Yoga Therapy Hour with Amy Wheeler

In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler welcomes Jenna Schissel, a yoga therapist based in Des Moines, Iowa, who brings a deeply personal and integrative perspective to the field. Jenna shares her journey of self-discovery, shaped by her experiences with social anxiety and introversion. She discusses how yoga became a natural path for inner healing, providing her with a structured way to cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and confidence.Rather than focusing on symptom management or pathology, Jenna approaches yoga therapy through the lens of salutogenesis—the process of fostering well-being rather than merely preventing or treating illness. She and Amy explore how yoga therapy facilitates whole-person healing, supporting individuals in cultivating inner stability, self-regulation, and a sense of personal agency.While Jenna also maintains a separate psychotherapy practice specializing in trauma and ketamine-assisted therapy, this conversation focuses on the role of yoga therapy in personal transformation, embodiment, and nervous system coherence, rather than trauma treatment.Key Topics Discussed in This Episode:Jenna’s Personal Journey with Yoga – How yoga provided Jenna with a framework to understand and navigate her experiences with social anxiety and introversion. She reflects on the ways that movement, breathwork, and meditation helped her shift from internal self-doubt to self-trust and connection with others.Yoga Therapy as a Path to Whole-Person Healing – Jenna and Amy discuss how yoga therapy facilitates salutogenesis, supporting individuals in building resilience, internal balance, and long-term well-being. They highlight the importance of seeing yoga therapy as a process of self-cultivation rather than symptom reduction.The Role of Self-Awareness in the Healing Process – Jenna explains how self-awareness practices, such as breath observation, mindful movement, and reflective inquiry, serve as fundamental tools in yoga therapy. These practices allow individuals to tune into their internal states and develop a more compassionate and attuned relationship with themselves.Working with the Nervous System in Yoga Therapy – The conversation explores how yoga therapy supports autonomic regulation, helping individuals transition from chronic stress patterns to a more balanced and responsive state. Jenna shares insights on how simple breath and movement techniques can be applied in daily life to foster internal steadiness.The Interplay Between Personal Practice and Professional Work – Jenna reflects on how her personal experiences inform her work as a yoga therapist. She discusses the importance of ongoing self-practice, not only for maintaining professional integrity but also for deepening her understanding of the mind-body connection.Yoga Therapy vs. Psychotherapy: Clarifying the Distinction – While Jenna also works as a psychotherapist, she explains the clear distinctions between her yoga therapy practice and her clinical work. Yoga therapy offers a non-pathologizing, strength-based approach to personal growth, while psychotherapy serves a different role in addressing clinical concerns. This conversation helps clarify how yoga therapy can complement but is not a substitute for mental health treatment.The Power of Introversion in Yoga Therapy – Jenna discusses the unique strengths that introverts bring to both yoga practice and teaching. She and Amy explore how introversion can be reframed as a gift, allowing for deeper self-reflection, insight, and meaningful connection.Connect with Jenna & AmyJenna SchisselBased in Des Moines, Iowa[Insert Jenna’s website: https://www.jennaschisseltherapist.com/Amy Wheeler & Optimal StateWebsite: www.TheOptimalState.com Come join us at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) for our Signature Programs starting in Fall 2025. Master of Science in Yoga Therapy https://lnkd.in/gBSCUsMQ Are you already a licensed healthcare professional? Explore MUIH’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals.  https://lnkd.in/gbWHSjQq

