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In this solo episode, Amy Wheeler explores a fascinating question: What happens when we look beneath the physical practice of yoga and return to its deeper purpose? Beginning with the history of āsana, Amy traces how yoga postures evolved from simple meditation seats into the diverse practices we know today. Along the way, she examines the Tantric influence of the Śiva Saṃhitā, the rise of embodied awareness in modern somatic practices, and the importance of lived experience as a pathway to understanding ourselves more deeply. The episode invites listeners to consider how yoga therapy can serve as a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary understandings of human experience, healing, and transformation.In this episode, Amy discusses:• The Sanskrit root of āsana and its original meaning as a seat or stable posture for meditation• The role of āsana in the Yoga Sūtras and why Patañjali devoted only a few verses to posture• The evolution of āsana through the Haṭha Yoga tradition, including the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā, and Śiva Saṃhitā• Why the Śiva Saṃhitā is considered one of the most Tantric of the major Haṭha Yoga texts• The concepts of prāṇa, nāḍīs, chakras, and kuṇḍalinī as experiential maps of human transformation• How modern somatic approaches emphasize interoception, self-awareness, and embodied regulation• The importance of first-hand lived experience in understanding consciousness and healing• The connection between lived experience, yoga therapy, and the study of consciousness• How Indigenous ways of knowing value observation, participation, relationship, and direct experience• Why lived experience may be one of the most important meeting points between yoga, science, and healingClosing ThoughtsOne of the enduring gifts of yoga is its invitation to investigate experience directly. Whether we approach that inquiry through Classical Yoga, Tantra, somatic practice, lived experience, or Indigenous wisdom traditions, each reminds us that transformation begins with attention. The path of yoga therapy is not simply about changing symptoms or improving function. It is also about learning to observe, inhabit, and understand our lived experience more fully. In doing so, we may discover that the body, breath, mind, and spirit have been teaching us all along.Contact Amy Wheeler:www.TheOptimalState.com Optimal State App for iPhone:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimal-state/id1604424804 The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 School of Integrative Health at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU's Post-Master's Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool
Get an inside look into what it is like to be a Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy student in this mentoring session with Breathing Deeply Director and lead teacher, Brandt Passalacqua. Questions covered in this episode cover how to heal Meniere's Disease with yoga therapy and proven techniques to improve vagal nerve tone. Pathway Assessment: https://breathingdeeply.net/quiz?utm_source=youtube BDYT Clinical Method: https://breathingdeeply.net/home--breathing-deeply-yoga-therapy/?utm_source=youtube Timestamps: 00:00 - My client has Meniere's Disease, what can I do to help them? 05:13 - Does sticking your tongue out really improve vagus nerve tone? Yoga therapy is a growing clinical field that helps people work with mental health challenges and chronic health conditions using evidence-informed yoga practices. Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy School provides professional yoga therapy training programs designed to prepare you to work safely and effectively with real clients. Our graduates are trained to work with: • Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma • Chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases • Chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions • Fatigue, burnout, and complex long-term health challenges Learn about professional yoga therapy training: https://breathingdeeply.com If you're looking for yoga therapy for your own health, explore Breathing Deeply Wellness: Guided programs, practices, and support for mental health, chronic conditions, and long-term wellbeing. https://breathingdeeply.com/wellness
Episode OverviewIn this thoughtful and grounded conversation, Amy Wheeler sits down with Marlysa Sullivan, a physical therapist, yoga therapist, and educator working within the Veterans Administration and at Notre Dame of Maryland University. Together, they explore the Niyamas from The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as living practices—less about rigid rules and more about ongoing self-inquiry, ethical reflection, and alignment in daily life.Rather than presenting the Niyamas as fixed ideals, this episode invites a more nuanced approach: one that considers context, relationship, and the evolving nature of what it means to act with integrity. The conversation weaves together classical yoga philosophy, modern clinical experience, and real-world application, offering a grounded pathway for both practitioners and clinicians.Key Themes ExploredEthics as a Living Inquiry Ethical practice is not static. Marlysa emphasizes that what is “right” depends on context, relationship, and discernment. This requires ongoing reflection: What is most relevant, kind, and supportive in this moment?Śauca (Clarity and Inner Cleanliness) The discussion reframes purity away from moral judgment and toward clarity. Rather than “fixing what is wrong,” the practice becomes one of noticing what clouds perception—habit patterns, past impressions, and emotional residue—and gently clearing space for more skillful action. Santoṣa (Contentment as Stability and Action) Contentment is explored as a steady inner ground, not passivity. True contentment allows for both acceptance and meaningful action. The conversation highlights the balance between deficiency (chronic dissatisfaction) and excess (avoidance or spiritual bypassing).Tapas (Right Effort and Friction for Growth) Tapas is described as the willingness to meet discomfort in service of transformation. It is the moment where inner clarity meets outward action—often requiring courage to move beyond familiar patterns.Svādhyāya (Self-Study and Honest Reflection) The practice of self-study calls for humility and relational support. Amy and Marlysa emphasize the importance of trusted relationships that can reflect blind spots and support deeper self-awareness.Īśvara Praṇidhāna (Surrender and Letting Go of Outcome) Surrender is presented as an essential counterbalance to effort. One does the work with integrity, then releases attachment to results. This is especially relevant in complex systems, where control is limited and trust becomes necessary.Integrating Kriyā YogaThe final three Niyamas—Tapas, Svādhyāya, and Īśvara Praṇidhāna—are explored as Kriya Yoga, a practical pathway for transformation.Together, they form a cycle:Act with intentionReflect with honestySurrender the outcomeThis dynamic process supports both personal growth and therapeutic presence.Clinical and Real-World ApplicationDrawing from her work in the Veterans Administration, Marlysa highlights how these teachings translate into practice:Healing is not one-size-fits-all; each individual responds differentlyCuriosity supports humility and clinical effectivenessRelationship and co-reflection are essential for growthYoga therapy must move beyond biomechanics to include meaning, perception, and lived experienceThe conversation reinforces that how we approach a simple movement—like stretching a hamstring—often reflects how we approach life itself.Practical ReflectionFor those beginning to work with the Niyamas:Start with the one that feels most relevant or meaningfulReflect on where you tend toward excess or deficiencyUse curiosity as a guide rather than judgmentEngage trusted others in your process of reflectionClosing InsightThis episode reframes ethics not as obligation, but as an enlivening and relational practice. When approached with curiosity and sincerity, the Niyamas become a guide for living with clarity, integrity, and connection—to oneself and to others.Learn MoreVisit Marlysa Sullivan: www.marlysasullivan.comExplore the foundations in The Yoga Sutras of PatanjaliContact Amy Wheeler:www.TheOptimalState.com Optimal State App for iPhone:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimal-state/id1604424804 The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 School of Integrative Health at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU's Post-Master's Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool Our new book- https://www.amazon.com/Applying-Therapeutic-Yoga-Integrative-Health/dp/1032888628/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RFZ3L5MCCNPH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I7harQDOLulfRbd3dx2vVa5VUZa840PHcWB7dDiT3_bB2nravzO7_9Xs9shMhcy2Iwu0wtTA1PxeUG4TTugEQJuK_OEpvzQ-OyVvtsUkXsc.ViqLrL-EQPX7s09wZF6_2eCpLCimHa7Ohfbw-F7Yuk4&dib_tag=se&keywords=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheeler&qid=1775224796&sprefix=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheele%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1
Long before yoga therapy was recognized by mainstream healthcare institutions, Michael Lee, MA, Dip.Psych, C-IAYT, was pioneering an internationally acclaimed method that bridged classical yoga, depth psychology, and body-centered awareness. In 1986, he founded Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, establishing a lineage that uses the body as a direct gateway to emotional and mental liberation.In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy, host Michele Lawrence sits down with Michael to reflect on four decades of his work in this field. Together, they explore how integrating Rogerian person-centered psychology with yoga creates a powerful space for transformation—shifting the therapeutic goal away from "fixing" clients and toward heart-centered accompaniment.In this conversation, we explore:The Roots of Phoenix Rising: How Michael brought together behavioral science, psychology, and traditional yoga lineage over 40 years ago.Dual-Centered Awareness: Why the therapeutic relationship and non-judgmental presence are essential for deep, long-term growth.Shifting From "Fixing" to "Accompaniment": How yoga therapists can serve by shifting from trying to fix problems to holding space for the client's innate wisdom.Turning Stress into Bliss: Practical strategies from Michael's book to move from chronic existential burnout into deep meaning and fulfillment.ResourcesConnect with Michael Lee: Explore Michael's books (Turn Stress into Bliss and Yoga Therapy and Integrative Medicine), courses, and global events at michaelleeyoga.com.Learn About Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy: Discover programs and resources at pryt.com.Support the showConnect with Inner Peace Yoga TherapyEmail us: info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.comWebsiteInstagramFacebook
