In this episode of Yoga in the Therapy Room, we explore the ancient practice of mudras—symbolic hand gestures used in yoga and meditation to channel life force energy. We discuss the origins, benefits, and practical applications of various mudras, including their potential to enhance mood, and focus, and reduce stress. This guide is designed for therapists looking to integrate these techniques into their practice and individuals interested in incorporating them into their self-care routines. This episode walks you through mudras like Anjali, Gyan, Dhyana, and Apana and the benefits of each of these techniques.

" If we go back to interoception and noticing what's going on in our body if we have our hands in a mudra, we can feel the sensations of the fingertips touching, the placement of the hands if they're on the lap. Just even connecting with that alone can be grounding or a mindfulness practice." -Chris McDonald

• Understanding Mudras: Definition and Benefits
• Exploring the Elements and Origins of Mudras
• Practical Applications and Benefits of Mudras
• Guided Mudra Practices
• Integrating Mudras into Therapy and Self-Care

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In this episode, we discuss how yoga can be a powerful tool for nervous system regulation, particularly for therapists and their clients dealing with trauma and anxiety. Amanda, a mental health therapist and yoga instructor, shares her journey into yoga and offers practical insights into bringing yoga into the therapy room. She highlights the importance of an intuitive approach and provides a hands-on yoga practice to help you experience the benefits firsthand. Amanda also discusses the integration of various therapeutic theories with yoga, emphasizing the role of self-care and the therapist's own nervous system regulation.

MEET Amanda Baker

Amanda believes that we are more authentic as our child-like selves than we are as an adult. We are more likely to share our truth and live our truth as children, but who says we have to stop? Amanda is a mental health therapist, 500hr yoga instructor, and poet. She integrates mental health, yoga, creativity, and writing into her work and daily life. Amanda has worked in the clinical field of social work for over 10 years and in the last five she has utilized yoga psychology as a framework for treating mental health diagnoses, symptoms, and mind-body restoration. Amanda came back to her child-like passions just before the pandemic as she embarked on basic yoga teaching training and writing poetry daily. She loved music, dance, and writing as a kid. In coming back to self with her interests she stumbled on the healing benefits of these inner resources in self. Your mind, your body, and your heart. Amanda offers therapeutic yoga workshops, classes, and one-on-one therapy in Baltimore, MD. She also has two published poetry books, entitled ASK: A Collection of Poetry, Lyrics, and Words as well as "What Is Another Word for Intimacy" which can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Yellow Arrow Publishing. Apply

Find out more at Amanda Baker Writes and connect with Amanda on Instagram and at Fire Fly Counseling Collective

ASK: A Collection of Poetry, Lyrics, and Words by Amanda Baker

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• Integrating Yoga into Therapy
• Nervous System Regulation through Yoga
• Clinical Theories and Yoga
• Practical Applications and Techniques
• Embodying Confidence Through Yoga Practice
• Therapist Self-Care and Client Connection
• Trauma-Informed Yoga Practices
• Guided Yoga Practice for Listeners

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In this episode, we explore the transformative power of slowing down in a fast-paced world. Joined by yoga therapist Addie deHilster, we delve into practical strategies using yoga, mindfulness, and everyday activities to reduce stress and cultivate calm. We also talk about the significance of breath control, gradual movements, and integrating slow practices like restorative and yin yoga into daily life. We look at the importance of self-care, intentional pauses, and playful spontaneity, the conversation highlights the benefits for those dealing with anxiety, stress, and trauma. Listeners are encouraged to connect with their body, heart, and mind, and approach transitions with curiosity.

MEET Addie deHilster

Addie deHilster is a C-IAYT Yoga Therapist and a trained Mindfulness Meditation teacher. She draws from her long-term experience practicing Buddhist Insight Meditation and Yoga, Qigong, and Somatic movement modalities. Addie owned and operated a community yoga studio for over 5 years, and she has taught accessible movement practices for students with challenges such as chronic pain, arthritis, cancer, and insomnia. These days, she is most interested in de-compartmentalizing movement and meditation practices, and finding creative ways to make mindfulness more accessible to those struggling with traditional sitting practices. Addie is the host of the Moved To Meditate Podcast and leads an online Mindful Movement Teacher Training.

Find out more at Move To Meditate and connect with Addie on Instagram and the Move To Meditate Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/@TerryLittlefieldPBJ

• The Challenge of Slowing Down
• The Importance of Slowing Down
• Practical Yoga Practices for Slowing Down
• The Power of Slow Movements
• Co-Regulation and Creating a Calm Environment

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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...

In this episode, I discuss the ethical and practical considerations of integrating yoga into therapy sessions. Emphasizing the importance of adhering to one's scope of practice and competence. I share insights from consultations with the American Counseling Association's ethics committee and my own extensive research. I also discuss the need for specialized training, informed consent, and cultural competence to ensure safe and effective therapeutic practices. It features practical examples and a case study.

"Scope of competence is more of an ethical concern, and the definition refers to the specific areas or interventions in which a therapist has appropriate education, training, supervision, and experience." -Chris McDonald

• Understanding Scope of Practice
• Scope of Competence and Ethical Considerations
• Case Study: Ethical Issues in Yoga Integration
• Informed Consent in Yoga Therapy
• Understanding Informed Consent
• Competence and Ongoing Development
• Building Confidence in Integrating Yoga
• The Importance of Supervision and Consultation
• Adapting Yoga for Individual Needs
• Practical Tips for Integrating Yoga

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In today’s,” Yoga Snack,” listeners can reflect on their feelings after a meditation session, highlighting the importance of self-care.