Welcome to the Yoga Therapy Hour in 2025! Host Amy Wheeler kicks off the year by diving deep into Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 1.33, which offers a framework for improving relationships and cultivating inner peace. Amy reflects on how yoga has helped her heal physically, emotionally, and in her relationships, emphasizing the transformative power of clarity, compassion, and discernment. This episode focuses on the practical application of four key principles from the sutra:Maitrī (Friendliness)Karunā (Compassion)Muditā (Appreciation and Gratitude)Upekṣā (Discernment and Non-Judgment) Amy shares personal anecdotes, insights, and strategies for applying these principles in daily life to reduce suffering, strengthen connections, and foster emotional resilience. Key Takeaways:Yoga as Relationship: Yoga is reflected in how we interact with the world. Healthy relationships are a sign of a healthy inner state.Healing Through Yoga: Amy shares her journey of overcoming physical, mental, and emotional challenges through yoga and Ayurveda.Applying Yoga Sutra 1.33: Learn how to navigate relationships by being friendly to the friendly, compassionate to the suffering, appreciative of the good, and discerning with negative influences.Discernment in Action: Understand when to step back from toxic relationships and redirect energy towards meaningful connections.Compassion vs. Empathy: Amy explains the importance of healthy boundaries in offering compassion without experiencing burnout or compassion fatigue. Special Offer:Join Amy every Monday night in 2025 for a year-long series on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and Emotional Intelligence. Each session includes asana, pranayama, yoga nidra, meditation, and a focused discussion on a sutra. Explore monthly themes and gain tools for personal growth and professional development. Details:🌟 Cost: $59 per household (75 min. class + recording) | $75 per person for CEUs (75 min. class + 15 min. discussion + Certificate of Completion)📅 Sign Up: www.theoptimalstate.comConnect with Amy:Website: www.theoptimalstate.comInstagram: @OptimalStatePodcast Patreon Community: Support the show and enjoy exclusive gifts!Start your 2025 with clarity, compassion, and connection—tune in now! 🎙✨ Come join us at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) for our Signature Programs starting in Fall 2025. Master of Science in Yoga Therapy https://lnkd.in/gBSCUsMQ Are you already a licensed healthcare professional? Explore MUIH’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals.  https://lnkd.in/gbWHSjQq

In this inspiring episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler sits down with Tracy Stonaker to explore her journey of healing and transformation through yoga and Ayurveda. Tracy shares her deeply personal story of navigating a challenging divorce, overcoming fear, and finding her inner strength through her yoga practice. She discusses the pivotal moments in her life that led her to Ayurveda and how it reshaped her relationship with food, health, and self-care.Amy and Tracy delve into the profound ways in which yoga and Ayurveda can support individuals through life's hardships, from cultivating resilience to embracing self-nourishment. Tracy also talks about her new venture, Ojas Global, a travel representation company that connects people with Ayurvedic retreats worldwide, offering transformative healing experiences in nature.If you've ever wondered how yoga and Ayurveda can help you navigate life's toughest transitions or if you're curious about experiencing an authentic Panchakarma retreat, this episode is a must-listen.Topics Covered in This Episode:Tracy's introduction to yoga and the impact of her early experiencesThe role of yoga in navigating divorce and healing from traumaUnderstanding the mind-body connection and aligning with one's inner voiceAyurveda as a personalized health system and its integration with yogaPanchakarma: The powerful Ayurvedic cleansing processTracy's journey from raw veganism to balanced nourishment through AyurvedaThe importance of small, consistent lifestyle shifts for long-term well-beingThe launch of Ojas Global and its mission to bring authentic Ayurvedic experiences to travelers worldwideThe benefits of Ayurvedic retreats and Panchakarma treatments for holistic healingGuest Bio:Tracy Stonaker is a dedicated yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner with a passion for holistic healing. After years of personal transformation through yoga and Ayurveda, she founded Ojas Global, a travel representation company that connects people with Ayurvedic resorts around the world. Tracy is committed to helping others experience the life-changing benefits of Ayurveda and wellness travel.Resources & Links:Learn more about Tracy’s work at www.ojasglobal.comFollow Tracy on Instagram: @ojasglobalExplore Ayurvedic education and yoga therapy programs at www.muih.eduConnect with Amy Wheeler:Website: www.TheOptimalState.comPodcast: The Yoga Therapy HourInstagram: @theoptimalstateSupport the Podcast:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your community. Your support helps us bring inspiring stories and valuable insights to listeners worldwide.

