Why I Like to Share Yoga in My Psychotherapy Practice

“It continually brightens my day when I have a client thank me for sharing yoga with them,” says psychotherapist Julie Luzarraga in this guest blog post. “They sometimes tear up when they talk about how yoga has helped them find themselves. And most of all, I hear the pride they feel in stretching just a little further both physically and emotionally.” 

One of the most rewarding experiences of being a psychotherapist is witnessing a client’s transformation from suffering to contentment. Over the years, I have noticed that this experience is even more common with my clients who discover yoga during their therapy.

For me, yoga started out as a very personal experience that I enjoyed keeping to myself. I fell into yoga when I was in graduate school and stressed to the max. Yoga quickly became a sacred time during my week. A time in which I could take a break from the mental gymnastics in my head, and feel relaxed and recharged. Over the years with more experience and training I have begun to share this gift with others.

When I first recommend a client try yoga there is some fear. Will they have to pretzel their bodies in weird ways? Will they be judged? Will they be able to do it? And, isn’t it just sitting around and stretching? Surely their current exercise routine is enough. I remember feeling this way too.

Though my clients are often hesitant at first, after a few classes they begin to “get” this whole yoga thing. The first experience is usually physical, with a decrease in common aches and pains and increased flexibility and endurance. Many of my clients comment that they sleep better and are less short with loved ones.

For my clients who get into a yoga routine with a skilled teacher, I begin to see a subtle openness and brightness, which seems to create a little more room to do the talk therapy. They begin to use yoga analogies in the therapy room and without knowing it start living that mind-body connection. They notice their breath, their mood, their physical state and how these all are related to their emotions.

I first started to think about incorporating yoga into my professional world when I worked with trauma patients. There was some good research supporting the use of yoga with trauma coming out.   Eventually I felt comfortable with my training and experience to suggest certain postures or practice some techniques in therapy sessions.

Working in conjunction with a yoga teacher trained in yoga therapy has now become a common treatment plan for me. So, it continually brightens my day when I have a client thank me for sharing yoga with them. They sometimes tear up when they talk about how yoga has helped them find themselves. They reflect on how skeptical they were, the barriers to their practice, and the benefits. But most of all I hear the pride they feel in stretching just a little further both physically and emotionally.

Here are a few considerations if you are looking into trying yoga for the first time or developing a regular yoga practice:

• Not all yoga is the same. There are many different types of yoga. Most studios will offer a brief description of what the class is about, but ask questions if you are unsure. Omaha Yoga & Bodywork Center offers Beginner’s Series classes, which are a perfect introduction to yoga.  I also sometimes recommend a person do private sessions until they feel comfortable entering a class.

• Safety first. If you have any medical concerns, check with your physician before beginning a yoga routine. Most yoga is gentle and safe as long as you are with a qualified teacher. However, some types of yoga may be counter-indicated for some medical conditions.

• Buddy up. Chances are you can find a friend or relative who is interested in exploring yoga too.  It can be fun to start something new with another person. You may even be able to do some private sessions together. 

• Make it a family affair. Bringing yoga into your life can include your partner or family as well.  Experiencing yoga with a partner can increase intimacy and create a shared interest. Doing yoga as a family can be healthy routine for any household.