In this episode, we explore the vital concept of self-compassion, specifically tailored for therapists. Learn about why self-compassion prevents burnout and compassion fatigue, backed by research studies from pioneers like Kristen Neff and Mark Leary. Discover simple, practical yoga-based self-compassion exercises to integrate into both personal self-care routines and therapy sessions with clients.

"The more we do these, the more we are changing our neural pathways to move towards more self-compassion. It's going to take some time, so give yourself grace.”

• The Importance of Self-Compassion for Therapists
• Defining Self-Compassion
• Self-Compassion Practices for Therapists
• Self-Compassion Exercises

Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast

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

TikTok: @YogaChris58

Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify

How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

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

Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

In this episode, we explore the integration of polyvagal theory with yoga practices to enhance therapeutic approaches. Joined by Dr. Arielle Schwartz, a recognized expert in trauma-informed care, the discussion delves into the benefits of combining gentle yoga movements, breathwork, and mindfulness to help clients achieve safety, connection, and calm. Dr. Schwartz shares her journey into yoga and polyvagal theory, its application in therapy, and practical tools for therapists to incorporate these practices safely and ethically.

MEET Dr. Arielle Schwartz

Arielle Schwartz, PhD, CCTP-II, E-RYT, is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified complex trauma professional, EMDR Consultant, and Kripalu yoga teacher. She is an internationally sought-out speaker, a leading voice in the field of trauma recovery, and the author of eight books including The Complex PTSD Workbook, EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychology, The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook, and Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga. As the founder of the Center for Resilience Informed Therapy, she offers an integrative, mind-body approach to therapy that includes relational therapy, somatic psychology, EMDR Therapy, parts-work therapy, and therapeutic yoga for trauma. She specializes in applied polyvagal theory which focuses on addressing imbalances within the autonomic nervous system that underlie most mental and physical health conditions. Dr. Schwartz provides informational mental health and wellness updates through her writing, public speaking, social media presence, and blog. She believes that the journey of trauma recovery is an awakening of the spiritual heart. Learn more at www.drarielleschwartz.com and www.resilienceinformedtherapy.com

Find out more at Dr. Arielle Schwartz and Center for Resilience Informed Therapy®

2-Day: Transform Trauma Recovery with Polyvagal Theory: Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Certification Training

Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma Recovery Flip Chart: A Psychoeducational Tool for Embodied Healing through the Lens of Applied Polyvagal Theory

• Exploring Polyvagal Theory and Yoga
• Daily Yoga Practices and Polyvagal Theory
• Phases of Trauma Recovery
• Mindful Mobilization and Sympathetic Nervous System
• Client-Centered Approach in Therapy
• Ethical Considerations in Therapeutic Practices

Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast

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

TikTok: @YogaChris58

Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts,

In this episode, we discuss the art of helping clients navigate physical discomfort safely and effectively. We look at the practice of titration, a technique to manage challenging body sensations without overwhelming clients. Annabelle shares her journey into yoga and somatic practices, insights on recognizing signs of dysregulation, and practical yoga-based techniques for fostering body awareness and resilience. We also discuss trauma-informed care, the importance of play and creativity in therapy, and offer a grounding orientation practice to connect with one's surroundings. We look at valuable tools for therapists interested in integrating somatic approaches and yoga into their practice, ensuring safe and transformative client experiences.

MEET Annabelle Coote

Annabelle Coote is a seasoned somatic therapist who loves weaving together the art and science of therapy. She helps both clients and therapists discover the joy and fulfillment of creative and experiential work. A licensed mental health therapist, board-certified dance/movement therapist, and certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, she is the founder of Movement Matters Integrative Psychotherapy. Annabelle is the author of book chapters on depression, trauma, and telehealth and is a frequent presenter at conferences and summits. She offers individual and group consultation to help therapists integrate somatic approaches in their work. Her interests include mindfulness, neurobiology, trauma, anxiety, women’s issues, life transitions, cultivating creativity, and therapist resilience. She is known for her humor, quirky metaphors, spontaneous creativity, kind compassion, and the conviction that profound transformation happens in very tiny steps.

Find out more at Somatic Matters and connect with Annabelle on TikTok

• Understanding Titration in Therapy
• Challenges of Body Discomfort in Therapy
• Trauma-Informed Somatic Practices
• Practical Techniques for Managing Discomfort
• Titration in Yoga Practices
• Handling Overwhelm and Sensation in Clients

Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast

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

TikTok: @YogaChris58

Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify

How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing...

In today’s,” Yoga Snack,” I will guide listeners through a simple mindfulness meditation practice. Designed to help therapists integrate yoga into their practice and enhance self-care, this episode offers valuable insights into the benefits of mindfulness meditation, practical tips for staying present, and a guided meditation that can be easily incorporated into daily routines.

" It is the practice of bringing your attention to the present moment and bringing a sense of curiosity, of wonder into the moment without judging yourself." -Chris McDonald

Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast

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

TikTok: @YogaChris58

Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify

How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

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

Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

In this episode, We explore how integrating joy and yoga into therapy sessions can enhance attunement with clients. Terry shares her yoga journey and provides practical, simple yoga movements and practices to help therapists and clients access joy, reduce stress, and promote connection and vitality. The episode also focuses on gentle yoga, the importance of service, gratitude, play, and rest, and a discussion on laughter yoga and playful movement exercises.