In this deeply insightful conversation, Amy Wheeler sits down with yoga therapist Mandy Henderly to explore her personal journey of healing and embodiment. Mandy shares her story of being diagnosed with a brain tumor at 13, how her nervous system responded to the medical trauma, and how yoga eventually became a key tool for reconnecting with her body and navigating mental health challenges.From discovering yoga in her teens (thanks to Madonna’s iconic Ray of Light era) to embracing a therapeutic approach with The Optimal State, Mandy's transformation speaks to the power of yoga beyond the physical. She discusses the importance of slowing down, finding stability in life’s ebbs and flows, and integrating yoga into daily life in a sustainable, non-perfectionist way.Amy and Mandy also dive into the growing loneliness epidemic, the importance of co-regulation, and why human connection will always remain essential—even as AI continues to advance.Key Topics Discussed:Recognizing and processing medical trauma as a teenagerThe role of yoga in reconnecting with the body after dissociationHow yoga therapy supports mental health and emotional well-beingThe importance of slowing down and finding sattva in daily lifeThe need for strong human connection in an increasingly digital worldYoga therapy as a path to integration, not perfectionNotable Quotes from the Episode:“When life ebbs, I flow.” — Mandy Henderly“Yoga helps me slow down and reconnect with my center. It doesn’t erase life’s ups and downs, but it allows me to move through them with more grace.”“AI can’t co-regulate with you. True healing happens in human connection.”Resources & Mentions:Mandy’s Offerings: www.MandyHenderly.comBeloved Asheville (Community Support Organization): Beloved AshevilleVira Bhava Yoga (Teacher-Owned Cooperative): Vira Bhava YogaConnect with Amy Wheeler:Website: The Optimal StatePodcast: The Yoga Therapy HourSocial Media: @TheOptimalState

Episode Summary: In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler welcomes Alex Sabbag, author of Soul Dive: My Journey Into the Deep, yoga studio owner, and soulful entrepreneur. Together, they explore the transformative power of life’s most challenging moments and the lessons learned along the way. Alex shares her powerful personal story, including how a life-altering event changed her perspective on control, surrender, and purpose.Listeners will be inspired by Alex’s honest reflections on navigating grief, embracing yoga as a practice of equanimity, and finding freedom from societal and personal expectations. This conversation touches on practical advice for yoga teachers, studio owners, and anyone seeking to live with more peace, purpose, and presence.Topics Covered in This Episode:Alex’s journey from Iowa to Chicago to California and the Midwest values that shaped herThe pivotal moment that changed Alex’s life on her 33rd birthdayNavigating the two-by-four moments in life with grace and gritThe role of yoga in building equanimity and resilience during hardshipPractical tips for yoga teachers and studio owners to balance passion with sustainabilityThe importance of cultivating a consistent personal practiceHow surrender and acceptance play a key role in finding freedomThe intersection of business and wellness: balancing profitability with authenticityResources Mentioned:Alex’s book: Soul Dive: My Journey Into the Deep – Available on Amazon and select local bookstoresAlex’s website: Soulful Alchemist – Sign up for Alex’s weekly poetic wisdom drop, Into the Deep with AlexFollow Alex on Instagram: @AlexSabagUpcoming Events:Visit Alex’s yoga studio, Soul Dive Yoga, in Palm Desert, California. Whether you’re in the area for golf, Coachella, or simply to soak up the sun, join a class in this welcoming community space.Alex’s Retreat in Sicily: August 31–September 7, 2025. Stay tuned for updates on her website for this soulful and transformative experience.Connect with Amy Wheeler:Website: The Optimal StatePodcast: The Yoga Therapy HourSocial Media: @TheOptimalState

