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Yoga Therapy has a growing evidence base for use in mental health populations as a stand-alone or complementary therapy. It incorporates mindfulness, movement and breathwork from the yogic tradition and neurophysiology to form a body-mind intervention.
How does Yoga Therapy support individuals with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression?
Yoga Therapy helps individuals in developing awareness, it teaches regulation techniques and widens the emotional and physical window of tolerance for individuals building confidence, self-efficacy and resilience for day-to-day life.
This model of therapy overlaps the biopsychosocial approach of current practice by addressing the body, mind and spiritual health and functioning in the world. This 8-week course will be delivered by Dr Divina Pillay, a Consultant Psychiatrist & trained Yoga Therapist. This allows a safe therapeutic space where participants feel supported and contained. No prior knowledge of yoga is needed.
The course is inspired and modelled on the group Dr Pillay trained in at The Minded Institute, and aims to alleviate stress and restore harmony between mind and body.
Get in touch with our caring mental health team in London for more information, or if you'd like to join this 8-week yoga therapy course
If you're interested in finding out more about this 8-week Yoga Therapy course, please don't hesitate to reach out to our caring team today.
To access private treatment as swiftly as possible, simply complete our Online Registration Form & Screening Questionnaire at any time to suit you.
How much does the yoga therapy course cost?
The 8-week Yoga Therapy course led by Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Divina Pillay, costs £195 for each 2-hour group (£1,560 for the full 8-week course).
What are the aims of the 8-week Yoga Therapy course for anxiety and depression at our mental health clinic in London?
The 8-week Yoga Therapy course for anxiety and depression at our mental health clinic in London aims to provide a holistic approach to managing mental health challenges. Through a combination of psychoeducation, mindfulness practices, and peer support, participants will develop tools to improve their wellbeing and enhance their sense of agency over their health.
Aims:
Provide psychoeducation about anxiety, depression and stress and how this affects the body and mind as well as an understanding of how strategies and tools used can improve health and functioning.
Build awareness of mental state, breath and physical symptoms
Teach strategies to improve health and manage symptoms
Harness the benefits of peer support to create a supportive environment for healing.
Empower participants with a sense of agency, strength, and improved mood, while reducing anxiety.
Objectives:
Improve symptoms of anxiety and depression through the practice of yoga therapy techniques.
Enhance participants' understanding of how stress affects the body and mind, enabling them to better manage stressors.
Cultivate a sense of agency over one's health, empowering participants to take proactive steps towards well-being.
Risk Assessment and Management:
The course facilitator will conduct a screening process to assess the suitability of each participant for the course. It's important to note that individuals with certain mental health conditions may not be suitable candidates. Specifically, individuals with unstable Bipolar Illness, PTSD, psychosis, active suicidal ideation, escalating self-harm, or personality disorders will not be included in the course.
Additionally, each week, participants will have the opportunity to convey concerns or changes in health to the facilitator in private, ensuring that any emerging risks or challenges can be promptly addressed and managed.
Breakdown of Yoga Therapy group details
Facilitator: Dr Divina Pillay
Duration: 8 week course- once weekly sessions, 2 hours each
Location: Schoen Clinic Chelsea - mental health clinic in London
Group Type: Closed, Homework each week.
Summary of Yoga Therapy course content at Schoen Clinic Chelsea in London
Week One: Breath Awareness
In our inaugural session, we delve into the intricate relationship between breath and our autonomic nervous system. Through engaging psychoeducation, participants explore how the nuances of breath, including its location and the elongation of exhales, profoundly influence our body-mind connection.
Guided movement sequences and the introduction of Ujjayi/Ocean Breath and Hummingbee Breath practices deepen this understanding. An interactive activity encourages sharing and valuable feedback among participants, setting the stage for a supportive and enriching journey ahead.
Week Two: Bringing the Breath Down
Building upon our foundation from the previous week, we continue our exploration of breath, focusing on the profound benefits of diaphragmatic breathing. Through continued psychoeducation and mindful movement practices, participants learn to anchor their awareness and bring their breath into deeper, more grounding spaces.
Ocean Breath and Breath of Fire techniques further enhance this process, while chanting and sharing experiences deepen our collective journey.
Week Three: Finding Space
In this session, we expand our awareness to encompass both physical and mental space. Participants discover the importance of creating space through postures, stretching, and mindfulness practices.
Building upon familiar movement sequences, we refine our ability to find space within the body and mind. The introduction of 3-part breath and chakra chanting enriches our exploration, cultivating a deeper sense of connection and alignment within ourselves and the group.
Week Four: Feel the Touch of the Body on the Ground
Grounding becomes our focal point as we explore the sensation of our bodies connecting with the earth. Psychoeducation on the concept of grounding sets the stage for movement practices that emphasise awareness of the body's contact points with the ground.
Ocean Breath and alternate nostril breathing techniques deepen our connection to the present moment, while a rejuvenating yoga nidra session invites participants to fully embrace relaxation and restoration.
Week Five: Finding the Mind in the Body
Mindfulness takes centre stage as we cultivate awareness of the mind-body connection. Participants deepen their understanding of mindfulness through movement practices that encourage a heightened awareness of bodily sensations.
Ocean Breath and alternate nostril breathing continue to anchor us in the present, while a body scan activity invites participants to explore and embrace the sensations within their own bodies.
Week Six: Where Is the Mind?
Exploring the intricacies of our wandering minds, we delve into the patterns of past and future thinking, rumination, and mental busyness. Movement practices guide us to observe where our minds wander when we're not fully present.
Ocean Breath and alternate nostril breathing techniques support our exploration, while a contemplative walking meditation encourages participants to anchor their awareness in the present moment.
Week Seven: Mental Labelling
In this session, we shine a light on the various types of thoughts that often pull us away from the present moment. Participants engage in movement practices that highlight the different forms of thinking, supported by Ocean Breath and alternate nostril breathing techniques.
A seated meditation invites participants to observe and label their thoughts, fostering a deeper understanding of their own mental landscape.
Week Eight: Finding the Pleasant
Culminating our journey, we explore the transformative power of cultivating pleasant thoughts and experiences.
Psychoeducation on the cultivation of positive states of mind sets the stage for intentional movement practices aimed at fostering joy and contentment. Ocean Breath and alternate nostril breathing techniques anchor us in the present, while a loving-kindness meditation invites participants to extend compassion and goodwill towards themselves and others.
A final sharing circle provides an opportunity for reflection, connection, and closure as we conclude our transformative 8-week journey together.
Facilitator, Dr Divina Pillay
Dr Pillay is a highly experienced Consultant Psychiatrist in London who supports adults with anxiety and depression disorders, as well as eating disorders and addiction.
She trained as a Yoga Therapist at the Minded Institute in Camden and now delivers this specialised 8-week course, inspired by her training to individuals wanting additional therapeutic support for anxiety and depression.
