Yoga Therapy Hour with Amy Wheeler

Episode Highlights:·        Special Announcement: In a touching and heartfelt moment, Libby Walunas shares her personal journey of being late-diagnosed as Autistic. This significant revelation was made on The Yoga Therapy Hour, marking a beautiful milestone in her life and we are so happy to support her public coming out day!·        Personal Experiences: Libby opens up about her childhood struggles with sensory issues and other common autistic symptoms. She discusses the challenges of growing up in a family with a high tolerance for neurodivergent behaviors, which led to a lack of understanding and support for her Autism.·        Diagnosis Journey: While seeking a diagnosis for her son, Libby recognized similar traits in herself. This led her to undergo testing, ultimately confirming her Autism. She describes the profound sense of comfort and understanding this diagnosis brought her, allowing her to connect more deeply with the Autistic community.·        Sensory Issues and Neurodivergence: The conversation delves into the sensory challenges faced by many Autistics, including overload of the five main senses, issues with balance, vestibular systems, proprioception, interoception, and neuroception from the polyvagal theory.·        Executive Function Differences: Libby discusses her experiences with executive function differences, such as decision-making, prioritizing, and goal-setting. She reflects on being misdiagnosed with ADHD and other conditions, understanding now that Autism was the underlying factor.·        Yoga Therapy's Role: Libby passionately believes in the benefits of yoga therapy for managing secondary symptoms of Autism. She emphasizes the importance of a therapeutic relationship that fosters safety, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Yoga therapy can address symptoms of alexithymia, hypermobility, digestive issues, and mast cell activation, as well as enhance self-awareness, and help manage anxiety and depression.·        Professional Insights: Libby is a guest lecturer at the Minded Institute Yoga Therapy School in the UK. She is also working on a forthcoming book on Yoga Therapy for Autistic Adults, set to be released next year.Contact Information:Website: Yoga TherapyUpcoming Book: Stay tuned for Libby's book on Yoga Therapy and Autism, coming next year.Closing Remarks: This episode sheds light on the profound impact of a late Autism diagnosis and the therapeutic potential of yoga therapy. Libby's story is a testament to the importance of understanding and embracing neurodivergence, both personally and within the community.Tune in to hear this inspiring conversation and learn more about the intersection of neurodivergence and yoga therapy.  Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga SeriesPolyvagal Institute Mighty App7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal TheoryOptimal State Mobile AppNew Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State: Email Welcome@TheOptimalState.com for details on June, July, and August 2024 sessionsOptimal 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.

In this enlightening episode, Amy welcomes Acharya Marydale Pecora of the Kriya Yoga tradition to explore the multifaceted nature of motherhood. For those familiar with "Autobiography of a Yogi," this episode delves into the rich Kriya Yoga lineage.Topics Covered:Introduction to Acharya Marydale Pecora: A brief background on Acharya Marydale and her connection to the Kriya Yoga tradition.Understanding Motherhood:Biological and Spiritual Dimensions: The discussion begins with the dual aspects of motherhood - as a biological role and a profound spiritual journey.Modern Motherhood: An exploration of the various roles women take on today, including daughters, mothers, step-mothers, mothers-in-law, and mothers by adoption.Challenges of Motherhood:Work-Life Balance: The struggle to balance professional and personal life while meeting the demands of motherhood.Reality vs. Expectation: How raising children often differs from the idealized visions many have before becoming parents.Imperfections and Forgiveness:Accepting Imperfections: Recognizing that mothers are not perfect and the importance of forgiving our mothers and ourselves for shortcomings.Choosing Not To Be A Mother: Addressing the experiences of women who cannot have children or choose not to, and discussing the positives and challenges of each path.Acceptance and Life Path: The conversation touches on the idea that accepting our life paths, whatever they may be, is key to finding peace and fulfillment.Women in Kriya Yoga:Female Teachers and Acharyas: Amy inquires about the presence of female teachers and acharyas in the Kriya Yoga tradition, emphasizing the unique sense of safety and understanding they can provide.Safety in Spiritual Mentorship: A candid discussion about the unfortunate instances of abuse by male teachers in yoga, while acknowledging that abuse can happen with female teachers as well.Join Amy and Acharya Marydale for a heartfelt conversation that delves deep into the essence of motherhood, offering insights and wisdom from both personal and spiritual perspectives.Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga SeriesPolyvagal Institute Mighty App7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal TheoryOptimal State Mobile AppNew Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State: Email Welcome@TheOptimalState.com for details on June, July, and August 2024 sessionsOptimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon·        Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic: https://theoptimalstate.com/monday-yoga-therapy-clinic/·        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.

