Where Direct Neurofeedback, Psychotherapy and Yoga Intersect
I believe that each of us has all the information inside of us to heal ourselves from past traumas that occurred along the way that may be contributing to our current suffering. We might just need a helping heart and soul in accessing, processing, and integrating that information and/or our brains might need a little assistance in disrupting the frozen, stuck and repeating neural patterns that are the root cause of many mental health challenges. And, although there is research that supports the efficacy of neurofeedback, psychotherapy and yoga on a stand-alone basis for the symptoms of trauma, including anxiety and depression, imagine what might be possible when a more holistic approach is taken.
Sanctuary for Compassion and Connection is committed to providing the most effective treatments for addressing the leading causes of chronic mental health conditions. Recognizing how vital it is to support the body’s natural ability to heal itself and work toward optimal health and wellness, including direct neurofeedback with body-based psychotherapy promotes a healthy, resilient nervous system by creating new, healthy brainwave patterns.
It is my intention as a holistic psychotherapist and Clarity Direct Neurofeedback® provider, LifeForce Yoga® for Mood Management and trauma-informed yoga teacher, and yoga teacher trainer to create a safe, sacred space to encourage this self-healing and to support my clients and students as they take this journey of exploration, growth, and ultimately transformation.
Traditionally, when our mental health was compromised in some way, it was believed that psychotherapy, or ‘talk’ therapy, was the gold standard to healing what was ailing us. However, in the yogic tradition, it was understood that the mind and body cannot be separated and to ‘fix’ one or the other, we need to work with both. Our bodies have a great deal of wisdom and a vast amount of intelligence that, when we allow our mind’s awareness to learn to recognize and honor that wisdom and intelligence, can facilitate our healing. Being able to bring both traditions together, ‘East meets West’ so to speak, broadens and deepens the work on the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual levels, promoting the healing process from the inside out.
Strengthening the mind-body connection with both yoga, which includes not only physical poses, but also breathing and meditation exercises, and psychotherapy enhances the intention of both traditions which is to expand and deepen a sense of self-awareness and assists in the integration of our logical and emotional intelligence. Honoring the body as much as the mind increases the ability to access our reservoir of compassion, not only for others but for ourselves, expands our resources from which to draw upon, fosters our resilience and improves our well-being. Including a specific focus on the brain, where the body and mind intersect, with direct neurofeedback, facilitates your journey of transformation and return to a lasting sense of overall well-being and wholeness.
With current research demonstrating the benefits of the healing art traditions of talk therapy and yoga, psychotherapists or mental health providers, such as Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers, and Psychologists have begun to embrace the idea that yoga might be a valuable source of self-care and healing not only for their clients, but for themselves and thus, have begun to take some form of in-depth yoga study and/or basic teacher training.
Such a training program makes the full spectrum of yoga practices available and provides an experience of yoga that will assist in launching a seasoned practitioner of all aspects of yoga. In-depth yoga study programs provide an immersive opportunity in a comprehensive program to explore the transformative practice of yoga, whether or not there is an intention to teach yoga. However, if you have, or develop, a passion to share the healing benefits of yoga with others, the training presents the knowledge and skills to offer your authentic gifts as a teacher and/or psychotherapist safely and with confidence.