In this episode, Amy sits down with Posture Ellie, a posture specialist based in the Peak District of England, whose work bridges movement, awareness, and human transformation.Ellie shares her personal journey from corporate burnout and disconnection to discovering yoga as a turning point—one that ultimately led her to specialize in posture as a powerful, accessible entry point into healing.Together, they explore a central reframe: posture is not about “standing up straight.” It is about how the body moves, adapts, and expresses lived experience.What You'll Hear in This EpisodePosture as a Living System Ellie challenges the common idea of posture as rigid alignment. Instead, she describes posture as fluid, responsive movement—an expression of how well the body functions as an integrated whole.From Symptoms to Root Cause Rather than chasing tension or pain, posture work invites us to restore movement where it has been lost. This shift moves the work from symptom relief toward deeper resolution.Interoception as a Learned Language Amy and Ellie discuss how body awareness is not immediate—it develops over time. Many people begin disconnected from sensation and gradually learn to “read” their body through consistent practice.The Missing Middle of Movement Modern life often swings between stillness (desk, car, couch) and intensity (gym, running). Ellie highlights the importance of restoring gentle, everyday movement—the “middle ground” our bodies are designed for.Patterns of Stress in the Body The conversation explores two common expressions of stress:Over-efforting / rigidity (often high-achieving, driven individuals)Collapse / withdrawal (protective, energy-conserving patterns)Both influence breathing, posture, and nervous system regulation in distinct ways.Breath, Posture, and the Nervous System Postural patterns directly affect breathing mechanics. Restricted diaphragmatic breathing can reinforce stress responses, while restoring breath capacity can support regulation.From Numbness to Feeling A powerful theme in this episode is the movement from disconnection to awareness. Many people initially feel “nothing,” only to later recognize long-held tension and emotion as awareness grows.Posture as a Gateway to Self-Relationship Over time, posture work becomes more than physical. It becomes a way of listening, responding, and relating to oneself with greater clarity and care.Key InsightPosture is not something you hold. It is something that emerges when the body is supported, responsive, and free to move.About the GuestPosture Ellie is a posture specialist and educator helping people reduce pain, improve movement, and reconnect with their bodies. Her work draws from yoga, the Egoscue Method, and a deep understanding of how modern lifestyles shape the human body.She is the author of Posture Power, a practical and empowering guide to understanding and improving posture.Website: www.posture-ellie.comInstagram: @postureellieBook: Posture Power → https://watkinspublishinglinks.com/posture-powerContact Amy Wheeler:www.TheOptimalState.com Optimal State App for iPhone:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimal-state/id1604424804 The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 School of Integrative Health at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU's Post-Master's Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool Our new book- https://www.amazon.com/Applying-Therapeutic-Yoga-Integrative-Health/dp/1032888628/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RFZ3L5MCCNPH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I7harQDOLulfRbd3dx2vVa5VUZa840PHcWB7dDiT3_bB2nravzO7_9Xs9shMhcy2Iwu0wtTA1PxeUG4TTugEQJuK_OEpvzQ-OyVvtsUkXsc.ViqLrL-EQPX7s09wZF6_2eCpLCimHa7Ohfbw-F7Yuk4&dib_tag=se&keywords=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheeler&qid=1775224796&sprefix=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheele%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1
Episode DescriptionIn this episode, Dr. Amy Wheeler continues the Season 10 exploration of the Eight Limbs of Yoga as a regulatory framework, turning inward toward the Niyamas—the personal disciplines that shape how we care for ourselves and engage in inner work. Rather than presenting the Niyamas as a checklist of ideals, this conversation reframes them as practices that create the internal conditions for nervous system regulation, clarity, and meaningful change.At the heart of this episode is a grounded inquiry: What happens when we reduce internal noise, increase awareness, and release the need to control everything?Through both classical teachings and modern neuroscience, Amy explores how daily practice (sādhana) supports a shift from overwhelm and reactivity toward steadiness, discernment, and trust.Key Themes ExploredThe Niyamas as Inner Regulation The Niyamas are not about perfection or moral pressure. They are about how we stabilize the internal environment so that clarity and integrity can naturally arise.You Cannot Offer What You Do Not Embody Our internal state directly shapes our professional presence. When we are cluttered, overwhelmed, or unreflective, it impacts how we show up with others. From Discipline to Daily Practice The Niyamas are lived through small, consistent actions—organizing our space, pausing for reflection, regulating the body, and observing the mind.Top-Down and Bottom-Up Regulation True transformation includes both:Working with the mind (top-down)Working with the body and physiology (bottom-up)Yoga therapy offers a unique bridge between these two approaches. The Niyamas Through a Neuroscience LensŚauca (Clarity and Purification) Reducing allostatic load—our chronic stress burden—by organizing our external and internal environments. Less clutter leads to less cognitive overload, allowing the mind to settle and the prefrontal cortex to function more effectively. Santoṣa (Contentment) A present-moment orientation that shifts the brain's predictive bias. As regulation increases, the brain becomes less focused on past threat and more open to possibility, safety, and “I am okay right now.” Tapas (Disciplined Effort) The steady repetition that builds new neural pathways. Tapas is neuroplasticity in action—choosing new responses, reinforcing them over time, and gradually reducing reactivity. Svādhyāya (Self-Study) Developing meta-awareness and interoception—the ability to observe thoughts, emotions, and sensations without immediately reacting. This creates a pause where new choices become possible. Īśvara Praṇidhāna (Surrender) Releasing excessive control reduces sympathetic overactivation and increases tolerance for uncertainty. When we soften the need to control everything, the nervous system becomes more flexible, resilient, and open to possibility. Clinical InsightWhen people struggle with the Niyamas, it is rarely a lack of discipline or integrity.More often, it reflects:High allostatic load (chronic stress)Nervous system dysregulationLimited access to internal safetyFrom this perspective, the work is not to try harder, but to create conditions where regulation is possible.A Practical ReframeInstead of asking:Am I doing the Niyamas correctly?We might ask:What is increasing my internal noise?What helps my system settle?Where can I reduce load, even slightly?From there, the Niyamas begin to emerge rather than be forced.Integration with the YamasThe Yamas (social disciplines) and Niyamas (personal disciplines) function as a continuous loop:Inner regulation supports relational clarityRelational harmony reduces internal stressTogether, they create a self-reinforcing cycle of regulation, discernment, and well-being. Reflection for ListenersTake a moment to reflect:Where in your life is there unnecessary cognitive or sensory load?What helps you return to a sense of “okayness” in the present moment?Where might you benefit from more effort—and where might you need to release control?ClosingThe Niyamas invite a steady relationship with yourself.Not as a project to fix— but as a system to support.As internal noise decreases and awareness increases, regulation becomes more accessible, Contact Amy Wheeler:www.TheOptimalState.com Optimal State App for iPhone:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimal-state/id1604424804 The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 School of Integrative Health at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU's Post-Master's Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool New Book Coming Out August 10th, 2026 https://www.amazon.com/Applying-Therapeutic-Yoga-Integrative-Health/dp/1032888628/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RFZ3L5MCCNPH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I7harQDOLulfRbd3dx2vVa5VUZa840PHcWB7dDiT3_bB2nravzO7_9Xs9shMhcy2Iwu0wtTA1PxeUG4TTugEQJuK_OEpvzQ-OyVvtsUkXsc.ViqLrL-EQPX7s09wZF6_2eCpLCimHa7Ohfbw-F7Yuk4&dib_tag=se&keywords=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheeler&qid=1775224796&sprefix=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheele%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1
Send us Fan MailToday I'm sitting down with Liz Albanis — a senior yoga teacher, yoga therapist, and personal trainer based in Canberra, Australia, who has spent over 14 years exploring one of the most important questions in the wellness space: when does yoga help, and when does it actually harm?Liz works with people who don't feel supported in traditional yoga environments — people with injuries, trauma, nervous system dysregulation, or who have simply walked out of a yoga class feeling worse than when they walked in. She brings something rare to this work: a deep understanding of both the science and the ancient wisdom, combined with her own lived experience of complex PTSD, surviving two house fires, and discovering that a practice designed specifically for her nervous system changed everything.What we cover:Who traditional yoga leaves behind — why the modern Western yoga class, however well-intentioned, can be inaccessible, overwhelming, or actively harmful for a large portion of the population — and why this is not the student's faultThe penicillin analogy — why yoga poses, breathwork, and even meditation are not universally safe, with specific examples including fast-paced breathwork and yoga nidra, and who needs to be especially carefulWhat actually creates safety in the body — why candles, incense, and soft music don't automatically create a safe space, and what grounding, the ocular cardiac reflex, and eye movement actually do to the nervous systemTrauma stored in the fascia — the concept of psychosomatic posturing and how a skilled yoga therapist reads the body from the moment someone walks through the door — blink rate, breath pattern, nostril dominance, posture, skin color, nail bedsLiz's personal story — how Bikram yoga helped her quit a 14-year smoking habit in three months, how two house fires 20 years apart shook her nervous system to its foundation, and how yoga therapy brought her backWhat a trauma-informed assessment actually looks like — the intake process, discovery call, Ayurvedic questionnaires, contraindication screening, and the two-way street of building a treatment plan with a clientBottom-up vs. top-down healing — why talk therapy and medication alone are not enough for trauma and chronic pain, and why working with the body is essentialThe bee breath (Bhramari pranayama) — Liz's go-to practice for nervous system regulation, including the Hasta Mudra, the ocular cardiac reflex, and why she does it in trafficThe beautiful resonances between yoga therapy, Ayurveda, and marma points — including the connection between pressing on the eyes and vagus nerve stimulationFree resources from Liz:Bee breath video and freebie: https://www.lizalbaniswellness.com.au/freebiesRelax & Restore freebie: https://www.lizalbaniswellness.com.au/freebiesPrograms mentioned:Release, Relax, Restore — three-signature program combining yoga, mindset, fitness, and nutritionLife Force Yoga — accessible yoga for mental healthSleep programWellness Designed for You — one-on-one personalized programTeachers & traditions mentioned:Jo Phee — Liz's yoga teacher, Singapore-based yin yoga and yoga therapy educatorTom Myers — fascia and myofascial releaseAmy Weintraub — LifeForce Yoga for mental healthEMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)Bhramari pranayama (bee breath)Connect with Liz:Website: https://www.lizalbaniswellness.com.auInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizalbaniswellnessau/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lizalbaniswellnessauResources:Free Masterclass: The Alchemy of the Perimenopause PortalAyurvedic Dosha Quick Reference GuideAbhyanga Self Massage GuideWeekend Nervous System ResetNourished For Resilience Workbook Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.comand @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram
When someone has experienced trauma, chronic stress, or progressive illness, their own physical body can start to feel like an unsafe environment. They often report feeling disconnected from or even "betrayed" by their physical shape. How do we help clients shift out of a constant, cellular state of survival and return to a state of safety, trust, and connection?In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy, host Michele Lawrence sits down with Meredith Phipps, C-IAYT, founder of Essentia Yoga Therapy. Meredith masterfully weaves together traditional yoga therapy, somatic practices, and polyvagal theory to help clients reforge a trusted relationship with their physical selves.Together, they explore the somatic architecture of trauma, how polyvagal-informed tools adapt seamlessly to changing and aging bodies, and why building a completely new relationship with the body is a radical—yet necessary—shift in clinical care.In this conversation, we explore:The Cellular Level of Survival: Why trauma alters a person's relationship with their body and why top-down talk therapy sometimes struggles to reach deep somatic holding patterns.Polyvagal Theory on the Mat: How to demystify complex nervous system states (fight, flight, freeze) so clients in heightened defense can practically track their state.Trauma Recovery & Aging: The surprising intersection between trauma-informed somatic tools and supporting individuals navigating progressive illness or changing physical capabilities.Personalized Inquiry vs. Fixed Shapes: How tailored, responsive yoga therapy alters clinical outcomes compared to standard, general studio classes.From Management to Awe: How practitioners can help clients shift away from viewing the body as "something problematic to manage" toward treating it as a sacred space of reverence and wonder.