Opening Program: Welcome to The Yoga Therapy Hour with Amy Wheeler. In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with the highly emotionally intelligent and funny Dr. J.J. Kelley, a Psy.D from Oakland, CA. Dr. Kelley specializes in dialectical behavior therapy, combining Zen mindfulness with cognitive behavioral therapy. Join us as we explore the complexities of emotional intelligence, the importance of humor in therapy, and practical strategies for managing our deepest feelings.Episode Highlights:·        Meet Dr. J.J. Kelley: Amy introduces Dr. J.J. Kelley, a clinical psychologist who brings humor and insight into her work with emotional intelligence and dialectical behavior therapy.·        The Gap in Emotional Education: Discussion on how the lack of emotional intelligence education in schools leads to adults grappling with emotions like shame, guilt, and anger in their relationships.·        Humor with CEOs: Dr. Kelley shares humorous stories about working with CEOs who struggle with low emotional intelligence. She highlights how humor can break down defenses and help clients understand their emotional deficits.·        Steps to Emotional Regulation: The process of emotional regulation begins with validating our own feelings of shame, guilt, and anger. Dr. Kelley emphasizes the importance of slowing down to truly feel these emotions before attempting to change them.·        Values, Shame, and Guilt: Insight into how our values shape our experiences of shame and guilt. Dr. Kelley challenges listeners to reflect on how their behavior aligns with their values and to distinguish between justified and unjustified feelings.·        Conflict Resolution and Gaslighting: Exploration of conflict resolution techniques and the detrimental effects of gaslighting. Dr. Kelley discusses the courage needed to confront our deepest fears of rejection and abandonment, and the discipline required to stay true to our values.Dr. Kelly’s Social Media Handles:Instagram: @DrJJKellyTikTok: punkrock1Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga SeriesPolyvagal Institute Mighty App7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal TheoryOptimal State Mobile AppNew Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State: Email Welcome@TheOptimalState.com for details on June, July, and August 2024 sessionsOptimal 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.

Introduction: In this enlightening episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler sits down with Carina Marshall, a Vibrational Coach from Long Beach, CA. Carina shares profound insights and practical suggestions on how to raise your vibrational frequency for better life outcomes and align with your highest self through the power of yoga and meditation.Key Topics Discussed:1.   Understanding Vibration:Carina explains the concept of the world as a quantum field of energy.Each person vibrates at a certain level influenced by thoughts, emotions, feelings, and beliefs.The importance of focus in raising or lowering our vibration.2.   The Law of Resonance:How our current vibrational state shapes our future.The significance of intention and allowing space for the highest good in outcomes.3.   Daily Practices for Raising Vibration:Carina emphasizes the importance of small, consistent daily actions.Practical tips on taking actions that make you feel better and enhance your vibrational frequency.4.   Collective Consciousness:The impact of individual vibrations on the collective consciousness of humanity and Mother Earth.The role of collective effort in creating a critical mass for global vibrational upliftment.5.   Emotional Processing and Acceptance:Techniques for digesting and accepting emotions while still raising your frequency.The importance of forming a supportive community to amplify positive frequencies.6.   Yoga for Vibrational Success:Carina's perspective on how a daily yoga practice contributes to maintaining a high vibrational state.Practical yoga and meditation tips for integrating vibrational practices into daily life.Carina Marshall provides valuable insights into how we can consciously raise our vibrational frequency and contribute to the collective upliftment of humanity. By focusing on small daily actions, setting intentions, and maintaining a regular yoga practice, we can align with our highest selves and support the well-being of Mother Earth.Connect with Carina MarshallInstagram: @ImwithCarinaWebsite: www.unlimitedself.usHer new book is “Discover & Use Your Greatest Superpower” Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga SeriesPolyvagal Institute Mighty App7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal TheoryOptimal State Mobile AppNew Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State: Email Welcome@TheOptimalState.com for details on June, July, and August 2024 sessionsOptimal 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.