Welcome to the Yoga Therapy Hour in 2025! Host Amy Wheeler kicks off the year by diving deep into Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 1.33, which offers a framework for improving relationships and cultivating inner peace. Amy reflects on how yoga has helped her heal physically, emotionally, and in her relationships, emphasizing the transformative power of clarity, compassion, and discernment. This episode focuses on the practical application of four key principles from the sutra:Maitrī (Friendliness)Karunā (Compassion)Muditā (Appreciation and Gratitude)Upekṣā (Discernment and Non-Judgment) Amy shares personal anecdotes, insights, and strategies for applying these principles in daily life to reduce suffering, strengthen connections, and foster emotional resilience. Key Takeaways:Yoga as Relationship: Yoga is reflected in how we interact with the world. Healthy relationships are a sign of a healthy inner state.Healing Through Yoga: Amy shares her journey of overcoming physical, mental, and emotional challenges through yoga and Ayurveda.Applying Yoga Sutra 1.33: Learn how to navigate relationships by being friendly to the friendly, compassionate to the suffering, appreciative of the good, and discerning with negative influences.Discernment in Action: Understand when to step back from toxic relationships and redirect energy towards meaningful connections.Compassion vs. Empathy: Amy explains the importance of healthy boundaries in offering compassion without experiencing burnout or compassion fatigue. Special Offer: Join Amy every Monday night in 2025 for a year-long series on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and Emotional Intelligence. Each session includes asana, pranayama, yoga nidra, meditation, and a focused discussion on a sutra. Explore monthly themes and gain tools for personal growth and professional development. Details: 🌟 Cost: $59 per household (75 min. class + recording) | $75 per person for CEUs (75 min. class + 15 min. discussion + Certificate of Completion) 📅 Sign Up: www.theoptimalstate.comConnect with Amy:Website: www.theoptimalstate.comInstagram: @OptimalStatePodcast Patreon Community: Support the show and enjoy exclusive gifts!Start your 2025 with clarity, compassion, and connection—tune in now! 🎙✨

Welcome to 2025 and an inspiring new episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour. Amy Wheeler kicks off the year with a heartfelt conversation with renowned yoga therapist, biomechanist, and movement expert, Susi Hately. As an accomplished athlete and founder of Functional Synergy, Susi shares her transformative journey from high-performance sports to a deeper understanding of the power of rest, recovery, and living in a balanced state. This episode is packed with insights on interoceptive awareness, redefining success in movement, and learning to trust your body’s wisdom. Highlights:Susi’s Journey to Yoga: From serious athletics to her first awkward yoga class, Susi reflects on how yoga became a tool for healing her chronic pain and reshaping her approach to movement.The Science of Rest: Why recovery is often misunderstood, and how proper rest can clear allostatic load, enhance performance, and improve well-being.Metrics Meet Mindfulness: Susi discusses how tools like Garmin watches and Oura rings provide actionable data for recovery and how integrating this with yoga enhances self-awareness.The Revolutionary Power of Yoga Nidra: How a consistent Yoga Nidra practice became a cornerstone of Susi’s recovery and emotional regulation process.Family Dynamics and Co-Regulation: Susi shares personal stories about navigating hypervigilance as a caregiver and how cultivating clarity shifted the energy in her home.Listening to the Body: Practical tips for tuning into subtle body signals and using interoceptive awareness as a compass for health and happiness. Conclusion: This thought-provoking discussion highlights the transformative potential of rest and recovery. Susi reminds us that living in alignment with our body’s wisdom is a revolutionary act of self-care. Whether you’re an athlete, a yoga practitioner, or someone seeking balance, her insights will inspire you to prioritize rest, embrace curiosity, and listen deeply to your body. Connect with Susi Hately:Website: www.functionalsynergy.comInstagram: @FromPainToPossibilityYouTube: Susi HatelyDon’t forget to subscribe to The Yoga Therapy Hour for more inspiring conversations and practical tools to enhance your life!Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga SeriesPolyvagal Institute Mighty AppOptimal State Mobile AppOptimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon·        Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic on www.TheOpimtalState.com·        Join us for our Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinics, specially designed to address specific health and wellness topics. The sessions are held every Monday from 4:00-5:15 PM PST and are led by Amy Wheeler, a seasoned expert in yoga therapy. This clinic provides a supportive environment where participants can explore therapeutic yoga techniques to aid in addiction recovery and overall well-being.·        For those seeking professional development, there is an option to stay after the general public class and earn Continuing Education (CE) credits. This extended session offers in-depth training and valuable insights into integrating yoga therapy with addiction treatment.