MEET Terry Littlefield

Terry is the creator of Postures Breath & Joy. Her mission is to help people, especially those of us mid-century and beyond, get moving, get breathing, and get to know and share joy on the regular. She teaches with heart and humor and endless hours of education. Terry is a lifelong learner. She believes laughter is the best medicine and an essential part of any movement practice. Her classes blend science and spirit, breath work and belly laughs, movement and breath work/meditation. She began studying/practicing yoga in 2003 and hasn't looked back, She is an E-RYT-500 yoga teacher; Level 1 Girls Gone Strong coach; Trained in Yoga Tune Up, Somatics & Restorative, Laughter Yoga, Reiki, Tapping, and more.

Find out more at Terry Littlefield and connect with Terry on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook

• Discovering Gentle Yoga
• Incorporating Joy and Play
• The Power of Attunement and Laughter Yoga
• Joyful Movement Practices
• Grounding Through Toe Exercises

Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast

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

TikTok: @YogaChris58

Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify

How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

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

Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

In this episode, we discuss the integration of yoga into mental health sessions. I will go over three key strategies for incorporating yoga practices, including grounding, breathwork, and asana, in a trauma-informed and ethical manner. This episode features detailed case studies and snapshots that illustrate transformational results in therapy, addressing anxiety, chronic worry, developmental trauma, and anger. I will also share practical tips on planning yoga practices, using organic approaches, and inviting clients to direct their own movements, empowering therapists to bring yoga into their practice safely and effectively.

" It can be intimidating to move from traditional talk therapy to a more somatic body-based approach with trauma-informed yoga or somatic practices. It's just out of most of our comfort zone until we get used to doing it and learn more about it. ”

• Basics of Integrating Yoga into Therapy
• Case Studies: Real-Life Applications

Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast

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

TikTok: @YogaChris58

Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify

How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

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

Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

In this episode, we explore how yoga-inspired practices can help therapists and clients manage anxiety. We discuss grounding techniques like breathwork, mudras, and simple movements that are easily integrated into therapy sessions. Joanna shares her journey with yoga, starting from personal stress relief to incorporating it into her trauma-informed therapy practice. We discuss the importance of trauma-informed care and customizable, accessible practices for clients with varied needs.

MEET Joanna Barrett

Joanna Barrett is a Nationally Certified Counselor in the United States, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Massachusetts), a Licensed Professional Counselor (Pennsylvania and Virginia), and an Emotional Wellness Yoga Instructor. Through her comprehensive approach, Joanna also provides Professional Mentorship and Consultation for yoga instructors and mental health professionals. Joanna helps her clients manage high stress, busy lifestyles, anxiety, depression, past traumas, and challenging relationships. She offers traditional therapy and trauma-informed yoga, creating a safe, judgment-free environment for clients to openly explore their inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Her approach combines the therapeutic modalities of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Expressive Arts Therapies, and therapeutic yoga. This allows her to tailor sessions to each client's unique needs and foster a collaborative healing journey. Joanna earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has completed over 1,000 hours of specialized yoga training. She is also a passionate advocate for mental health as an Ambassador with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation and for animals through Second Chance Animal Services in Massachusetts, where she created a fund to help families adopt dogs. As a consultant to organizations and a seasoned conference presenter, Joanna shares her knowledge of stress management and mental health nationwide. She is also a published writer and guest expert on podcasts, where she provides insights on emotional well-being and holistic wellness to a global audience. Clients who work with Joanna experience a range of powerful outcomes. They often report a greater sense of inner peace, resilience, and emotional balance, finding new ways to manage stress and nurture positive relationships. With Joanna’s support, clients build deeper self-awareness, make progress in healing from past traumas, and establish routines that promote well-being and prevent burnout. Her yoga-informed techniques also help clients reconnect with their bodies, enhancing grounding, nervous system regulation, and releasing stored emotional tension. Ultimately, Joanna's clients learn how to live more fully and authentically, equipped with lasting tools to thrive both mentally and physically. Her goal is to empower them to create intentional, fulfilling lives so they can embrace each day with renewed purpose and joy.

Find out more at Joanna Barrett Therapy & Wellness and connect with Joanna on Facebook and Instagram

• Yoga Practices for Anxiety Relief
• Breathwork Techniques for Emotional Regulation
• Incorporating Asana Practices in Therapy
• Practical Tips for Therapists
• Mudra for Anxiety Relief

Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

Facebook:

In this encore episode with Jenna Little, we explore trauma-informed yoga and story work. We discuss how these practices can be integrated to support deep healing through the mind-body connection, emphasizing the importance of invitational language, pacing, and somatic practices. Jenna shares her journey, insights on using yoga in therapeutic settings, and effective ways to process trauma and enhance self-awareness.

MEET Jenna Little

Jenna Little is a Somatic Therapist, trauma-informed Yoga Teacher, and Registered Dietitian who has a passion for integrative and holistic healing. She blends many modalities for a unique embodied healing process that supports and empowers clients to come home to their bodies, souls, spirit, and story for healing, wholeness, and freedom. She works with individuals as well as offers several groups and yoga classes including her signature Yoga For Healing intensive. She finds meaning in raising her 3 daughters as well as running her business and balancing her sacred work in the world.

Find out more at Jennal Little, and connect with Jenna on Instagram

• Understanding Trauma-Informed Yoga and Story Work
• Integrating Yoga and Story Work in Therapy
• Defining Trauma-Informed Yoga
• Practical Applications in Therapy
• Using Visual Tools in Therapy
• Community and Group Healing

Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast

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

TikTok: @YogaChris58

Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify

How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

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

Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald