What is Yoga Therapy?

Yoga therapy is a personalised yoga practice specifically tailored for you and your unique needs. Through my journey with yoga, I have learned to view the human body as made up of the Five Koshas. The koshas represent five distinct layers that comprise the entirety of the human form. They are defined as follows:

• Annamaya Kosha, which refers to the physical body;

• Pranamaya Kosha, the energy body;

• Manomaya Kosha, the emotional body;

• Vijananamaya Kosha, the wisdom body;

• Anadamaya Kosha, also known as the bliss body.

Engaging with these koshas teaches us to consider ourselves both fully and completely, fostering a holistic understanding of our being.

A therapeutic practice may incorporate asana, which includes various physical postures, or it may focus on a specific meditation technique or breathing practice. Ultimately, yoga therapy is designed to enhance and support your current healing practices, allowing for a more integrated approach to well-being.

Yoga therapy is that facet of the ancient science of Yoga that focuses on health and wellness at all levels of the person: physical, psychological, and spiritual. Yoga therapy focuses on the path of Yoga as a healing journey that brings balance to the body and mind through an experiential understanding of the primary intention of Yoga: awakening of Spirit, our essential nature.

-Joseph Lepage, Yoga Therapy Pioneer

Sandra’s Experience

Sandra Thorne was one of the pioneering figures to offer yoga therapy in Central Alberta, helping to shape the practice in the region. With an impressive background that includes more than one thousand hours of specialized training, Sandra also brings over twelve years of hands-on experience as a dedicated yoga therapist.

Her extensive experience encompasses a wide range of areas, including support for individuals dealing with depression and anxiety, as well as grief and trauma. Additionally, she addresses various health concerns such as high blood pressure, stroke recovery, and cancer management. Sandra also focuses on physical healing, assisting those recovering from injuries or experiencing chronic back pain. Furthermore, she provides support for those navigating addiction recovery and offers valuable spiritual guidance to enhance overall well-being.

Booking a yoga therapy session

A private therapy session will offer you a deeply supportive and enriching yoga experience tailored specifically for you. Yoga therapy is a personalised approach to yoga practice that is thoughtfully designed to meet your unique needs. The whole process begins with an introductory appointment, which serves as an important opportunity for us to sit down and engage in an in-depth conversation about your goals and challenges. This is a valuable chance for us to get to know each other better, so please come prepared with a list of questions that you may have for me. As your yoga therapist, my primary goal is to support and enhance the healing journey that you are currently on. Together, you and I will collaborate to create a comprehensive plan that best suits your individual needs and aspirations.

In order to work effectively, yoga needs to be practiced consistently over time. For this purpose, I offer you two distinct options to choose from. The first option is for me to create a personalized program for you to be able to do at home on your own schedule. After our initial meeting, I will thoughtfully build this program based on the details of our discussion and your individual needs. We will then meet for a second time to go over the program together. During this meeting, we will practice the program as a team, ensuring that you feel confident and supported. This is a wonderful option for those who are comfortable with yoga and possess a basic understanding of how the practice of yoga works.

The second option is to set up a series of appointments spread out over the course of a month. This approach is perfect for individuals who are new to yoga or for those who are seeking additional assistance and guidance as they explore their practice. We will move at a comfortable pace, ensuring that you feel completely at ease with each aspect of the practice before introducing any new concepts. Each week will build upon the last, creating a solid foundation for your growth. By the end of the month, you will likely feel empowered and confident enough to continue your practice independently. If you prefer the structure and accountability that come with scheduled sessions together, you will have the option to extend this arrangement for another month. Please note that I have limited space in my schedule available for a few clients to participate in this option.

The cost for the introduction appointment is $50, and this amount is payable at the time of booking your session. If you ultimately decide that yoga therapy is the right fit for your needs and wellness journey, the cost of this initial appointment will be honoured and deducted from the overall session fee. Fill in the form below, to contact Sandra today and let's start this journey of healing together.