In this short and sweet solo episode, host Amy Wheeler reflects on an incredible year of The Yoga Therapy Hour as we prepare to go on winter break. Join Amy as she:Expresses Gratitude: Amy reviews some of the amazing guests we’ve had on the show in 2024, thanking them for their invaluable contributions to conversations about yoga, yoga therapy, and Ayurveda.Encourages Exploration: Didn’t catch every episode? Amy invites you to revisit the season and discover any gems you might have missed. This is the perfect time to soak in the wisdom shared throughout the year.Looks Ahead to Season 8: Starting in January 2025, The Yoga Therapy Hour is taking an exciting new direction! In Season 8, Amy is inviting YOU—our listeners—to lead the conversation. Share your personal stories of health, healing, and transformation through yoga, yoga therapy, and Ayurveda. This new season will celebrate the resilience and growth found in these practices and highlight the profound impact they’ve had on your life.✨ Wishing You Peace and Prosperity: The entire team at The Yoga Therapy Hour and The Optimal State wishes you a joyful New Year filled with health, happiness, and abundance. Thank you for being part of our community, and we’ll see you in 2025 with inspiring new stories to share!📌 Get Involved in Season 8: Have a story to share? Email Amy at amy@amywheeler.com to be a guest on the podcast.🔗 Stay Connected:Website: TheOptimalState.comInstagram: @TheOptimalStateFacebook: TheOptimalState🌟 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with friends who might benefit from the wisdom of yoga, yoga therapy, and Ayurveda.We’ll see you on the other side in 2025! Top of Form Bottom of FormAdditional Resources with Amy Wheeler:University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga SeriesPolyvagal Institute Mighty App7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal TheoryOptimal State Mobile AppOptimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon·        Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic on www.TheOpimtalState.com·        Join us for our Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinics, specially designed to address specific health and wellness topics. The sessions are held every Monday from 4:00-5:15 PM PST and are led by Amy Wheeler, a seasoned expert in yoga therapy. This clinic provides a supportive environment where participants can explore therapeutic yoga techniques to aid in addiction recovery and overall well-being.·        For those seeking professional development, there is an option to stay longer after class and earn Continuing Education (CE) credits. This extended session offers in-depth training and valuable insights into integrating yoga therapy with addiction treatment.

This week on The Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy sits down with Halli Faulkner, a trauma-informed yoga therapist and trainer specializing in working with survivors of sexual assault and violence. Halli shares her deeply personal journey of healing from childhood trauma and how it led her to develop workshops and one-on-one sessions designed to create safe, empowering spaces for survivors. With a focus on autonomy, choice, and compassion, Halli has created impactful trauma-informed trainings and retreats that help individuals reclaim their agency and begin the process of healing. We have a Content Warning on this show due to the nature of the topic. Take the time and space needed to care for yourself while you listen. Key Takeaways:The Power of Autonomy in Healing: Halli explains how creating trauma-informed spaces that prioritize choice and empowerment is foundational to the healing process for survivors of sexual violence.Personal Journey of Transformation: Halli recounts her own experiences with trauma, perfectionism as a coping mechanism, and how yoga and EMDR therapy became integral to her recovery.Trauma-Informed Yoga Practices: She outlines the importance of making all yoga practices optional and invitational, allowing participants to choose what feels right for their bodies.Kundalini Yoga's Role: Halli shares how specific Kundalini yoga practices helped her heal and how she continues to pass these tools on to others, even amidst the controversies surrounding Kundalini's founder.The Importance of Boundaries: Halli and Amy discuss the role of boundaries in personal and professional relationships, particularly as part of the healing process for trauma survivors.Community and Healing: Halli and Amy emphasize the significance of Sangha (community) in providing a sense of safety and belonging during recovery.Halli’s work extends beyond yoga classes to include trauma-informed trainings for organizations, annual healing retreats, and individualized yoga therapy. Her approach is rooted in compassion, empowerment, and the belief that healing is a personal and non-linear journey.Listeners are invited to explore Halli’s offerings, including her 40-hour trauma-informed yoga training and annual retreats in El Salvador, where participants can engage in healing practices amidst nature’s beauty. For more information, visit her website at www.hallifaulkner.com or connect with her on Instagram and Facebook @HalliFaulkner.Whether you’re a yoga professional looking to deepen your trauma-informed practices or a survivor seeking support, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, healing, and the transformative power of yoga.  