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Brian Hyman, a seasoned yoga teacher and recovery activist. Brian has a profound understanding of what it takes to maintain sobriety and strengthen recovery. He recognizes that those battling addiction often grapple with other mental health challenges such as obsession, anxiety, and depression. With his extensive experience and compassionate approach, Brian offers invaluable insights into how yoga and the 12-Step AA program can be a powerful tool in the journey of recovery.Brian shares how yoga philosophy and practice can assist in addiction recovery by promoting physical, emotional, and mental well-being. He discusses the role of yoga in managing stress, reducing anxiety, and fostering a sense of inner peace.·        Essential Concepts for Sustaining Recovery from his book Recovery with Yoga: Supportive Practices for Transcending AddictionHonest Acceptance: Acknowledging the reality of addiction and the need for change.Surrender: Letting go of control and trusting the recovery process.Courage and Vulnerability: Facing fears and being open about struggles.Willingness and Humility: Being open to guidance and support from others.Contentment and Authenticity: Finding peace in the present moment and being true to oneself.·        The Dangers of "I Know"Brian discusses how the phrase "I know" can be detrimental to recovery, leading to complacency and relapse.Emphasizes the importance of staying open-minded and continually learning.·        Trust and Community in RecoveryAmy and Brian talk about the challenges of learning to trust people again.The necessity of community support and the dangers of trying to recover alone.The importance of discernment in choosing whom to trust and allowing oneself to be vulnerable.·        Taking Contrary ActionBrian encourages taking actions opposite to what fear dictates, such as being brave when scared and engaging with others when feeling withdrawn.The significance of persistent effort in changing personality and behavior patterns.·        Service and the 12 StepsOnce recovered, there is a responsibility to help others on their journey.Brian credits the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and yoga for his sobriety and emotional healing.Connect with Brian HymanInstagram: @brianhymanyogaWebsite: www.brianhymanyoga.comInsight Timer: Explore Brian's courses and guided meditations on the Insight Timer app.His new book is Recovery with Yoga: Supportive Practices for Transcending AddictionAdditional Resources with Amy Wheeler:University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga SeriesPolyvagal Institute Mighty App7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal TheoryOptimal State Mobile AppNew Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State: Email Welcome@TheOptimalState.com for details on June, July, and August 2024 sessionsOptimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon·        Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic on Addiction·        Join us this September for our Monday night Yoga Therapy Clinic, specially designed to address addiction. 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.·        Learn more and sign up for the clinic here.·        For CE credit details and registration, visit this link.·        Embark on a journey of healing and professional growth with us this September!

In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour and Beyond, we welcome Sharmila Saigaonkar from Ontario, Canada, to discuss her groundbreaking work in chronic pain management. Sharmila collaborates with chiropractors and other interdisciplinary colleagues in a whole health module, advocating for the power of community networking and persistence in the face of challenges. Her inspiring journey demonstrates that with dedication and effective networking, both businesses and clients can thrive. Sharmila also delves into the common resistance to daily yoga practice, the emotional aspects of chronic pain, and the importance of lifestyle balance in the healing process.Key Takeaways:Discussion on the resistance faced by individuals in adopting daily yoga practices, despite its benefits in alleviating chronic pain.Insights into the mental-emotional aspects of chronic pain and the importance of turning inward to connect with the Self.Sharmila’s perspective on how chronic pain symptoms are an intelligent response to stress and lifestyle imbalances.The role of lifestyle assessment in chronic pain management, including sleep, exercise, sitting, walking, and joy levels.Importance of feeding the senses and brain with positive stimuli and avoiding stress-inducing environments.Sharmila’s journey in creating her own yoga therapy business, the challenges she faced, and the significance of building a supportive community.In this insightful episode, Sharmila Saigaonkar shares her expertise in chronic pain management and yoga therapy, and the holistic approach she employs in collaboration with chiropractors and interdisciplinary colleagues. Sharmila emphasizes the power of networking and persistence, illustrating how these efforts can lead to positive outcomes for both businesses and clients. She and Amy explore the resistance to daily yoga practice, the interplay of mental-emotional and physical pain, and the importance of lifestyle balance in the healing journey. Sharmila also provides valuable advice on assessing lifestyle factors and fostering a supportive community. Tune in to learn more about Sharmila’s inspiring work and practical tips for managing chronic pain.Links:Find Sharmila on Instagram: @saigaonkarsharmilaVisit her website: SharmilasYogaTherapy.comConnect on LinkedIn: Sharmila SaigaonkarAdditional Resources:University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga SeriesPolyvagal Institute Mighty App7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal TheoryOptimal State Mobile AppNew Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State: Email Krishna@TheOptimalState.com for details on June, July, and August 2024 sessionsOptimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon

Guest: Shyam Raganathan - Philosopher and Professor at York University of Ethics, Morals, and Political PhilosophySummary: In this enlightening episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, we are joined by Shyam Raganathan, a distinguished philosopher and teacher of ethics, morals, and political philosophy. Together, we delve into the profound journey of what it means to be a student of yoga and how this path guides us toward becoming sovereign human beings with a deeply ingrained internal compass for our morals and ethics.Key Topics Discussed:·        The Essence of Being a Yoga Student: Shyam explores the foundational aspects of being a dedicated student of yoga, emphasizing the importance of developing an internal moral and ethical compass and to not be influenced by external forces.·        Sovereignty and Internal Compass: The discussion highlights how yoga practice helps us cultivate sovereignty, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with a strong sense of internal guidance that is free to building identities around the painful parts of life that we have experienced.·        Internal and External Forces: Shyam sheds light on the various internal and external forces that influence our decisions to speak up or remain silent during difficult times, and how understanding these forces is crucial for personal growth.·        Interconnectedness of Human Welfare: The conversation emphasizes the collective responsibility we have towards ensuring clean water, healthy food, shelter, and safety for all humans. Shyam underscores the idea that what affects one ultimately affects us all, advocating for a compassionate and inclusive approach to global issues.·        Addressing Oppression and Internalized Colonization: Shyam explains how we often unconsciously perpetuate oppression through an internalized colonization mindset. He offers insights into breaking free from these patterns to achieve true liberation and sovereignty.·        The Cycle of Oppression: Shyam discusses how the oppressed often adopt the ways or thinking of their oppressors, unconsciously becoming what they claim to fight against. They begin to form an identity around their oppression rather than the goodness and fairness they desire. This critical insight helps listeners understand the importance of breaking this cycle to create a more just and equitable world.·        Call for Peace and Compassion: In the context of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, Shyam urges listeners to care deeply for all people, but at the same time he says that the Government of Israel has reacted disproportionately to the threat, and it is time to stop the violence. Shyam’s Media Handles:www.yogaphilosophy.comIG: shyamraganathanIG: yogaphilosophy_comAdditional Resources with Amy Wheeler:University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga SeriesPolyvagal Institute Mighty App7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal TheoryOptimal State Mobile AppNew Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State: Email Welcome@TheOptimalState.com for details on June, July, and August 2024 sessionsOptimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon·        Monday Night Yoga Therapy Clinic: https://theoptimalstate.com/monday-yoga-therapy-clinic/·        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.·        Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon link:https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour 

Episode Summary: In this profound episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour and Beyond, we sit down with Ranju Roy, author of Yoga as Pilgrimage, Sutras for a Modern Age. Ranju shares his autobiographical journey through yoga and life, offering insights into how ancient yoga texts can be a guide for personal transformation. The discussion is deeply personal, influenced by the recent loss of his granddaughter, which added a poignant depth to his reflections on life, loss, and the path of yoga.Key Points Discussed:Introduction to Ranju and His Book:Overview of Yoga as Pilgrimage, Sutras for a Modern Age.Deep Dive into the Book’s Structure:Part 1: Exploration of personal sutras developed through lived experiences. Ranju’s creation of 23 personal "sutras for life" based on his decades of yoga practice and living as a human being.Part 2: Insight into Kriya Yoga, the 8 Limbs of Yoga, and themes of embodiment and dissolution.Part 3: Reflections on life's pace, competition, comparisons, success metrics, and the inevitability of life’s end.Personal Stories and Loss:Ranju shares the emotional impact of his granddaughter short life and passing and this experienced suffering that has influenced his recent thoughts about life and yoga.Discussion on dealing with profound loss without becoming hardened, using yoga as a tool for internal support and resilience.Yoga’s Role in Embracing Life’s Challenges:How yoga practices can help relinquish control and accept suffering.The importance of maintaining hope and adaptability in the face of life’s challenges.Philosophical Reflections:Themes of incarnation, living fully, and the dissolution of