Commonly asked questions about Private Yoga Therapy

What’s the difference between a general yoga class and private yoga therapy?

Learning yoga in a group environment is a relatively recent phenomenon and can be a wonderful way to share each other’s energy as you explore the practice. However, the generic nature of group classes means they are best suited to practitioners with no specific health concerns or injuries.

Yoga therapy is a return to how yoga was traditionally taught, one-on-one with an emphasis on safely tailoring the practice to the individual student’s unique circumstances, abilities and goals. This leads to highly specific, accessible and targeted yoga practices that take into account where you are starting from, whilst moving you towards your health goals and aspirations.

 

What style of yoga do you teach?

I draw inspiration from a wide-range of different yoga styles and lineages including, but not limited to, Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Viniyoga, Iyengar, Restorative, Yin, Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga Nidra. I mix-and-match depending on what style and kinds of practices I think will most serve the individual on any given day. It’s my belief that this flexible and open-minded approach to working enables students to receive the biggest range of benefits that yoga has to offer.

 

What would a typical private yoga therapy session look like?

A yoga therapy session could contain a number of elements including posture work and movement exercises, breathwork, guided meditations, relaxation techniques and lifestyle enquiry. Yoga therapy is a collaborative and experiential process, so I will ask you for regular feedback during our time together. To learn more about the different tools and techniques used in yoga therapy please head here.

 

How long are the sessions?

A yoga therapy session typically lasts for 60 minutes, with your initial consultation session lasting 75 minutes. During the first session we will discuss your motivation for starting yoga therapy, clarify any health goals you have and address any relevant medical history.

 

Where are the private yoga sessions held?

I teach private yoga therapy sessions at my home in Weybridge, Surrey or online via Zoom.

 

What do I need to bring to each session?

• All props including yoga mats are provided, and I will advise you as to which props you may want to obtain for your home practices.
• Please remember to turn off your mobile phone before your session.
• Please bring a water bottle and towel with you.

 

What should I wear?

I recommend dressing in light, comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement. It’s helpful if your clothes are not too baggy so that I can observe your body’s movements more easily. Leggings, shorts or light elasticated tracksuit bottoms are great, as are form-fitting tops, tank tops or t-shirts.

 

Can I eat before a practice?

It’s not recommended to eat or drink anything heavy before a session as this may make you feel uncomfortable or nauseous during your practice. However a light snack beforehand, such as a banana, is fine if you’re feeling particularly hungry. Do try to allow 2-3 hours after a heavy meal before practice.

 

Do I need to practice at home?

The effectiveness of the yoga therapy is in large part determined by our willingness to practice steadily and consistently, particularly as we often work on aspects of ourselves that may be unconscious or habitual. Therefore as part of your treatment, you will be encouraged to undertake home practice based on what we do in our sessions together. We will discuss your time availability for practice and tailor a sequence that works around your lifestyle.

 

How many sessions will I need?

This really depends on your reasons and goals for seeking yoga therapy. Some students are working on an issue that is relatively short-term (such as injury rehabilitation), whilst others might be managing a longer-term health condition, such as diabetes or arthritis. As part of the Initial Consultation session we will discuss the quantity and frequency of sessions that will give you the knowledge, confidence and tools to take your health and well-being into your own hands.

 

Is there an expiration date on the class packs?

The 10-pack of private yoga sessions has a 12 month expiration date.

 

How do I book a session?

Clients can book in their private sessions with me either in person (at the end of a private session), over the phone, via email or using this contact form.

 

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Please give a minimum of 24 hours notice should you find you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment. This enables me the opportunity to offer the appointment time to another student, as there is currently a wait-list for prime time slots such as weeknight evenings.

Please note that any missed appointments or sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours incur a 100% booked appointment fee.

 

What other benefits can I expect?

It’s helpful to have a primary focus or intention for your yoga therapy sessions; however, yoga often offers many additional side benefits. Below are just some of the other perks students have experienced as a result of their practice:

• Better body awareness – strength, flexibility and balance
• Improved posture
• Enhanced mental clarity, focus and attention
• More regular sleep patterns and better quality of sleep
• Improved breathing which aids with energy levels, stress resilience and circulation
• Enhanced mental outlook and emotional wellbeing
• Ability to handle life’s stressors and change with more equanimity
• Able to manage, reduce or eliminate symptoms of health issues
• Improved mental relationship to any existing health problems