Visit Amy’s training section and free offerings: Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic with Optimal State: www.TheOptimalState.com Optimal State Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Classes: https://csh.umn.edu/for-community/wellbeing-workshops/online-therapeutic-yoga-series Polyvagal Institute App that Amy and Marlysa are the hosts: https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/pviapp

In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, we welcome Elizabeth Ralph, founder of The Spiritual Investor, a podcast and community dedicated to transforming our relationship with money through spiritual and energetic principles. Elizabeth shares her unique approach to managing finances with clarity, intention, and an elevated consciousness that aligns deeply with the values of yoga practitioners. Together, we explore the mindset shifts necessary to create financial flow without fear or grasping and how spiritual alignment can be the key to effortless wealth. Elizabeth's calm yet potent energy brings a fresh perspective on how we can all elevate our financial frequency and manifest abundance in our lives.Key Points:Understanding Money as Energy: Elizabeth explains her view of money as a conduit of energy, akin to prana, that can flow effortlessly when we align ourselves with a higher frequency. By approaching finances from a place of inner stillness, she teaches how to avoid the common "grasping" mentality.The Effortless Path to Wealth: Rather than choosing difficult, exhausting paths, Elizabeth emphasizes finding ease and flow. She shares how maintaining high energy standards and avoiding resistance can accelerate financial growth and personal peace.The Role of Self-Identity in Financial Abundance: Elizabeth highlights the importance of self-identity in determining financial capacity. By stepping into a "higher version" of ourselves, we can shift our relationship with money and create new opportunities.Moving Beyond Traditional Beliefs: Addressing common money beliefs, Elizabeth guides listeners on bypassing outdated patterns around scarcity and worth. She stresses the importance of holding a vision that transcends the limitations of the "3D world."Empathy and Power in Financial Growth: Elizabeth discusses the need to balance empathy with inner power, especially for social justice advocates. True support, she suggests, comes from standing in one's own power rather than only dwelling in empathetic resonance.Living Without the Constraints of Time: Embracing a timeless, limitless view of life, Elizabeth encourages listeners to break free from the constraints of linear thinking, allowing space for unexpected blessings and growth. Thank you to Elizabeth Ralph for her wisdom on this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour. Elizabeth's approach to finances is a reminder that our beliefs and values shape the world we experience. Her insights offer a call to explore the higher dimensions of consciousness in our relationship with money. To connect with Elizabeth and learn more about her teachings, visit her website TheSpiritualInvestor.com, listen to The Spiritual Investor podcast, and follow her on Instagram @elizabethralph.  Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series - https://csh.umn.edu/for-community/wellbeing-workshops/online-therapeutic-yoga-seriesPolyvagal Institute Mighty App - https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/pviappOptimal State Mobile App - https://www.optimalstate.com/Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhourMonday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic on www.TheOpimtalState.comJoin us for our Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinics, specially designed to address specific health and wellness topics. The sessions are held every Monday from 4:00-5:15 PM PST and are led by Amy Wheeler, a seasoned expert in yoga therapy. This clinic provides a supportive environment where participants can explore therapeutic yoga techniques to aid in addiction recovery and overall well-being.·       For those seeking professional development, there is an option to stay longer after class and earn Continuing Education (CE) credits. This extended session offers in-depth training and valuable insights into integrating yoga therapy with addiction treatment.