individual manifestations.Using yoga not as a shield, but as a means to soften into life's difficulties and move forward with courage.Listener Takeaways:Insight into integrating yoga principles into daily life challenges.Understanding the therapeutic role of yoga in dealing with loss and grief.Inspiration to use personal adversity as a path to spiritual and emotional growth.Conclusion: Ranju Roy’s insights offer a moving and transformative perspective on how yoga can be more than just a physical practice—it can be a pilgrimage through the trials and triumphs of life. His open discussion about personal loss and the philosophical underpinnings of yoga encourages listeners to reflect on their own journeys and find strength in the teachings of yoga.If you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF’s for download.Topics you can choose from include: Yoga Therapy & Mental HealthYoga Therapy & Physical HealthSocial Justice in yoga & Yoga TherapyYoga/Ayurveda ToolboxYoga & Indian PhilosophyGlobal & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe Check out Amy's website Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses belowYoga therapy training courses 865-certified-yoga-therapist-program www.optimalstateyoganidra.comwww.TheOptimalState.com Please note that the video version of The Yoga Therapy Hour will now be offered exclusively on The Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon Page, and also weekly on our Optimal State Mobile App (offered on both Android and iPhone platforms). The audio version will continue to be offered on all major podcast platforms including the new You Tube Podcast Platform. University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series:Online Therapeutic Yoga Series webpage: https://csh.umn.edu/for-community/wellbeing-workshops/online-therapeutic-yoga-series Polyvagal Institute Mighty App with Amy Wheeler and Marlysa Sullivan and the hosts of the Yoga and Yoga Therapy Group within the Apphttps://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/pviapp 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory offered by the Polyvagal Institutehttps://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/items/therapeutic-yoga-tools%3A-a-polyvagal-informed-certificate-for-body-mind-practitioners Optimal State Mobile App for iPhone and AndroidDownload the App for the respective App Store for free! New Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State in June, July and August 2024 (Free)Use this same Zoom Link for all session and join us! Join via Zoom: Meeting ID 817 6064 3575 June 5th at 7:30-8:30pmCST- New Moon Celebration and Meditation June 8th at 8:00-9:00amCST- Yoga Nidra for Working with High Blood Pressure  June 20th at 7:30-8:30pmCST- Summer Solstice Celebration and Meditation June 21st at 7:30-8:30pmCST- Full Moon Celebration and Meditation Email Krishna@TheOptimalState.com for details for July and August 2024 meditations Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon link:https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour

Healing Through Play: Pediatric Yoga Therapy with Gina SheltonIn this enlightening episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, we're joined by Gina Shelton, a dedicated Pediatric Yoga Therapist at Tok Children's Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. Gina shares her unique approach to connecting with children through yoga therapy, detailing the innovative strategies she employs to engage mentally and emotionally with her young patients.What You'll Learn:Connection Strategies: Discover the techniques Gina uses to form meaningful connections with children, helping them feel secure and understood.Play Therapy: Learn about the toys and playful approaches Gina incorporates into her sessions to facilitate a fun and therapeutic environment for children.Breathing Exercises and Interoceptive Awareness: Gina explains how she teaches these crucial techniques to help children manage their emotions and physical sensations.Parental Involvement: Understand how Gina collaborates with parents to ensure they are a supportive part of their child's healing process.Group Yoga for Teenagers: Gain insights into the dynamics of teaching group yoga sessions to teenagers in a hospital setting.Challenges and Rewards: Hear how Gina navigates the challenges of working with children who may be resistant or non-cooperative and why self-care is essential to her role.Self-Care Practices: Learn about the self-care routines that enable Gina to maintain balance and effectively support her patients.Gina's passion for helping children cope with issues like anxiety, depression, lack of sleep, and pain through yoga therapy shines throughout the episode. Her dedication to her part-time role emphasizes the importance of balance and self-care in delivering effective therapeutic interventions.If you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF’s for download.Topics you can choose from include: Yoga Therapy & Mental HealthYoga Therapy & Physical HealthSocial Justice in yoga & Yoga TherapyYoga/Ayurveda ToolboxYoga & Indian PhilosophyGlobal & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe Check out Amy's website: https://amywheeler.com Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses belowYoga therapy training courses 865-certified-yoga-therapist-program www.optimalstateyoganidra.comwww.TheOptimalState.com Yoga Therapy Clinic with Optimal State:https://calendly.com/amy-wheeler-optimal-state--schedule/cancercare?month=2024-03 University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series:Online Therapeutic Yoga Series webpage: https://csh.umn.edu/for-community/wellbeing-workshops/online-therapeutic-yoga-series Polyvagal Institute Mighty App with Amy Wheeler and Marlysa Sullivan and the hosts of the Yoga and Yoga Therapy Group within the Apphttps://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/pviapp 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory offered by the Polyvagal Institutehttps://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/items/therapeutic-yoga-tools%3A-a-polyvagal-informed-certificate-for-body-mind-practitioners Optimal State Mobile App for iPhone and AndroidDownload the App for the respective App Store for free! New Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State in June, July and August 2024 (Free)Use this same Zoom Link for all session and join us! Join via Zoom: Meeting ID 817 6064 3575 June 5th at 7:30-8:30pmCST- New Moon Celebration and Meditation June 8th at 8:00-9:00amCST- Yoga Nidra for Working with High Blood Pressure  June 20th at 7:30-8:30pmCST- Summer Solstice Celebration and Meditation June 21st at 7:30-8:30pmCST- Full Moon Celebration and Meditation Email Krishna@TheOptimalState.com for details for July and August 2024 meditations Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon link:https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour

Summary: Join us for an enlightening episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour and Beyond, featuring renowned yoga expert Amy Wheeler. With over 25 years of experience in teaching yoga teachers how to sequence their classes effectively, Amy brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. Having served as a yoga university professor for 20 years in California, she is now the Therapeutic Yoga Teacher at the University of Minnesota, specializing in addressing conditions like low back pain, neck pain, insomnia, and anxiety.In this episode, we delve into:Classical Sequencing Techniques: Amy discusses how to effectively sequence yoga classes in a studio or gym setting catering to drop-in students, ranging from beginners to advanced practitioners.Therapeutic Approach to Sequencing: Learn about the shift from traditional group class sequencing to a more therapeutic, individualized approach that starts with an assessment of participants.Nervous System Focus: Explore how to "dial up" or "dial down" the nervous system through yoga to achieve a balanced (sattvic) state of mind and body, emphasizing the importance of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) in therapeutic yoga.Troubleshooting Student Experiences: Amy explains why sometimes yoga sessions don't have the intended effect on students and how to adjust techniques based on individual feedback post-class.Yoga as a Relationship: A reminder that yoga teaching is about the relationship with the individual, not just about delivering choreographed postures, highlighting the necessity to tailor sessions to meet each student's unique needs.Tune in to gain insightful tips from Amy Wheeler on enhancing your yoga teaching through thoughtful sequencing and a therapeutic understanding of yoga’s impact on the nervous system.   If you would like to receive the free infographics and handouts that correspond to each episode on the Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast, please subscribe to our segmented email list. You will have the opportunity to determine the Infographic Topics that you would like to receive. When The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast has a topic that corresponds to your choices, then you will receive an email for that week with the PDF’s for download.Topics you can choose from include: Yoga Therapy & Mental HealthYoga Therapy & Physical HealthSocial Justice in yoga & Yoga TherapyYoga/Ayurveda ToolboxYoga & Indian PhilosophyGlobal & Trending Yoga Therapy TopicsClick the link below to subscribe. It takes 10 seconds total.https://amywheeler.com/subscribe Check out Amy's website Visit Amy’s training section on her website to check out the courses belowYoga therapy training courses 865-certified-yoga-therapist-program www.optimalstateyoganidra.comwww.TheOptimalState.com Yoga Therapy Clinic with Optimal State:https://calendly.com/amy-wheeler-optimal-state--schedule/cancercare?month=2024-03 University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series:Online Therapeutic Yoga Series webpage: https://csh.umn.edu/for-community/wellbeing-workshops/online-therapeutic-yoga-series Polyvagal Institute Mighty App with Amy Wheeler and Marlysa Sullivan and the hosts of the Yoga and Yoga Therapy Group within the Apphttps://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/pviapp 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory offered by the Polyvagal Institutehttps://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/items/therapeutic-yoga-tools%3A-a-polyvagal-informed-certificate-for-body-mind-practitioners Optimal State Mobile App for iPhone and AndroidDownload the App for the respective App Store for free! New Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State in June, July and August 2024 (Free)Use this same Zoom Link for all session and join us! Join via Zoom: Meeting ID 817 6064 3575June 5th at 7:30-8:30pmCST- New Moon Celebration and MeditationJune 8th at 8:00-9:00amCST- Yoga Nidra for Working with High Blood Pressure June 20th at 7:30-8:30pmCST- Summer Solstice Celebration and MeditationJune 21st at 7:30-8:30pmCST- Full Moon Celebration and MeditationEmail Krishna@TheOptimalState.com for details for July and August 2024 meditations Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon link:https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour