My interest in yoga, mindfulness, and meditation began more than 20 years ago, during a very difficult time in my life, when I went through a serious health episode that left me physically weak and disconnected from my body. I was searching for ways to heal not just physically, but emotionally as well. When I first started attending yoga classes, I struggled and often felt like I had to “fit into” what the teacher was saying or doing. The classes sometimes felt rigid and authoritarian, and instead of feeling safe, I felt self-conscious and out of place. When teachers physically adjusted my posture without asking, it did not feel supportive; it felt intrusive and unsafe.
But I stayed curious….
I went to India and lived in an ashram, where I deepened my practice and learned meditation. When I returned to the U.S., I continued studying with many different teachers and exploring various styles of yoga. Over time, I began to discover a different kind of yoga. It was a language that felt inviting, accepting, and safe. It was a way of practicing that encouraged listening to my body rather than overriding it.
Through my own healing journey, I found the yoga approach that truly supported me.
That is the approach I now bring into my work with clients.
I have completed Yoga Teacher Training and specialize in Trauma-Sensitive Yoga. I have also led yoga groups for adolescents and for women who have survived sexual abuse.
In my practice, I integrate many components of yoga, not only philosophy but also breathwork and gentle movement. These tools can help us reconnect with our bodies, especially when we have learned to disconnect as a coping mechanism. I believe healing can happen more experientially and compassionately by noticing sensations, exploring choice, and building a sense of safety from within.
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is an evidence-based, adjunctive treatment for complex trauma and chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. Developed by David Emerson at the Trauma Center, it is grounded in both trauma theory and Hatha yoga. The focus is on body-based practices and breathing techniques that support nervous system regulation.
In this approach, participants are invited to notice sensations in their bodies and make choices about how they move. There are no physical adjustments, and the language used is invitational rather than directive. The emphasis is on curiosity, choice, and self-awareness. This work is about gently rebuilding a relationship with the present moment and with the body at a pace that feels supportive and empowering for each individual.
In addition to incorporating these components into individual work, I also offer private Trauma-Sensitive Yoga sessions for individuals who want to practice yoga but find that a studio or group setting feels overwhelming.
Integrative Therapy & Mind-Body Healing
Supporting individuals and teens with compassion and clarity.
Phone: (415) 407-1513
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