship’, ‘How Yoga and Principles of Body-Mind Centering® can help people with M.E.’ (All client names were changed)