Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is yoga therapy?

A. Yoga therapy is the application of yogic tools to address physical, mental, and emotional needs.

Although all yoga is potentially therapeutic, yoga therapy is the specific and customized application of postures/exercise, breathwork, meditation techniques, visualization, and more to address an individual's physical, mental, and emotional needs within a therapeutic environment. it involves a thorough intake and assessment, and creation of a treatment plan developed by the therapist and goals set by the client. Yoga therapists empower the client to be the architects of their own healing and growth.

Yoga therapy is a biopsychosocial methodology resulting in increased flexibility (of body and mind) and strength, changed neurological processing, resilience and trauma recovery, and nervous system regulation for improved wellness.

Q. I'm not flexible. Can I do yoga or yoga therapy?

A. Yes.

With the right instructor, any BODY can do yoga, whether your mobility is limited or completely compromised. Yoga is more than just the poses.

Q. I've never done yoga before. Does this mean I can't sign up for yoga therapy?

A. Not at all!

No prior experience is necessary. Anyone can sign up for and benefit from yoga therapy.

Q. I just want to improve my health and wellbeing; can yoga therapy help with that?

A. Yes, absolutely!

Whether it is healthy aging, improving your lifestyle or relationships, or managing stress -- yoga therapy can help.

Q. I have low back pain; can you just give me some exercises to do?

A. To treat you safely, a thorough intake and physical assessment must be done first, and a plan created for your unique needs.

Just as each client is a unique individual, a treatment plan from a yoga therapist is custom tailored to your specific needs after a thorough assessment has been completed. The plan is customized to your personal goals and preferences and involves more than just exercises. No two patients will get exactly the same plan.

Pain, especially chronic pain, is more than just physical. There are psychological, emotional, and often social aspects involved and yoga therapists have been trained to treat the whole you.

Q. What other conditions can yoga therapy help?

A. Just about anything - from cancer to healthy aging, from everyday stress to depression, anxiety, and more.

I treat patients with a variety of physical and mental pathologies or injuries, including but not limited to sports injury, stroke recovery, cancer, chronic pain, long Covid, movement and neurological disorders, pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation, grief, depression, anxiety - just to name a few.

Q. What is the difference between private yoga and yoga therapy? Aren't they both one-on-one?

A. Not necessarily.

Private yoga can be for small groups of family members, friends, or neighbors. Yoga therapy is almost always (except in rare cases) one on one.

Yoga therapists have been extensively trained (beyond typical yoga teacher training) in recognizing and treating various pathologies and in how to work professionally with your allopathic medical providers including how to write SOAP notes and medical reports, and HIPAA compliance.

Yoga Therapist is a professional designation and the International Association of Yoga Therapists is currently working to make the field a licensed profession. Unlike private yoga, we do a complete assessment and create a customized treatment plan tailored specifically to the client’s needs and intended to be implemented over a set number of sessions. It is meant to be self-limiting, eventually either transitioning the individual to private yoga or a studio class.

Q. How long does it take?

A. It depends.

Yoga therapy sessions are typically 60-90 minutes. Generally, patients sign on for five sessions at a time.

Q. I am not in Baton Rouge; can I still work with Beth?

A. Yes!

Yoga therapy sessions can be held in person or via Zoom. I have clients from Canada to Connecticut to Colorado. With Zoom, international clients are not an issue. If you prefer in person sessions in your locale, the IAYT website can help you find a provider in your area.