In this conversation, Amy sits down with Colleen Carroll for a thoughtful exploration of Santoṣa—often translated as contentment, but experienced as something much more nuanced.Rather than presenting contentment as a passive or idealized state, this episode examines it as a living practice—one that unfolds in the middle of uncertainty, chronic pain, changing identities, and the natural fluctuations of life.Together, they explore how the human tendency to strive, fix, and move away from discomfort can obscure what is already present. Through personal stories and clinical insight, they reflect on how contentment is not something we achieve once and for all, but something we return to—again and again—with awareness and discernment. In This Episode, We ExploreWhat Santoṣa really means beyond the idea of “being content” The relationship between striving, dissatisfaction, and the nervous system Why contentment is not complacency—and how to recognize the difference How chronic pain and life disruption can become entry points into practice The role of awareness in seeing what has always been available How external environments (beauty, ritual, home space) can support internal regulation The importance of titration (krama) when working with distress or trauma Contentment as a doorway into mindfulness rather than an endpoint The role of relationships and co-regulation in shaping our experience of contentment Discernment in relationships—when to stay connected and when to create space Key Reflections from the ConversationContentment is not the absence of difficulty. It is the capacity to remain in relationship with what is present, without immediately trying to change it.There is a subtle but important shift from striving for happiness to recognizing moments of ease already available. This shift often requires a willingness to pause and observe rather than act.For many, contentment becomes most accessible not in ideal conditions, but in moments of limitation—when the usual strategies no longer work. These moments can reveal new pathways of awareness, including a more honest relationship with the body and mind.The practice of Santoṣa is not about overriding pain or difficulty. Instead, it involves titrating attention—moving gently between what is challenging and what is supportive, building capacity over time.External environments can play a meaningful role. Beauty, order, ritual, and sensory experiences can help orient attention toward steadiness, making internal awareness more accessible.Relationships matter. Contentment can be supported through connection, but also disrupted through environments that do not align with one's values or nervous system needs. Discernment becomes part of the practice.Contact Colleen www.colleencarrollyoga.com Contact Amy Wheeler:www.TheOptimalState.com Optimal State App for iPhone:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimal-state/id1604424804 The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 School of Integrative Health at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU's Post-Master's Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool New Book Coming Out August 10th, 2026 https://www.amazon.com/Applying-Therapeutic-Yoga-Integrative-Health/dp/1032888628/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RFZ3L5MCCNPH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I7harQDOLulfRbd3dx2vVa5VUZa840PHcWB7dDiT3_bB2nravzO7_9Xs9shMhcy2Iwu0wtTA1PxeUG4TTugEQJuK_OEpvzQ-OyVvtsUkXsc.ViqLrL-EQPX7s09wZF6_2eCpLCimHa7Ohfbw-F7Yuk4&dib_tag=se&keywords=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheeler&qid=1775224796&sprefix=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheele%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1
The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention
Hey Friends~ What if the fastest way to help your child become calm... is to begin with yourself? In this episode, Ann shares the power of co-regulation and reminds us that our state is contagious. The good news? Calm is contagious, too. You'll discover simple ways to release tension from your own body, use your breath to create a greater sense of peace, and even learn a beautiful visualization that can help settle both you and your child. Ann also guides us through gentle meditations that are especially helpful for children who are waiting, winding down, or falling asleep. Whether you're looking for practical ways to bring more calm into everyday moments or bedtime has become a struggle this conversation offers tools you can begin using today Always cheering you on! Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn: hello@thelanguageofplay.com Have a QUESTION or COMMENT? Leave a voice message! https://castfeedback.com/play WEBSITE: https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Email the word WAITLIST to know details about the next group coaching cohort. hello@thelanguageofplay.com ABOUT THE GUEST: Ann Swanson is the author of Meditation for the Real World and SCIENCE OF YOGA, which has sold over 1/2 a million copies worldwide and has a recently released second edition. Ann wasn't a naturally “chill person,” and these practices didn't come easy to her. Overcoming her own chronic pain and anxiety led her to India to study yoga, to China to explore tai chi, and to earn a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy. Head to https://www.MeditationForTheRealWorld.com to check out her book and join her free 5 day meditation challenge. CONTACT THE GUEST: Book and join her free 5-day meditation challenge: https://www.MeditationForTheRealWorld.com Ann's YouTube: https://www.MeditationForTheRealWorld.com Ann's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scienceof.yoga/ A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Clever Elly The a car charger that talks to you and helps you remember. Click here to learn more and claim the special listener bonus! https://cleverelly.com/r?id=246rdm IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN TO THESE EPISODES: 272 Want Your Kids To Sleep? Allison Egidi Shares Amazingly Effective Advice! 246 Dr. Marcus: Are you a soothing presence for your child? 245 Toys That Create Calm: Helping Toddlers With Transitions and Meltdowns WE'VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU! Love this podcast? Let us know! https://lovethepodcast.com/play Follow & subscribe in 1-click! https://followthepodcast.com/play To SPONSOR The Language Of Play, schedule your call here: https://calendly.com/hello-play/discovery-session To DONATE to The Language Of Play, Use this secure payment link: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/the-language-of-play
After sustaining a severe back injury, yoga therapist Jen Peterson, C-IAYT, found herself completely ostracized by modern, fitness-based studio spaces that prioritized rigid, hyper-flexible physical shapes. That turning point sparked a lifelong vow: to champion the truth that the pose is meant to serve the body—not the other way around.In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy, host Michele Lawrence sits down with Jen Peterson, C-IAYT, an Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Reiki Master, and the founder of Yoga Grace. Jen beautifully splits her time between her private practice and working as an integrated provider at the University of Vermont Medical Center's Comprehensive Pain Program, treating patients with complex chronic conditions.Together, they dive into why physical poses only scratch the surface of true healing, what happens when you bring bottom-up somatic tools into an allopathic hospital setting, and how the clinical application of yoga therapy can change the landscape of modern pain management.In this conversation, we explore:The Injury Pivot: How feeling isolated by Western studio culture redefined Jen's clinical framework of what a "successful" practice looks like.Yoga in the Hospital System: The shifts that occur in patient outcomes when bottom-up tools like pranayama and gentle asana are woven into traditional medical pain management.Moving Beyond the Physical Layer: A multi-dimensional look at why long-term healing is impossible if we only address the physical body (Annamaya Kosha).The Intersect of Yoga & Ayurveda: How circadian medicine and lifestyle rhythms change the way we assess root causes like chronic insomnia, anxiety, and digestive unrest.Advice for Emerging Therapists: The single most critical mindset shift a fitness-focused yoga teacher needs to make to transition into safe, therapeutic work with complex populations.Guest LinksConnect with Jen Peterson: Explore her virtual practice library, register for asynchronous recordings, and book private yoga therapy or Ayurvedic consultations at YogaGraceVT.com.Enjoyed this conversation? Please leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Share this episode with a healthcare provider, yoga teacher, or anyone navigating chronic pain who needs to hear that if they can breathe, they can practice.Support the showConnect with Inner Peace Yoga TherapyEmail us: info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.comWebsiteInstagramFacebook
Episode OverviewIn this conversation, Amy sits down with Lee to explore the role of daily practice—sādhana—as a living, evolving process rather than a fixed routine.Together, they reflect on what it means to cultivate steadiness in the mind, nervous system, and heart, and how consistent practice becomes a pathway toward deeper self-understanding, inner guidance, and connection to something greater than oneself.The discussion moves beyond technique and into lived experience—how practice shapes perception, builds trust, and gradually shifts one's relationship to stress, identity, and life decisions. Key Themes ExploredSādhana as a Living Practice Rather than a checklist or obligation, sādhana is described as something that evolves over time—from structured daily sessions to an ongoing state of awareness woven throughout the day.From Effort to Integration Lee shares how practice can begin as something we do and gradually become something we are—an orientation toward presence, clarity, and responsiveness in daily life.Stability Through Routine Both Amy and Lee reflect on how consistent routines support nervous system regulation, especially in contrast to the disruption that comes with travel and constant change.The Role of Direct Experience Sustained practice is not maintained through discipline alone, but through experience. When individuals feel the shift—greater calm, clarity, or ease—they naturally return to practice.Witnessing vs. Identifying A central shift in practice is the movement from being immersed in thoughts and emotions to observing them. This creates space for discernment and choice.Inner Guidance and Trust Lee describes a deepening relationship with an internal “voice” or guidance system that develops through consistent practice. Trust is built gradually, through experience rather than belief.Different Pathways of Awareness The conversation acknowledges that inner guidance can arise in different ways—auditory, somatic, intuitive, or visual—depending on the individual.Spiritual Practice and Health Outcomes The episode highlights emerging research showing that spirituality and consistent inner practice are associated with improved physical, mental, and social health outcomes.Education and Responsibility in Yoga Therapy A key tension explored is whether sādhana should be optional or foundational within yoga therapy training. The conversation points toward a shared responsibility among educators to model and transmit its value.Therapist Presence as Intervention The qualities of the therapist—presence, compassion, equanimity, and self-awareness—are described as central to client outcomes, often more influential than specific techniques.Notable ReflectionsDaily practice can begin with structure, but over time becomes integrated into how we live and relate to each moment. The shift from “What do I want?” to “What is being asked of me?” reflects a deepening of trust and perspective. Even brief practices—such as 5–10 minutes of meditation—can create measurable physiological and emotional shifts. We cannot guide others beyond our own level of awareness; our personal practice directly shapes our clinical impact. Practical TakeawaysBegin with what is accessible: even short, consistent practices can create meaningful change.Anchor practice to a consistent time and place when possible to support continuity.Notice the effects of practice—not just during, but in how you relate to others and your environment.Allow your practice to evolve rather than holding it to a fixed structure.Approach sādhana as a lifelong relationship, not a temporary intervention.Closing ReflectionThis episode invites a quiet reconsideration of what it means to practice.Rather than striving for the “right” method or perfect routine, the conversation points toward something more steady: a willingness to return, to listen, and to stay in relationship with oneself over time.From that place, both clarity and direction begin to emerge.Learn More About LeeLee is the founding director of Yoga for Health Institute, where she leads therapeutic yoga programs, professional trainings, and international retreats.Her work includes long-standing student communities and specialized offerings such as the Beyond Cancer retreat program, supporting individuals in navigating health challenges through consistent practice and inner development.You can learn more about her work here: www.yogaforhealth.instituteContact Amy Wheeler:www.TheOptimalState.com
What if the secret to your next professional breakthrough isn't doing more—but mastering the art of the somatic off-switch?In a high-intensity culture that treats "the hustle" and sleep deprivation as badges of honor, ambitious women are facing a quiet epidemic of chronic exhaustion, nighttime panic, and the dreaded 3:00 AM wake-up call. In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy, host Michele Lawrence sits down with Monica Le Baron, MBA, C-IAYT, a globally recognized sleep expert, certified yoga therapist, and the bestselling author of Sleep Simplified.Monica beautifully bridges the gap between high-level business strategy and somatic therapy because she lived it. After climbing the corporate ladder while silently battling debilitating insomnia, chronic pain, and anxiety, she found her pathway out of burnout through yoga therapy. Today, her signature Sleep Simplified™ method helps hundreds of high-achieving women worldwide drop the stress of rigid sleep tracking and reclaim deep, restorative rest.In this conversation, we dive into:The Corporate Pivot: Monica's personal turning point from corporate exhaustion to somatic alignment.Stripping Away Bedtime Anxiety: The core philosophy behind her 4-step framework and why rigid sleep hygiene rules can sometimes fuel insomnia.Rest as a Foundation, Not a Reward: Re-framing rest as a non-negotiable metric for professional longevity, success, and leadership sustainability.The Neurobiology of Self-Love: How a lack of self-compassion keeps the sympathetic nervous system on high alert at 3:00 AM, and how to transition into a physical state of safety.Mind-Body Mechanics for Nighttime Panic: A practical, in-the-moment breathwork tool to down-regulate an anxious nervous system directly from bed.The Next Chapter: An exclusive sneak peek into the central message of Monica's highly anticipated upcoming book.
