Yoga for Mental and Emotional Wellness- Self Study Course
Yoga Skills for Holistic Mental Health Care
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This month long training will utilize the yogic lens of the Koshas as a holistic diagnostic, treatment, and self-care model. The koshas are 5 layers of being and can be conceptualized as nesting dolls. The layers, or sheaths of the body, are the Physical Kosha, Breath or Energetic Kosha, Mental/Emotional Kosha, Wisdom & Intellect Kosha, and the Bliss, Spirit, & Higher Self Kosha. Each layer lies within the next and what happens within one layer impacts all 5. This is true for stress, but also for healing. This model can be used to supplement traditional therapy and to prevent burn-out in providers.
Yoga offers many practices to nurture the breath, mind, body, intellect and spirit. By attending this trainings, participants will be able to easily determine each individual’s needs for healing and growth on every level of being, learn tools within each of the 5 Koshas that can be implemented immediately in session, and understand how to pick and choose exercises that benefit one or more of the Kosha/s directly, knowing that it will positively impact the entire system. This experiential training includes evidence-based mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga, and therapeutic art for stress reduction, emotional regulation, and burnout prevention.
In other words, this yoga therapy course is highly experiential and also goes over theory. So participants have both practices and a deeper understanding of how and why those practices work. Together we will explore skills for nervous system regulation, how that relates to anxiety, depression, and trauma, and which practices are appropriate in which contexts. We will also be examining a variety of case studies through group work and facilitated discussion to better illustrate the concept of the Koshas in action.
While this training is geared towards mental health practitioners (therapists, case managers, yoga teachers, coaches, caregivers, etc.) interested in bringing yoga practices into session, anyone who wants to learn how to use yoga for nervous system regulation is welcome! No formal yoga training is necessary! But, an understanding of common mental health diagnoses is expected (i.e. anxiety, depression, trauma). We recommend you dress to move and bring a journal or notebook to write in.
Clinical Goals: By attending and participating in the entire training participants will be able to:
1. Name the 5 Koshas and at least 1 practice within each Kosha
2. Match which yoga practices learned over the course of the training are the most appropriate for commonly seen mental health diagnoses (anxiety, depression, etc.)
3. Reiterate the ethics of using yoga in session
4. Utilize tools from yoga as therapeutic interventions for emotional regulation with their clients in sessions
5. Practice yoga asana, meditation, breathing, journaling, and therapeutic art for their own emotional regulation, stress reduction, and burnout preventative care
6. Explain the importance of self-care as an ethical obligation to clients
Getting CEs as a therapist:
This course is eligible for 20 CEs (including 3 ethics) for NJ social workers and PA social workers, LPCs, and MFTs. Therapists in other states have been able to apply for credits with their board BEFORE completing the course. Please contact [email protected] for a more detailed course description and schedule that you can include in your application.
In order to get CEs, therapists MUST submit a writing reflection for each week that illustrates they completed the recordings in full AND complete an evaluation survey. This can be a reflection on the lectures and exercises/practices. Each week's reflection needs to be a minimum of 1 page and can be informal. This is used to show understanding and completion of the concepts in order to earn the CEs. So please include your reflections on the lectures and experiential practices. These reflections can be emailed to [email protected]. After receiving all 4, Kanjana will send you a survey link to complete for evaluation. This is required for receiving CEs.
Your Instructor
Kanjana Hartshorne, LCSW, C-IAYT, RM, CCFP
In her work with clients Kanjana offers an evidence-based blend of traditional Western psychotherapy & neuroscience and ancient Eastern comprehensive yoga therapy. Kanjana’s mission is to empower clients to tap into their unique strengths and live a full life based on their values.
In addition to her therapy practice, Kanjana facilitates workshops on yoga therapy for mental health and co-leads The Body Compassion Project Retreats and Renew Retreats across the country. She has years of experience training healthcare professionals (CEUs offered), support staff, and groups of clients in a variety of topics related to yoga and mental health. Kanjana also works part-time at Temple University as a meditation and yoga therapist- offering adjunct yoga therapy sessions, developing yoga therapy for mental health classes, and researching the results.
Sarah Pachler, LCSW, RYT200
Sarah is committed to supporting clients as they seek wellness and peace. Working collaboratively with each client, an individualized plan is crafted integrating a variety of methodologies. A licensed clinical social worker, Sarah received her MSW from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to graduate school, she was a Domestic Violence Counselor and is passionate about helping women find their innate strength and resilience. Specialized skills include assisting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, physical health issues, addiction recovery, and challenges with interpersonal relationships. Sarah’s ten years as an Emergency Department Social Worker provided her with a broad base of knowledge and experience as she helped people of all ages cope with crisis, trauma, and grief. As a registered yoga instructor, she is also able to incorporate elements of yoga and mindfulness when appropriate to supplement therapeutic sessions.
Connect with your training team at www.healingheartswellness.com