In this episode, we talk to Beena Patel, a physician assistant, holistic healer, and cancer survivor. Beena shares her personal journey with cancer at age 21 and how it led her to explore the limitations of traditional medicine. We discuss the importance of integrating the mind, body, and spirit for true healing, the benefits of individualized care, and how practices like yoga, Reiki, and somatic healing can bring about real transformation.

• The limitations of traditional medicine
• Nervous system regulation in healing
• Exploring healing and somatic practices
• The importance of pausing and being present
• Misconceptions about somatic healing

MEET Beena Patel

Beena Patel is a Physician Associate, Yoga Teacher, Reiki Healer, and Health Coach who integrates modern medicine with holistic healing to support whole-body transformation. Through her brand The Yoga Movement, she blends science, soul, and ancient wisdom to help clients reconnect with their innate wholeness in order to live healthier lives full of vitality, purpose, and abundance. A cancer diagnosis at 21 shifted her path and deepened her commitment to innovating a new form of healthcare that was more inclusive of some of the underrated aspects of holistic health, including faith and spirituality. Today, she provides holistic healing services, advocates for health equity, and empowers individuals to take ownership of their multi-dimensional well-being that includes the mind, body, and spirit. Currently living in the Blue Zone of Nosara, Costa Rica, Beena embodies the lifestyle she teaches—rooted in balance, nature, and healing from within.

Find out more at The Yoga Movement and connect with Beena on Instagram

The Top 10 FAQs on Integrating Yoga into Therapy

Connect With Me

The Yoga in Therapy Collective\

Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions

Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room

Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

In this episode, we go into how energy medicine can complement traditional talk therapy. Mary Grigsby, a seasoned therapist trained in both traditional and alternative healing modalities, discusses her approach to integrating energy medicine into psychotherapy. The conversation covers practical energy medicine techniques, the role of the body's energy systems in emotional regulation, and ethical considerations. Mary also demonstrates several simple energy medicine practices that listeners can try immediately.

• Ethical considerations and training
• Energy medicine techniques for trauma and substance abuse
• Practical energy medicine exercises
• Comparing energy medicine and Reiki

MEET Mary Grigsby

Mary is a seasoned therapist with training in both traditional and alternative healing modalities. She brings a deep respect for the body’s innate wisdom and its ability to guide the healing process. Her approach is holistic, integrating knowledge from functional and integrative medicine with practices such as mindfulness, EMDR, and Brainspotting. Mary’s training in Donna Eden’s Energy Medicine (EEM) has expanded her ability to support clients who may not respond to conventional talk therapy. She has successfully used EEM in a wide range of contexts—including cancer treatment support, infertility, organ transplant recovery, digestive issues, and chronic pain. It has proven especially effective for individuals who are either reluctant to discuss their challenges or who are too anxious or dysregulated to benefit from traditional therapeutic approaches. Providing adjunct energy work is one of Mary’s greatest passions. In this role, she focuses on addressing trauma and areas where clients feel stuck, while their primary therapist continues to support other aspects of their healing journey.

Find out more at Counseling in Durham, NC

Eden Method

The Top 10 FAQs on Integrating Yoga into Therapy

Connect With Me

The Yoga in Therapy Collective

Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions

Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room

Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

In this episode, we discuss integrating yoga into therapeutic practices. Kaleigh, who combines traditional talk therapy with yoga, emphasizes the power of movement, breath, and mindfulness as therapeutic tools. We discuss how Kaleigh uses yoga to help trauma survivors reconnect with their bodies, the role of trauma-informed language, and practical strategies for incorporating yoga into therapy sessions. Kaleigh shares her journey of discovering yoga, its integration with EMDR and parts work, and offers a demonstration of a yoga practice aimed at grounding and releasing tension.

• Practical applications and client stories
• Yoga practices and techniques
• Advice for therapists

MEET Kaleigh Beddingfield

Meet Kaleigh, LCSW – Founder of Living In Alignment Therapy & Wellness. Kaleigh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the heart behind Living In Alignment Therapy & Wellness, where she offers individual therapy for girls, women, and LGBTQ+ identifying individuals. She specializes in trauma work and is EMDR-trained, with a passion for helping clients safely reconnect with their bodies, deepen self-understanding, and heal from the inside out. Her holistic approach integrates mind-body practices and values-based exploration, creating space for clients to show up authentically and move toward lives that feel aligned and meaningful. Kaleigh is especially energized by supporting clients navigating trauma, anxiety, attachment wounds, identity and existential concerns, and relationship challenges — including the relationship with themselves. She’s deeply committed to holding space with care and curiosity, and to being a steady, empowering presence as clients learn to show up for themselves and honor their own needs.

Find out more at Living In Alignment Wellness

The Top 10 FAQs on Integrating Yoga into Therapy

Connect With Me

The Yoga in Therapy Collective

Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions

Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room

Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)