In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy, host Michele Lawrence sits down with Renata Sumar Gaertner, C-IAYT, the director and lead teacher of Yoga for All Abilities, carrying forward her mother's legendary Sonia Sumar Method.Renata began her yoga journey at just three years old and completed her first Hatha training at twelve. Raised alongside her sister, Roberta, who was born with Down Syndrome, Renata witnessed firsthand the profound developmental power of an individualized practice. Bridging her lifelong lineage roots with a degree in Speech Therapy and a postgraduate specialization in Language Disorders, Renata has dedicated her life to making yoga accessible and empowering for individuals with disabilities, neurodiversity, and additional needs.In this conversation, we explore:The Myth of the Standard Template: Shifting away from a "one-size-fits-all" approach to physical alignment and defining what personal alignment truly means for a student's physiological safety and growth.The Neurobiology of Development: The reality of what happens when individuals navigating Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, or autism practice a structured, individualized yoga protocol.Establishing Nervous System Safety: How practitioners and parents can use breath, vocal resonance, and deep attention to build baseline safety for children with severe sensory processing challenges or communication barriers.Moving from Fear to Service: Shifting our mindset out of intimidation when working with complex additional needs and stepping into heart-centered, professional care.ResourcesLearn more about Renata's work & global trainings: Visit SpecialYoga.com to explore Part 1 and Part 2 certification pathways, continuing education modules, and private mentoring support.Support the showConnect with Inner Peace Yoga TherapyEmail us: info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.comWebsiteInstagramFacebook
Can we impact the flow of Reiki? And what is involved in Reiki for end-of-life care?In this episode of Reiki from the Farm, I sit down with Reiki practitioner, teacher, and Michelle to explore marma points—the ancient energetic gateways from the Ayurvedic tradition that may help direct and enhance the flow of Reiki.We discuss how working with marma points can support grounding, intuition, emotional healing, and a deeper connection to the energy.We also explore Michelle's work as an end-of-life caregiver–things like presence, compassion, touch, and the sacred role Reiki can play at the end of life. And what can the dying teach us about living, healing, and what truly matters?______Pam Allen-LeBlanc is a scientist, businesswoman, and Licensed Reiki Master Teacher (LRMT) with the International Center for Reiki Training.Get in Touch with Pam:pam@reikifromthefarm.comwww.reikifromthefarm.com______Michele Denis has been teaching and studying Reiki since 1996. In 2008 she opened the Westcoast Reiki Centre in Vancouver BC out of a desire to provide ongoing support and continuing education for Reiki practitioners. She has been a regular presenter at Omega Institute's Wisdom of Reiki Conference since its inception. Prior to that, starting in 2002, she was a Summer staff teacher and part of the Core Mediation faculty. In 2010 she returned to a previous love of Vedic studies and trained in Yoga Therapy. She was part of Semperviva's Yoga College teacher training programme where she developed and taught their Yoga Nidra programme. She also created and taught Body/Mind Integration in the Vancouver School of Yoga Therapy.Today she lives on a gulf island with her husband and dog. They spend their time singing, gardening and watching birds.Get in Touch with Michele:medenis@icloud.comA special thanks goes out to Music from Pixabay for the intro music and to Nate Miller for the meditation music. Register for our newsletter! InstagramFacebookYoutube pam@reikifromthefarm.com
What happens when traditional public health science meets ancestral wisdom? In this episode, host Michele Lawrence sits down with Melissa Shah, MPH, C-IAYT, the founder of Find Your Breath, to explore the intersection of modern healthcare, lineage reclamation, and the physiological power of sound. Melissa breaks down the Western misconceptions surrounding mantra, reclaiming it as a potent, therapeutic practice. Whether you are a healthcare provider looking to expand your somatic toolkit or an advanced yoga teacher committed to honoring the true roots of the practice, this episode serves as a vital blueprint for the future of culturally respectful, therapeutic care.In This Episode, We Discuss:The Intersection of Lineage and Public Health: How Melissa navigates modern, institutional spaces by blending an academic Master of Public Health framework with lifelong roots in Yoga and Ayurveda.Decolonizing the Somatic Space: Why reclaiming and honoring the true cultural lineage of yoga is not just a philosophical duty, but a requirement for generating a deep felt-sense of nervous system safety for clients.Mantra as a Clinical Tool: Redefining mantra from a passive "mental affirmation" or aesthetic background track into a direct, active neurobiological intervention.The Psychoneuroimmunology of Sound: The science behind chanting—including chest vibration, tongue movement, vagal nerve stimulation, and how extended exhalations manually hack heart rate variability (HRV)."Digesting" Heavy Emotions: A practical breakdown of how specific, targeted chants can help a client shift stuck emotional and psychological tension (like anger, anxiety, or grief).Practicing with Humility & Respect: Crucial advice for yoga therapists who want to bring therapeutic sound to their clients while navigating Sanskrit pronunciation and avoiding cultural appropriation.Melissa Shah, C-IAYT, MPH, is a certified yoga therapist, public health leader, and the founder of Find Your Breath—an online sanctuary, virtual practice library, and mentorship platform dedicated to making yoga therapy truly collaborative, accessible, and inclusive. Grounded in the Viniyoga tradition and her lifelong ancestral relationship with Yoga and Ayurveda, Melissa integrates movement, breathing, and traditional sound with modern clinical and public health frameworks. She is also the author of an upcoming book dedicated to mantra as a therapeutic practice, releasing next year.Connect with Melissa:Website: FindYourBreath.netInstagram: @FindYourBreathResources: Explore Melissa's weekly community chanting classes, mentorship portals, and updates on her upcoming book directly on her platform.Support the showConnect with Inner Peace Yoga TherapyEmail us: info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.comWebsiteInstagramFacebook
The C-IAYT credential represents a significant investment — in time, money, and professional identity. In this episode we put the full cost of becoming a certified yoga therapist on the table alongside the realistic income outcomes, and calculate what the credential actually needs to return to justify the investment. The math is not designed to discourage you from yoga therapy. It is designed to give you the complete financial picture so you can build a career strategy that works in the real landscape. RESOURCESWorking In Yoga WebsiteWorking In Yoga NewsletterThe Back RoomInside Yoga Magazine
In this episode, I'm sharing a conversation with Kendra McEwen, a trainee in my Movement Detective program from Massachusetts. We talk about her journey from being a special education teacher to becoming a yoga teacher who is now learning to see the body through a much more functional and investigative lens. Even in just a few months of training, she's already noticing major shifts in how she observes movement and supports her clients. What stood out to me in this conversation is how quickly her perspective has evolved from "fixing problems" to understanding movement patterns. We also explore how pain is rarely isolated to one area, and how curiosity, observation, and whole-body awareness can completely change how we approach client care in yoga and therapeutic movement settings.
In this episode, Breathing Deeply founder Brandt Passalacqua speaks with Shelby Caffery, Breathing Deeply graduate about a 79 year old client who came in presenting knee & hip pain but revealed her real concern was severe depression that left her housebound and isolated. After 21 sessions over one summer that had a special focus on meditation techniques, Shelby's client was able to reclaim her life and her freedom. Tune in to hear her story. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:42 - About Shelby's client suffering with depression 03:07 - What yoga therapy tools Shelby gave her client for depression 05:43 - The importance of meditation for Shelby's client 07:09 - How Shelby's client is doing now 09:52 - The power of chanting meditations for Shelby's client Yoga therapy is a growing clinical field that helps people work with mental health challenges and chronic health conditions using evidence-informed yoga practices. Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy School provides professional yoga therapy training programs designed to prepare you to work safely and effectively with real clients. Our graduates are trained to work with: • Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma • Chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases • Chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions • Fatigue, burnout, and complex long-term health challenges Learn about professional yoga therapy training: https://breathingdeeply.com If you're looking for yoga therapy for your own health, explore Breathing Deeply Wellness: Guided programs, practices, and support for mental health, chronic conditions, and long-term wellbeing. https://breathingdeeply.com/wellness
Send us Fan MailIn this deeply personal episode, host Andrea Atherton sits down with holistic anxiety coach, yoga therapist, and podcast host Sofia Fiotaki to explore how anxiety, survival patterns, childhood conditioning, and nervous system dysregulation shape the way we experience love, dating, relationships, and connection. Sofia shares her powerful journey from living behind a mask of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and social anxiety to discovering what it truly means to feel safe enough to be seen. Together, Andrea and Sofia unpack why so many people long for deeper connection yet unconsciously push it away when they have no idea where to start healing.For years, Sofia struggled with crippling social anxiety, panic attacks, addictions, eating disorders, and an overwhelming fear of being known. Like many people navigating relationships, she learned to adapt, perform, and become whoever she believed others would accept. Yet despite being surrounded by people, she often felt profoundly alone. Through her healing journey, Sofia began to understand the nervous system's role in protection, attachment, avoidance, and emotional intimacy. She shares how learning to work with her body, heal old wounds, and reconnect with herself transformed not only her relationship with anxiety but also her capacity to experience authentic love.Andrea and Sofia dive into the connection between emotional safety and intimacy, why survival patterns often masquerade as personality traits, and how healing allows us to stop abandoning ourselves in the pursuit of acceptance. This conversation offers hope and practical wisdom for anyone who has struggled with anxiety, fear of rejection, people-pleasing, emotional avoidance, or difficulty trusting others. If you've ever wondered why love feels difficult, why vulnerability feels scary, or what it takes to create genuine connection, this episode will remind you that real intimacy begins when we feel safe enough to take off the mask and let ourselves be fully seen.Sofia Fiotakihttps://www.instagram.com/sofia_c_fiotaki?utm_source=qrhttps://www.facebook.com/share/1ENdrcqCwm/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@holistic_anxiety_coach?_r=1&_t=ZN-974brFH6TBucoaching@sofiafiotaki.com (email)30-minute Consultation with Andrea https://www.andreaatherton.com/booking-calendarAndrea Atherton Websitehttps://www.andreaatherton.com/Love Anarchy Websitehttps://www.andreaatherton.com/podcasthttps://loveanarchypodcast.buzzsprout.comLove Anarchy Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/loveanarchypodcast/Andrea Atherton Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/andreaatherton-17/