"Take a moment, check in with yourself, noticing how you feel. Knowing you can come back to this space when you need to, to take care of you so that you have the bandwidth to better care for clients and others you love." -Chris McDonald

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In this episode of the Yoga in the Therapy Room, we discuss the transformative effects of incorporating spirituality and intuition into therapy sessions. We look at the differences between spirituality and religion and provide practical tips and ethical considerations for therapists. We also look into the benefits of brain spotting, the power of manifestation, and the importance of daily practices for both clients and therapists. This episode aims to help therapists create a deeper healing experience and support their clients' mental health journey.

MEET Cherie Lindberg & Heather Corbet

Cherie is a seasoned transformational coach, speaker, advisor, and psychotherapist, holding a completed doctorate. Her life's work is dedicated to guiding mentors, leaders, and high performers in embracing their life's purpose and achieving personal flourishing. She specializes in helping individuals recognize and highlight their unique abilities, empowering them to contribute positively to the world. As a Brainspotting Trainer and Consultant, she integrates Brainspotting and Internal Family Systems (IFS) coaching approaches. This unique combination allows her to provide deep, transformative experiences that unlock her clients' fullest potential.

Find out more at Cherie Lindberg and connect with Cherie on Instagram and Facebook

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Episode 194 Healing Through Brainspotting & Parts Work: Interview With Cherie Lindberg

MEET Heather Corbet

Heather Corbet is an Occupational Therapist, Spiritual Advisor, Holistic Healer, Brainspotting Consultant & Specialty Workshop Presenter, and Coach with over 20 years in the human development field. As a Spiritual Advisor & Coach, she is dedicated to the profound healing and spiritual well-being, and evolution of her clients. Her commitment lies in nurturing and supporting individuals as they embark on their sacred journey of intuition and self-discovery. It is with deepest joy that Heather guides souls to the fulfillment of their life's purpose and the realization of their most cherished dreams.

"There are various components of spirituality. What drives you or what guides you is helping you through some of those struggles and it just feels really important to be able to bring that into the conversation." -Heather Corbet

Find out more at Heather Corbet and Heather Corbert Spiritual Advisor

• Defining Spirituality and Intuition
• Importance of Spirituality in Therapy
• Ethical Considerations and Practical Tips
• Brainspotting and Spirituality
• Manifestation and Flow States
• Training and Community Building

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In this episode of 'Yoga in the Therapy Room', we discuss how integrating trauma-informed yoga into therapy sessions can create a more holistic and healing environment for clients, especially those with trauma histories. We explore the definition of trauma, and the importance of trauma-informed practices, and provide practical strategies for incorporating yoga into clinical settings. I also share insights on creating a safe, supportive space, adjusting for cultural and individual sensitivities, and the dual benefits for clients and therapists. Listeners are encouraged to explore how these practices can benefit their therapeutic approach and support profound healing.

"One of the most amazing parts of doing trauma-informed yoga in session with clients is the benefit for them. They're learning how to emotionally regulate, learning ways to connect more to their body, and release tension and trauma." -Chris McDonald

• Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
• Practical Applications and Client Experiences
• Defining Trauma and Its Various Forms
• Trauma Responses and Healing
• Creating a Trauma-Informed Space
• Benefits of Trauma-Informed Yoga
• Practical Techniques for Integration
• Dual Benefits for Therapists and Clients

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In this episode of 'Yoga in the Therapy Room,’ Chris interviews Leah Barnes. Leah shares her unique approach to incorporating yoga into therapy sessions and explains how she introduces yoga to clients, the types of practices she uses, and the benefits it offers, especially for those with ADHD and trauma. The episode also covers the importance of keeping practices trauma-informed and tailored to individual clients' needs. Listeners will gain insights and practical advice on how to safely and ethically integrate yoga into their therapy practice. Leah also guides a short, mindful cat-cow exercise to demonstrate its grounding effects.

MEET Leah Barnes

Leah Barnes, LCMHCS, is the owner of Ridgeline Counseling and Supervision, PLLC where she provides online therapy to adults in North and South Carolina. She focuses on working with late-diagnosed or suspected Autistic and ADHD adults to get rid of internalized shame and ableism surrounding their neurotype, and learn ways to work with their brain, not against it. In addition to traditional weekly therapy, she offers therapy intensives to help clients dig deep into healing over the course of 1 to 3 days. She uses a variety of approaches during intensives, such as brainspotting, polyvagal techniques, therapeutic yoga, parts work, and more.

"‘It fits so naturally because we are talking about how the nervous system responds and how we get somebody back into a regulated state. Many of those somatic techniques that we use are very similar to yoga, if not identical and so it just fits so well.’" -Leah Barnes

Find out more at Ridgeline Counseling and connect with Leah on Instagram and Facebook

• Demystifying Yoga in Therapy
• Practical Applications of Yoga in Therapy
• Yoga Techniques and Client Adaptations
• Trauma-Informed Yoga Practices
• Guided Cat-Cow Practice

Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

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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...