In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, we welcome Catherine Cook Cottone, a School & Licensed Psychologist, Certified Yoga Therapist & Yoga Researcher. Catherine brings her extensive expertise in trauma-informed and responsive interventions to discuss how yoga practitioners can cultivate and strengthen their inner resources through a trauma-informed approach. We explore strategies for developing self-regulation, implementing de-escalation protocols, and adapting teaching methods for students with varying levels of trauma exposure. Catherine also shares insights on measuring the impact of trauma-informed practices, understanding neuroception, and applying polyvagal theory in yoga teaching. Additionally, Catherine introduces her new book, "Trauma-Informed and Trauma-Responsive Yoga Teaching: A Universal Practice," co-authored with Joanne Spence.

Main Points:

• Self-Regulation Scale
• Explanation of the self-regulation scale and its significance in yoga practice and teaching.
• Key indicators on the scale for gauging students' state.
• De-escalation Protocol
• Essential components of a de-escalation protocol for yoga teachers.
• Case study illustrating the application of de-escalation protocols.
• Teaching Adaptations
• Adaptations and modifications for students with trauma exposure or PTSD symptoms.
• Ensuring inclusivity and sensitivity without singling out individuals.
• Neuroception
• Understanding neuroception to enhance trauma-informed yoga teaching.
• Practical ways to support students' neuroception processes.
• Orienting for Safety
• Importance of orienting practices for setting a safe yoga environment.
• Examples of effective orienting practices.
• Polyvagal Theory
• Contribution of polyvagal theory to understanding trauma and its impact on the nervous system.
• Practical applications in designing trauma-informed yoga sequences.
• Connection and Protection
• Helping students sensitized towards protection over connection due to past trauma.
• Fostering a sense of safety to encourage healthy connection without triggering protective responses.

Find Catherine at www.CatherineCookCottone.com & her co-author at www.JoanneSpence.com

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory
• Optimal State Mobile App
• Optimal 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:

1. Introduction to Acharya Marydale Pecora: A brief background on Acharya Marydale and her connection to the Kriya Yoga tradition.
2. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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 Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory
• Optimal State Mobile App
• New Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State: Email Welcome@TheOptimalState.com for details on June, July, and August 2024 sessions
• Optimal 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: @DrJJKelly
• TikTok: punkrock1

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory
• Optimal State Mobile App
• New Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State: Email Welcome@TheOptimalState.com for details on June, July, and August 2024 sessions
• Optimal 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 Marshall

• Instagram: @ImwithCarina
• Website: www.unlimitedself.us
• Her new book is “Discover & Use Your Greatest Superpower”

Additional Resources with Amy Wheeler:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory
• Optimal State Mobile App
• New Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State: Email Welcome@TheOptimalState.com for details on June, July, and August 2024 sessions
• Optimal 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 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: @saigaonkarsharmila
• Visit her website: SharmilasYogaTherapy.com
• Connect on LinkedIn: Sharmila Saigaonkar

Additional Resources:

• University of Minnesota Therapeutic Yoga Series
• Polyvagal Institute Mighty App
• 7-Week Course on Yoga, Yoga Therapy & Polyvagal Theory
• Optimal State Mobile App
• New Moon and Full Moon Meditations with Optimal State: Email Krishna@TheOptimalState.com for details on June, July, and August 2024 sessions

Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour Patreon