In this solo episode, Amy Wheeler explores one of the most important psychological teachings in the yoga tradition: the five kleśas, described in Chapter 2 of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. These teachings help explain why human beings experience suffering even when they are sincerely trying to live well.Drawing from both Sāṅkhya philosophy and the Yoga Sūtra, Amy walks listeners through the deeper roots of suffering, beginning with the distinction between puruṣa (the witnessing consciousness) and prakṛti (the body, mind, senses, and the manifest world). When these two are confused, the mind becomes entangled in patterns of misperception, attachment, aversion, and fear. These patterns are what Pātañjali calls the kleśas.Throughout the episode, Amy explains how these ancient teachings remain remarkably relevant today. The kleśas show up in modern life as over-identification with our roles, addiction to approval or stimulation, avoidance of discomfort, fear-driven decision making, and the constant pressure to control life so that we feel safe.Rather than presenting yoga as a way to avoid suffering, Amy emphasizes that the deeper aim of yoga is to understand suffering clearly. Through practices such as movement, breath regulation, meditation, and ethical reflection, the practitioner gradually loosens the grip of these patterns and begins to remember their deeper nature.The episode concludes with a reflection on one of Amy's favorite teachings from the Yoga Sūtra: Yoga Sūtra 1.3, which describes the moment when awareness returns to its true nature and the seer rests in its essential state.In This EpisodeAmy explores:• Why human beings suffer even when they are trying to live well • The philosophical foundation of the Yoga Sūtra in Sāṅkhya philosophy • The distinction between puruṣa (the witnessing consciousness) and prakṛti (the manifest world) • How misperception leads to psychological suffering • The five kleśas described in Yoga Sūtra 2.3 • How the kleśas appear in modern life and clinical practice • Why yoga is fundamentally relational and practiced through human interaction • How meditation helps return awareness to clarity and discernment • The deeper meaning of Yoga Sūtra 1.3 and the experience of resting in one's true natureThe Five KleśasThe five kleśas are the underlying causes of suffering described by Pātañjali.Avidyā — Misperception The root kleśa. Avidyā occurs when we confuse the changing contents of experience with our deeper nature.Asmitā — Misidentification Over-identifying with personality, roles, reputation, or thoughts rather than recognizing the witnessing awareness behind them.Rāga — Attachment Clinging to experiences that feel pleasurable or validating, believing they will resolve deeper unease.Dveṣa — Aversion Avoiding experiences that feel painful or uncomfortable, which can lead to defensiveness, withdrawal, or emotional reactivity.Abhiniveśa — Fear of Loss The deep instinct to cling to life, identity, control, and stability. This fear can appear even in those who are wise and experienced.Key Yoga Sūtras ReferencedYoga Sūtra 2.3 Avidyā-asmitā-rāga-dveṣa-abhiniveśāḥ kleśāḥ These five are the causes of suffering.Yoga Sūtra 2.5 Avidyā is mistaking the impermanent for the permanent, the impure for the pure, pain for pleasure, and the non-self for the self.Yoga Sūtra 1.3 Tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe 'vasthānam Then the seer rests in its true nature.Why This Matters for Yoga TherapyThe kleśas are not simply philosophical ideas. They describe patterns that appear frequently in modern life and clinical settings, including:• psychological distress • relational conflict • addiction and compulsive behavior • over-identification with roles or reputation • fear-based decision making • difficulty tolerating discomfortTherapeutic yoga practices—movement, breathwork, attentional training, and ethical reflection—help practitioners gradually recognize and soften these patterns.As clarity develops, individuals often experience greater nervous system stability, increased self-awareness, and a deeper capacity to observe thoughts and emotions without becoming completely defined by them.Reflection Questions from the Episode• What if the goal of yoga is not to become someone different, but to remember who we truly are?• Where in your life do you notice attachment to approval, comfort, or certain emotional states?• Where do you notice aversion or avoidance when something feels uncomfortable?• Can you sense the difference between the changing experiences of the mind and the steadiness of the witnessing awareness behind them?Final ReflectionThe teachings of the kleśas remind us that suffering is not simply a personal failure or something to eliminate at all costs. It is part of the human condition. Yoga invites us to understand it, learn from it, and gradually see through the patterns that amplify it.When the mind becomes clearer and less entangled in these patterns, the seer begins to rest in its true nature. From that place, life can be lived with greater steadiness, compassion, and freedom.School of Integrative Health at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU's Post-Master's Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification Amy's website:www.TheOptimalState.com Yoga Therapy Hour Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 The Optimal State Mobile Apphttps://optimalstateapp.com
In this episode, I sit down with Candice Bourgeois, who is currently in the certification program, to explore her journey from teaching with formulaic cues to becoming a true movement detective. We talk about what it actually means to see movement differently—not as something to fix, but as something to understand. Candice shares how she moved from focusing on shapes and peak poses to observing patterns, relationships, and compensation in a much more meaningful way. We also dive into how this shift has transformed not only her teaching, but her own body awareness. Instead of forcing outcomes, she now helps clients reduce pain by improving how they move and perceive their bodies. The result? More clarity, more confidence, and clients who feel stronger, more connected, and more empowered in their practice.
What does it mean to age well? In 2026, the conversation has officially shifted from lifespan—how many years we live—to healthspan—how well we live those years. In this episode, host Michele Lawrence sits down with pioneering medical doctor and certified yoga therapist Dr. Baxter Bell to discuss the intersection of Western medicine and yoga.Baxter shares his personal evolution from working as a busy family physician in the 1990s to stepping onto the mat full-time as a global leader in the yoga therapy community. Together, they dive into the medical science behind why strength, flexibility, and balance are non-negotiable for longevity, how the practice of equanimity translates into a physical felt-sense during times of uncertainty, and the cutting-edge neuro-protective elements of yoga that help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Whether you are navigating your own mid-life transition or supporting clients through the second half of life, this episode offers a masterful blueprint for building a resilient mind and body.Key Takeaways & HighlightsThe Doctor's Pivot: Baxter discusses the professional and personal drivers that led him to transition away from full-time family medicine to pursue yoga as a primary path.Healthspan vs. Lifespan: Why modern longevity is about optimizing physical and mental vitality, and how yoga therapy targets the physical "Big 3" (Strength, Flexibility, and Balance) fundamentally differently than a standard gym workout.The Anatomy of Longevity: The direct medical connection between maintaining supple, mobile tissues and long-term biological longevity markers.Equanimity as Medicine: Moving equanimity out of the realm of philosophy and into a practice for individuals facing difficult medical diagnoses or age-related transitions.Neuro-Protection on the Mat: Clinical insights into how a dedicated yoga therapy practice acts as an effective, preventative intervention against cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.Connect with Dr. Baxter BellWebsite: BaxterBell.comDiscover: Explore Baxter's Winter 2026 workshop series, latest courses, and upcoming global retreats.Read: Yoga for Healthy Aging: A Guide to Lifelong Well-Being (Co-authored by Dr. Baxter Bell)Support the showConnect with Inner Peace Yoga TherapyEmail us: info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.comWebsiteInstagramFacebook
This epsiode explains how yoga therapy approaches balance dysfunction and neurological symptoms through a real client case study, including the specific practices used, how quickly results appeared, and what made this approach different from everything Bill had already tried. In this conversation, Breathing Deeply founder Brandt Passalacqua speaks with Sophie, a certified yoga therapist and Breathing Deeply graduate, and her client Bill, who had been experiencing severe balance dysfunction for several months and restored his balance completely within two months using a 15-minute daily yoga therapy practice.
Bring forth healing from the body's own intelligence. Yoga Therapist Thomas Klepper shares yoga therapy tools to support healing in addiction recovery. Learn how nervous system dysregulation drives cravings—and practices to restore health, wellness and mind-body balance.
What happens when we stop trying to "fix" our bodies and instead learn to negotiate our own terms of healing?In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy, host Michele Lawrence sits down with legendary movement educator, physical therapist, and yoga therapist Sherry Brourman, PT, C-IAYT. With an astonishing 53 years of clinical experience, Sherry shares her profound evolution from the rigid, biomechanical silos of 1970s physical therapy into the compassionate, integrated world of modern pain science and yoga therapy.Diving into her recent book, From Bodily Knowledge to Intuitive Movement: Where Physical Therapy, Yoga Therapy and Pain Science Meet, Sherry explains why our personal psycho-social stories shape how we move far more than simple biology. Together, Michele and Sherry discuss the myth of "perfect alignment," how moving by feel is an act of radical self-love, and why meeting clients exactly where they are already functioning well shifts the entire power dynamic of therapeutic care. Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Sherry's Website: SherryBrourman.com (Explore her gait clinics, continuing education, and private consultations)Featured Book: From Bodily Knowledge to Intuitive Movement: Where Physical Therapy, Yoga Therapy and Pain Science Meet by Sherry Brourman (Published by Singing Dragon)Sherry's Classic Text: Walk Yourself Well (Hyperion)Support the showConnect with Inner Peace Yoga TherapyEmail us: info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.comWebsiteInstagramFacebook
This episode explains the difference between yoga therapy and physical therapy, including what each does exceptionally well, where they overlap, when to choose one over the other, and why some of the best healing outcomes happen when both approaches work together.
This episode explains what actually happens inside a yoga therapy session, including the intake process, how assessment works, how a practice is built for an individual, why yoga therapy is fundamentally different from private yoga, restorative yoga, or modified group classes and the type of training that is required.
In this conversation, Breathing Deeply Founder and Lead Teacher Brandt Passalacqua speaks with Jen Herndon, C-IAYT and Breathing Deeply Advanced Program graduate, about a client navigating multiple complex diagnoses including POTS, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto's disease, IBS, and EDS. Jen shares how she approached assessment and therapeutic design for someone with multiple autoimmune conditions that are debilitating and notoriously difficult to treat. Jen traces the progress her client made across 15 months of consistent yoga therapy work.
What happens when a legacy of "radical rest" meets the modern era of constant noise? In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy, Michele Lawrence sits down with Lizzie Lasater—Restorative Yoga teacher, architect by training, and a vital voice in the evolution of modern yoga.As her mother, yoga pioneer Judith Hanson Lasater, prepares to retire at age 80, Lizzie reflects on the longevity of a teacher, the structural integrity of a healing practice, and why slowing down is actually an act of civil disobedience. We explore how restorative yoga serves as the "urgent medicine" our over-stimulated nervous systems need right now, and how the practice evolves to meet us across every season of life.Whether you are a long-time student of the Lasater lineage or a yoga therapist looking for deeper insights into the "architecture of rest," this conversation offers a profound look at staying present in the silence.In This Episode, We Discuss:The Longevity of a Teacher: Lessons learned as Judith Hanson Lasater steps into a new season of life at age 80.The Architecture of Rest: How a background in design influences the "structural integrity" and building of a restorative practice.Rest as Civil Disobedience: Why being still is a radical, necessary act in an era of over-stimulation.Yoga Through the Ages: Trusting the practice to meet us even when our physical capacity shifts.The Silent Wisdom Body: How to teach students to listen to their inner guide when there is no movement to distract them.Holding Steady: The vital importance of a personal practice for yoga teachers and therapists.Featured Guest: Lizzie LasaterLizzie Lasater is a Restorative Yoga teacher and architect who focuses on the intersection of design, stillness, and somatic healing. She produces digital courses, hosts international retreats, and writes a popular weekly newsletter exploring the deeper dimensions of yoga.Resources & Links:Lizzie Lasater's Website: lizzielasater.comSubscribe to 'Dispatches': Lizzie's Weekly NewsletterSupport the showConnect with Inner Peace Yoga TherapyEmail us: info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.comWebsiteInstagramFacebook
Jess On The Mountain: Yoga, Chakras & Becoming Your Own Guru
This Labyrinth Walk Companion is inspired by my conversation with Abi Robins and their description of working with the Enneagram and Yoga Therapy. One of my favorite things Abi said was “the more we can find ways to relax and shed our sense of urgency, the faster we get to where we want to go.” And although we were talking about figuring out Enneagram types, this immediately makes me think of walking a labyrinth. Enjoy this walk to release the hurry, and receive the wisdom within you that is waiting to emerge.Join me in Chartres, France for Hidden Things: Pilgrimage to Chartres Cathedral, October 3-10, 2026.Paid subscribers to Room to Evolve can download and print the Labyrinth Walk Companion Guide. Subscribe to Room to Evolve at https://roomtoevolve.com Locate a labyrinth near you at labyrinthlocator.com, hosted by The Labyrinth Society and Veriditas:HEREOrder a handheld labyrinth from Veriditas:HERE.Download a printable tracing labyrinth PDF:HERE
In this warm, clinical-and-traditional conversation, Amy and Lisa explore how chanting and mantra practice can shape the autonomic nervous system and the mind through repetition, meaning, vibration, and relationship. Lisa shares her journey from clinical psychology leadership in pediatric behavioral health to yoga therapy and chanting in Europe, and she offers grounded guidance for meeting students exactly where they are—especially when voice, vulnerability, perfectionism, or skepticism show up.This episode holds a steady bridge between allopathic settings and yogic tradition: chanting as both a deeply ancient transmission method and a contemporary, accessible tool for resilience, co-regulation, and sustained inner change.In this episode, you'll hearWhy Yoga Sūtra 1.12 (abhyāsa + vairāgya) is a practical map for habit change, neuroplasticity, and healingHow abhyāsa can function like a “secure base” (attachment lens): a reliable place to return for steadinessHow vairāgya supports discernment and letting go—especially of limiting beliefs like “I can't chant” or “My voice isn't welcome”Why chanting can be done silently, anywhere, and how that matters when life gets stripped down to essentialsThe difference between mantra japa, kīrtan, and “therapeutic repetition” versus compulsive repetitionHow teachers build a safe, predictable container where practice becomes possible—even for tender nervous systemsWhat it means to keep mantra “alive” through oral transmission, practice, and continuity across generationsReal talk about resistance: voice, self-consciousness, perfectionism, and how practice mirrors our livesA moving reflection on how relational rupture can impact practice—and how reconnection can unfold over time Core teachings that stood outAbhyāsa as a secure baseLisa reframes abhyāsa as more than discipline. It becomes an inner home you can trust—something you return to when the world is loud, when your mind is moving fast, or when life is uncertain.Vairāgya as discernment, not detachmentVairāgya is the “letting go” side of change: releasing old impressions, beliefs, and protective habits that no longer serve. In this episode, it shows up as the courage to experiment—without over-identifying with fear, shame, or “I can't.”Mantra as a multi-layered interventionMeaning, vibration, rhythm, breath rate, imagery/bhāvana, memory, and relationship all converge. When the whole system aligns, the “new track” becomes easier to lay down—steadily and over time.The teacher's job is to match the doseLisa offers a clinical yoga therapy lens: choose repetition amounts and methods that fit the person's capacity, life context, and readiness. Sustainable practice matters more than idealized practice.Voice is a clinical doorwayChanting can bring up themes of safety, expression, shame, silencing, and self-trust. Rather than forcing exposure, Lisa models progressive steps—silent practice, practicing “on mute,” or starting with simple sounds—so expression becomes possible.Practical takeaways you can tryChoose a “minimum viable” mantra practice you can keep: 3 repetitions, 11 repetitions on fingers, or a partial mala with a clear stopping point.Decide the purpose of repetition before you begin: regulation, steadiness, devotion, confidence, or easing fear.Use choice points (listen only, chant silently, chant softly) to reduce performance pressure and build safety.Notice what your resistance protects—then bring abhyāsa to the edge of that resistance, gently and consistently.Let mantra become familiar enough that it appears on its own when you need it—like a trusted inner companion.About LisaLisa is a yoga therapist and clinical psychologist with decades of leadership experience in pediatric behavioral health and integrative hospital settings. Now based in the Netherlands, she teaches and offers yoga therapy and yoga psychotherapy, integrating mind, body, and spirit with clinical discernment and deep respect for lineage.Lisa joins us from near The Hague and Leiden, within an hour of Amsterdam.Connect with LisaWebsite: LifeTreeYogaRecorded classes: available via her YouTube channel (integrated 90-minute practices)Ongoing option: online group class on Fridays + private yoga therapy / yoga psychotherapy sessions onlineConnect with Amy www.TheOptimalState.comSchool of Integrative Health at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU's Post-Master's Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool
Diagnosed with breast cancer while living a health-conscious lifestyle, Nancy Martch aggressively battled her Stage 3B diagnosis head-on. Now, leveraging her yoga expertise, Nancy empowers others through personalized yoga therapy, blending acceptance and self-awareness into her healing approach. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Nancy discover her breast cancer? 2. What kind of lifestyle was Nancy leading when she was diagnosed with cancer? 3. How has yoga helped Nancy cope with her cancer diagnosis and treatments? 4. Which specific yoga poses does Nancy find beneficial for relaxation and stress reduction? 5. What is the importance of self-assessment in yoga according to Nancy? 6. What is the role of non-competitive self-acceptance in Nancy's yoga practice? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Yoga therapy is personalized; classes are generalized. 05:04 Yoga integrates body awareness and lifelong practice. 07:37 Advocate for yourself; misdiagnosis taught me. 12:50 Acceptance and awareness: adapting self-care through challenges. 13:57 Breathing techniques helped manage panic effectively. 20:03 Teaching relaxation and breath exercises for self-use. 22:33 Yoga is adaptable and tailored to individual needs. 26:12 Diagnosis doesn't define us; posture can improve. 28:22 Self-love empowers us to support ourselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are you a brilliant yoga teacher or therapist who feels paralyzed when it comes to the business side of your practice? You've done the trainings, you have the heart, and you're ready to reduce suffering—but the logistics of running a viable business feel like a separate, cold world.In this episode, Michele sits down with Erin Alexander and Katie Pine, both graduates of Inner Peace Yoga Therapy and co-creators of the Sacred Success Mentorship. Together, they explore how to stop info-hoarding and start taking embodied action. We dive into why systems are actually an act of nervous system regulation, how to work with the energy of money ethically, and why community is a mandate for your professional success.If you are ready to move from theory to a tangible, elevated offering, this conversation will show you that your business can be just as sacred as your practice.In This Episode, We Discuss:The Training Trap: Why we often seek more certifications as a shield against launching our work, and how to reclaim your inherent worth as a teacher.Systems as Self-Care: Katie Pine breaks down why organized structures are actually essential tools for therapist longevity and nervous system regulation.Defining Sacred Success: Moving beyond hustle culture to find a business model that honors your values and your unique dharma.Somatic vs. Logistic: A real-world look at hurdles like pricing and marketing, addressed through both an embodied lens (Erin) and a practical framework (Katie).The Energy of Money: How to stay grounded in your spiritual values while ensuring your business is financially sustainable.Finding Your Niche: Why trying to help everyone might be keeping you from helping the people who need you most.Community as a Mandate: The importance of the Soul Power Sangha and why we aren't meant to do this work in isolation.Resources Mentioned:Sacred Success Mentorship: A 6-month journey to launch your elevated offering. [https://www.allsoulsyoga.com/business-mentorship.html]Soul Power Sangha: Community support for yoga therapists. [https://www.allsoulsyoga.com/virtual-classes.html]Inner Peace Yoga Therapy: 300 and 800-hour professional certifications. [https://innerpeaceyogatherapy.com/]Connect with Our Guests:Erin Alexander: [https://www.allsoulsyoga.com/]Katie Pine: [https://www.reconnectionyogatherapy.com/]Support the showConnect with Inner Peace Yoga TherapyEmail us: info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.comWebsiteInstagramFacebook
This video explains what yoga therapy training actually looks like from the inside, including how students develop real clinical skill, what the supervised practicum involves, and why the structure of clinical training matters more than hours or curriculum lists alone.
What if the biggest threat to your dental practice isn't competition… but your own physical health? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Len Tau sits down with Caitlin Parsons, dental hygienist and ergonomics and wellness consultant, to unpack how chronic pain and stress are silently impacting productivity, team dynamics, and patient experience. Caitlin shares her personal journey from nearly leaving dentistry due to pain to becoming a leader in helping dental professionals create sustainable, high-performing practices. From small ergonomic tweaks to integrating yoga therapy into your daily workflow, this conversation reveals how prioritizing wellness isn't just good for your body… it's a smart business move. If you've ever pushed through discomfort or felt burnout creeping in, this episode is your wake-up call to rethink how you care for yourself and your team. What You'll Learn Why chronic pain is so common in dentistry and what causes it The connection between stress, posture, and patient experience How poor ergonomics impacts productivity and team performance Simple ergonomic adjustments that can make a big difference Why "pushing through pain" can cost you long-term The role of yoga therapy in managing stress and improving focus Practical ways to support your team's health without major investments How small daily habits can improve longevity in your career — Key Takeaways 00:49 Introduction & Episode Overview 02:55 Caitlin Parsons' Background & Journey 05:55 Prevalence of Pain in Dentistry 07:05 Signs of Poor Ergonomics 09:20 Impact of Stress & Chronic Pain on Performance 12:00 Real-Life Story on Patient Perception 14:36 Desk Ergonomics & Daily Habits 16:41 What is Ergonomic Optimization? 19:04 Small Changes That Make a Big Impact 20:55 The Danger of Ignoring Pain 23:40 Introduction to Yoga Therapy 26:55 Actionable Steps for Practice Owners 31:00 Lightning Round Q&A 34:40 How to Connect with Caitlin — Connect with Caitlin Website: thealignedhygienist.com Email: hello@thealignedhygienist.com Instagram: @thealignedhygienist
This episode explains how yoga therapy treats anxiety, including the specific methods used, why they work on a physiological level, and how a structured yoga therapy practice produced a 90% reduction in anxiety symptoms in one client with a 20-year anxiety history.
Jess On The Mountain: Yoga, Chakras & Becoming Your Own Guru
What if the way you move through the world is shaped by something deeper than you realize?In this episode of Room to Evolve, Jessica Goulding sits down with Abi Robins, certified Enneagram teacher and yoga therapist, to explore the Enneagram as a path of self-understanding, compassion, and transformation.Together, they explore the Enneagram not as a personality label, but as a living system—one that reveals the deeper motivations, patterns, and unconscious fears that shape how we show up in our lives.Abi shares how the Enneagram and yoga therapy intersect, offering both insight and embodied practice.In this episode, you'll hear:~ What the Enneagram actually is (and what it isn't)~The difference between behavior and motivation~How unconscious patterns shape our relationships~Why compassion is essential for real change~How to begin working with your patternsThis conversation is an invitation to become more curious about your inner world—and to meet yourself with greater awareness and compassion.Continue the journey:A labyrinth walk companion inspired by this conversation is coming next.About Abi Robins (they/them):Abi Robins is a certified Enneagram Teacher who studied with Helen Palmer, Marion Gilbert, Peter O'Hanrahan and others through The Narrative Enneagram. They are also a CIAYT Yoga Therapist. Abi's teaching combines the deep and transformative insight of the Enneagram with the holistic and down to earth practices of Yoga Therapy.Learn more:www.consciousenneagram.comwww.abirobins.substack.comwww.instagram.com/consciousenneagramwww.instagram.com/queergravel
This episode gives an honest answer to one of the most common questions prospective students ask: “is yoga therapy certification actually worth it?”, including who it is and isn't right for, what it realistically prepares you to do, and what determines whether the investment pays off.
This episode explains how to evaluate yoga therapy training programs, including the different educational models used across the field, what supervised clinical practice actually looks like, and how the Breathing Deeply clinical method develops real therapeutic competence.
Episode overviewIn this episode, Amy sits down with Steve Haberlin to explore what's changing in contemplative practice as artificial intelligence becomes woven into daily life. Steve shares why he created a customized GPT mindfulness guide (“MetaZen”), how he's studying its use with doctoral students, and why he advocates a “human-first” approach: learn from a skilled teacher when possible, then use AI as a supportive bridge—not a replacement.Together, they unpack the promise and the concerns: access and personalization on one side, and privacy, data harvesting, and ethical guardrails on the other. The conversation closes with a look at education's future, the pressures faculty may face, and Steve's upcoming book MetaMeditation.What you'll hear in this episodeKey themesHow Amy and Steve connected through LinkedIn and why that kind of professional relationship-building matters nowWhat a “custom GPT” is and how Steve designed MetaZen as a science-grounded mindfulness guideLive facilitation with AI: a brief demonstration of an AI-led mindfulness practiceWhy human relationship still matters in meditation training (and what's lost if we remove it)The “opportunity gap”: the vulnerable window between learning a technique and sustaining itWhy most meditation app users stop early and what might help people stay with practiceAI as a “technological mirror”—helpful feedback, with real limits and risksEthical concerns: hallucinations, red flags, over-agreeableness, and the dangers of using LLMs as therapyVR and avatars: what's already here (Trip app + “Kokua”) and what may be next (smart glasses)Privacy and biometrics: what data is collected, what can be sold, and where oversight is still catching upHigher education: personalization, AI tutoring, and the likelihood of increased productivity pressure on facultySteve's upcoming book: MetaMeditation: How Neuroscience, Virtual Reality, and AI are Changing Practice and How You Can BenefitPractical takeawaysThink “blended model,” not replacement. AI can extend a teacher's support—especially between sessions—without removing the relational core.Sustainability is the missing piece. Access is expanding, but adherence still drops off quickly; support structures matter.Attach practice to an existing habit. A 60-second breath anchor paired with a daily routine can build consistency.Keep humans in the loop for anything mental-health-adjacent. LLMs weren't built for therapy, and risks increase when people treat them like clinicians.Privacy isn't a side issue. As biometrics and usage data become standard, informed consent and oversight will be essential.Steve's Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-haberlin-ph-d-22390b55/Steve Haberlin, Ph.D.The link for Steve's talk on how to build an AI Chat Bot: https://ucf.zoom.us/rec/share/2qP180cbV182FF0_T7mLG-uhTbyA_3myEGXLaipzNNMD49CHpzrOmLzMizGSsoQY.cPMJvDoX23UIjaFY?startTime=1770148625000 Passcode: Av0=9%qqContact Amy @ www.TheOptimalState.com Yoga Therapy Hour Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 The Optimal State Mobile Apphttps://optimalstateapp.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoptimalstate/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimalStatebyAmyWheeler YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AmyWheelerphd/featured Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/yogatherapyhour Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-wheeler-ph-d-a3095566/Apple School of Integrative Health at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU's Post-Master's Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification Hashtags for NDMU#IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool
This episode explains how yoga therapy approaches chronic low back pain, including the assessment process, the practices prescribed, and the real client results achieved over nine months of one-on-one work. In this case study, Breathing Deeply founder Brandt Passalacqua speaks with SarahLyn McConaughey, C-IAYT and Breathing Deeply Advanced Program graduate, about a client who lived with debilitating low back pain for over 10 years. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:52 - About SarahLyn's client with chronic back pain 01:41 - The yoga therapy assessment process for chronic back pain 02:27 - The practices that were prescribed for lower back pain 04:07 - Breathing and mindfulness elements used to heal chronic back pain 05:12 - The results SarahLyn's client received for her back pain Yoga therapy is a growing clinical field that helps people work with mental health challenges and chronic health conditions using evidence-informed yoga practices. Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy School provides professional yoga therapy training programs designed to prepare you to work safely and effectively with real clients. Our graduates are trained to work with: • Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma • Chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases • Chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions • Fatigue, burnout, and complex long-term health challenges Learn about professional yoga therapy training: https://breathingdeeply.com If you're looking for yoga therapy for your own health, explore Breathing Deeply Wellness: Guided programs, practices, and support for mental health, chronic conditions, and long-term wellbeing. https://breathingdeeply.com/wellness
This episode explains the difference between yoga therapy credentials and clinical competence, including what actually makes an effective yoga therapist, how to evaluate certification programs, and the clinical framework that determines real outcomes with real clients. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:19 - About Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy School 02:10 - The different levels of credentials at Breathing Deeply 02:33 - Credentials vs. clinical competence 03:33 - The real work of yoga therapy: 3 core abilities of an effective yoga therapist 05:04 - The BDYT Clinical Method: What makes students the most confident yoga therapists 06:10 - What our students say about their confidence to apply their training 07:16 - How to evaluate which yoga therapy certification to take Yoga therapy is a growing clinical field that helps people work with mental health challenges and chronic health conditions using evidence-informed yoga practices. Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy School provides professional yoga therapy training programs designed to prepare you to work safely and effectively with real clients. Our graduates are trained to work with: • Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma • Chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases • Chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions • Fatigue, burnout, and complex long-term health challenges Learn about professional yoga therapy training: https://breathingdeeply.com If you're looking for yoga therapy for your own health, explore Breathing Deeply Wellness: Guided programs, practices, and support for mental health, chronic conditions, and long-term wellbeing. https://breathingdeeply.com/wellness
What happens when deep academic study meets 20 years of dedicated practice? In this episode, Michele sits down with Tova Olsson, a religious studies scholar, author, and PhD candidate at Umeå University. Known for her "user-friendly" approach to yoga and tantra studies, Tova explains how mythology serves as a mirror for our "stuckness," why humor is an essential ingredient for spiritual growth, and how the Tantric view of the body can transform a yoga therapy session.In This Episode, We Discuss:The 'Scholar-Practitioner' Balance: How historical context and academic rigor can actually deepen—rather than detach—one's personal relationship with yoga.Mythology as a Clinical Mirror: Using the stories of deities to help clients navigate difficult life transitions and internal "stuckness."Philosophy for the Skeptic: Grounded ways to introduce complex concepts like Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter) to clients who are wary of "spirituality."The Tantric View of the Body: Shifting the therapeutic goal from "transcending" the body to honoring it as a sacred vessel—especially for those navigating trauma or illness.The Evolution of 'Global Yoga': Insights from Tova's PhD research and the one thing she wishes every yoga teacher understood about the history of the tradition.The Power of Humor: Why a lighthearted approach is often the most effective way to bypass the ego's defenses when dealing with the heavy topics of life and death.Personal Anchors: A look into Tova's personal practice and how she stays regulated while running Saraswati Studies.Key Resources & Links:Saraswati Studies: https://saraswati-studies.teachable.com/Follow Tova on Instagram: @saraswati_studiesSupport the showConnect with Inner Peace Yoga TherapyEmail us: info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.comWebsiteInstagramFacebook
In this episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, Amy Wheeler is joined by Joann Lutz, psychotherapist and yoga therapist and educator whose work focuses on nervous system regulation, resilience, and the therapeutic application of yoga across a wide range of life contexts. Their conversation explores a central theme of this season: that nervous system regulation is not achieved through force, positivity, or performance, but through consistent, attuned yoga/ somatic practice over time. Together, Amy and Joann reflect on the Eight Limbs of Yoga as a coherent and practical framework for supporting autonomic nervous system stability—particularly within a culture that often prioritizes speed, productivity, and intensity over steadiness, reflection, and discernment. Joann shares how yogic tools support regulation not by suppressing or overriding stress responses, but by creating the internal and relational conditions in which the nervous system can reorganize itself. The discussion emphasizes the importance of pacing, repetition, and relationship—both within one's personal practice and within therapeutic, educational, and clinical settings. Rather than framing dysregulation as something to eliminate, this episode invites a more nuanced understanding: regulation as a dynamic capacity that is gradually strengthened through appropriate effort, self-study, and compassionate awareness. Amy and Joann also explore how yoga therapy serves as a bridge between ancient yogic frameworks and modern understandings of the nervous system. They reflect on why practices such as ethical inquiry, self-reflection, breath awareness, and embodied presence remain foundational—not as abstract philosophical concepts, but as practical supports for safety, clarity, adaptability, and sustainable change in daily life. This episode will resonate with yoga therapists, clinicians, educators, and practitioners who are interested in how nervous system regulation develops over time through intentional practice, relational support, and an integrated view of the human experience. In This Episode, We ExploreWhy safety, relationship, and pacing are essential for sustainable regulationThe role of discernment in selecting and applying yogic tools skillfullyHow yoga therapy supports resilience without pushing, bypassing, or overriding lived experience About the GuestJoann Lutz is a yoga therapist and educator specializing in nervous system regulation and therapeutic yoga. Her work emphasizes clarity, relational presence, and the thoughtful integration of yogic principles into both personal practice and professional application. She is known for a grounded, compassionate approach that supports individuals and communities in cultivating steadiness amid stress, change, and complexity.Her website:Her primary website is https://joannlutz.com/ Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joann-lutz-licsw-e-ryt-c-iayt-ba85739/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lutz124/?hl=enBook she wrote:She is the author of Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone Subscribe, Share, and Stay ConnectedIf this season supports your personal practice or your professional path, consider subscribing, sharing an episode with a colleague, and following along as the series unfolds across 2026. School of Integrative Health at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-healthMaster of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU's Post-Master's Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification#IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool Yoga Therapy Hour Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 The Optimal State Mobile Apphttps://optimalstateapp.com
Episode SummaryIn this solo episode, Amy Wheeler lays the philosophical foundation for the upcoming season by returning to one of the most essential—and often misunderstood—concepts in yoga philosophy: citta, the mind-field. Rather than approaching yoga as a collection of tools and techniques, Amy invites listeners to remember the deeper purpose of yoga as articulated in Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra—the reduction of suffering through clarity, discernment, and relationship to our deepest self.Amy carefully differentiates between the citta mind and the citta field, explaining how manas (sensory and processing mind), ahaṅkāra (identity and survival mind), and buddhi (discernment and intuitive wisdom) function together within the mind-field. She emphasizes that none of these aspects are inherently “good” or “bad”; the work of yoga is learning when and how to use each one skillfully.From this lens, the Eight Limbs of Yoga are reframed—not as techniques for calming or self-optimization—but as a regulatory and ethical pathway that guides us back toward buddhi and closer relationship with puruṣa, the witness. Amy walks through each limb, highlighting how social ethics (yamas), personal care (niyamas), posture, breath, sensory withdrawal, and meditation progressively support the inward movement of the mind.Throughout the episode, Amy reflects candidly on modern overwhelm, distraction, and survival stress, naming how easy it is to become trapped in manas or ahaṅkāra—especially in times of social and political intensity. She models a return to practice not as withdrawal from the world, but as the necessary ground for discerned, ethical service.This episode serves as a framing conversation for the season ahead—inviting yoga teachers, yoga therapists, and serious practitioners to clarify their orientation, remember the roots of the tradition, and consider what kind of inner cultivation is required if yoga is to remain a living, ethical, and relational science for generations to come. Key Themes & TopicsWhat citta really means in yoga philosophyThe distinction between mind, mind-field, and witnessManas, ahaṅkāra, and buddhi: functions and imbalancesSuffering as a signal of misused mental functionsThe Eight Limbs as a regulatory and ethical frameworkWhy the yamas come before self-careAsana and pranayama as preparation for inward clarityPratyāhāra as a natural outcome, not a techniqueMeditation as a progressive, non-linear processReturning to practice as an act of discerned service Reflection Questions for ListenersWhich aspect of the mind has been most dominant for you lately—manas, ahaṅkāra, or buddhi?Where might survival concerns be overshadowing discernment or meaning?How do your current yoga practices support clarity of mind, not just regulation of state?What would it mean to re-center your practice around relationship with the witness? Closing NoteThis episode sets the tone for the season: yoga as a rooted, ethical, relational path—not a collection of techniques, but a way of organizing the inner landscape so that we may suffer less and serve more wisely.Thank you for listening and for being part of the Yoga Therapy Hour community.www.TheOptimalState.com to contact Amy https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU's Post-Master's Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool
This episode is a vital deep dive into a life transition that has been underserved and misunderstood for far too long. Michele sits down with Petra Coveney, the pioneering founder of Menopause Yoga™ and author of the new book, Menopause Yoga and Wellbeing.Together, they explore why standard yoga often falls short during the menopausal transition and how a specialized, therapeutic approach—rooted in both endocrinology and the Five Koshas—can transform a woman's experience from one of "deficiency" to a powerful "Second Spring."In This Episode, We Discuss:The "Spark" of Menopause Yoga: Petra shares the personal and professional journey that led her to realize the need for a specific somatic protocol for menopause.Beyond Hormones: Using the Five Koshas to navigate the physical, emotional, and spiritual shifts of this life stage.Taming the "Fight or Flight": How to use the nervous system as an entry point to manage hot flashes, anxiety, and the sudden surges of cortisol common in perimenopause.The "Second Spring": Moving away from the medicalized view of menopause as a "decline" and reclaiming it as a season of renewal and power.Practicing for the Symptoms: Petra explains how to customize yoga therapy for the "heat and rage" of menopause versus the "brain fog and lethargy."Petra's Personal Sadhana: How the woman who supports the world stays regulated and grounded in her own daily practice.Resources & Links:Petra's New Book: Menopause Yoga and WellbeingVisit Petra's Website: Menopause-Yoga.comFollow Petra on Instagram: @Menopause_YogaSupport the showConnect with Inner Peace Yoga TherapyEmail us: info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.comWebsiteInstagramFacebook
In this solo episode, Amy explores the patterned nature of the mind through the framework of the Yoga Sūtra of Pātañjali and its relevance to the autonomic nervous system.Rather than approaching change as something we force or “hack,” this episode returns to a classical yogic understanding: the mind is conditioned, the body follows, and awareness is the pathway to regulation.Drawing from Yoga Sūtra 1.1–1.4 and 1.12, Amy unpacks how repeated thoughts and emotional states create saṁskāras (impressions), which accumulate into vāsanās (deep tendencies), shaping identity and physiology over time.This conversation bridges ancient phenomenological observation with modern nervous system language — without collapsing one into the other. In This EpisodeWhat atha yoga-anuśāsanam (YS 1.1) means in lived experienceYogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ (YS 1.2) as regulation of mental fluctuationsHow saṁskāra and vāsanā shape behavioral and physiological patternsThe relationship between the guṇas — sattva, rajas, and tamas — and nervous system statesHow chronic emotional patterns reinforce autonomic conditioningThe kleśas (avidyā, asmitā, rāga, dveṣa, abhiniveśa) as drivers of repeated sufferingWhy yoga is not about eliminating activation, but cultivating flexibilityAbhyāsa and vairāgya (YS 1.12) as the yogic model of repatterningMeditation as a stabilizer of sattva and interoceptive clarityThe distinction between conditioned identity and the steady witness (YS 1.3) Key ThemesThe Mind Is PatternedThe fluctuations of the mind are not random. Repeated thoughts and emotions form grooves. These grooves influence perception, behavior, and physiology.Yoga names these grooves saṁskāras.When we live unconsciously from them, the nervous system reflects those patterns.www.TheOptimalState.com The Optimal State Mobile Apphttps://optimalstateapp.com Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU's Post-Master's Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification
In this solo conversation, Amy Wheeler makes a clear case for yoga therapy as a distinct clinical discipline—not a “licensed healthcare modality + a few yoga tools.” She explores why yoga therapy has struggled to define its contribution, and she proposes a steady answer: yoga therapy's central work is helping people reorganize their inner landscape through a coherent philosophical and practical framework—most clearly articulated in Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra, with the Eight Limbs as a regulatory pathway for mind, nervous system, body, relationship, and meaning.What you'll hear in this episodeWhat “regulatory framework” means in this series: regulating mind, nervous system, body, perception, relationships, and connection to the EarthThe “golden thread” Amy feels the yoga therapy field risks losing aA practical comparison of domain-specific problem solving in other professions, including:Physical therapy: movement dysfunction, strength, mobility, pain through biomechanical/neuromuscular modelsOccupational therapy: functional capacity, ADLs, sensory integration, environmental adaptationPsychotherapy/counseling: cognition, emotion regulation, behavior patterns, diagnostic frameworks and treatment modelsSocial work: psychosocial context, systems, resources, advocacy, and the web of supportThe key distinction: yoga therapy does not start with “What is broken and how do we fix it?”Yoga therapy's starting question: How are you perceiving and relating to your lived experience—and what patterns are shaping suffering or freedom?The clinical emphasis on capacity (what's available, what can be strengthened) rather than diagnosisYoga therapy as an integrative map across “layers” of the human system (physical, energetic/breath, mental-emotional, relational, and sacred/spiritual)A clinical example: when “back pain” becomes a doorway into insight about life patterning, stress physiology, and meaning—not just mechanicsWhy we don't need to speak traditional yogic language in medical settings—but we do need to retain the models internally and translate skillfullyHow the guṇa model supports daily self-regulation by tracking fluctuations in mood, energy, motivation, clarity, and reactivityWhy “embodied awareness” becomes essential when people cannot access cognition reliably under stress, pain, or trauma—and why bottom-up regulation mattersA grounded caution: yogic models vary by lineage, can be oversimplified or “whitewashed,” and can be hard to standardize—yet they remain clinically powerful when held with integrityAmy's argument for where yoga therapy can be sustainable in healthcare: often on the health education / behavioral health / worksite wellness / stress reduction side, while remaining a parallel, adjunctive support to medical careThe call to action: yoga therapy needs a unifying clinical framework and clinical reasoning that stays aligned with its own scope and philosophical foundationThe culminating proposition: Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra offers a coherent, ethical, clinically applicable framework—especially through Chapter 2 and the Eight LimbsKey concepts and phrases from the episode“Regulatory framework” (broad, layered, relational)“Golden thread” (the essential philosophical lens of yoga therapy)“A different set of glasses” (a different starting question than biomedical/diagnostic paradigms)“Reorganization of the inner landscape” (a tangible way to describe yoga therapy's deeper aim beyond symptom management)“Translator” and “bridge” (the yoga therapist's role in interdisciplinary settings)“Whole person over diagnosis” (holistic mapping rather than narrow domain reduction)“Freedom = inner spaciousness” (not escape, but a changed inner relationship to experience)“Clinical reasoning within our framework” (not borrowing another field's logic to justify our work)Books Amy recommends (mentioned in the episode)T.K.V. Desikachar — The Heart of YogaT.K.V. Desikachar — Reflections on the Yoga Sūtra of PatañjaliRanju Roy & David Charlton — Embodying the Yoga Sūtra (Amy's strongest recommendation for translating Yoga Sūtra into yoga therapy)What's ahead in the seriesAmy shares that this year of The Yoga Therapy Hour will stay closely aligned with the Eight Limbs as a regulatory framework, and she's beginning a longer-term writing project to explicitly translate Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra into a clinically usable foundation for yoga therapy.Listener reflection promptsWhere in your work (or life) do you notice yourself defaulting to “problem-fixing,” and what changes when you shift to “perception and relationship”?If yoga therapy's domain is reducing suffering through clarity and self-regulation, how would you describe that in the language of your current setting?What is one way you can strengthen your ability to translate yogic models into interdisciplinary language without losing the model itself?What does “reorganizing the inner landscape” mean for you personally—and how do you recognize when it's happening?ClosingAmy closes by encouraging listeners to spend time with the Yoga Sūtra—not as an abstract philosophy, but as a practical guide for daily living, clinical reasoning, and long-term change through discernment, self-awareness, and the steady cultivation of freedom.School of Integrative Health at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU's Post-Master's Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool
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