Jessica, Trainee Yoga Therapist:
Yoga was and still is my light and inspiration during dark times. It’s through the practice of yoga I was able to calm my nervous system from anxiety. I was then able to connect to my spirit through meditation. Both have been life changing and reforming. I feel reborn with so much more joy and emotional freedom. It has been a journey of self discovery and self love. I wish the same for you too. Let the magic of yoga grace you with love, faith and hope. Om Shanti #savinggrace
Steph, Clinical Psychologist, Yoga Teacher, Trainee Yoga Therapist @theyogapsychologist
Yoga has not only become an integral part of my life, it has become part of me.
I was initially drawn to yoga for another form of dynamic physical exercise, yet more frequent I practiced I noticed the positive benefits beyond the mat, mentally and emotionally. Yoga became my ‘therapy’ and was a way for me to better understanding myself. Yoga grounds me from getting caught up in my head, supports me to find moments of stillness amidst the chaos of urban life, helps me to find balance with my ego, encourages me to let go of what no longer serves me, has provided me with more self-awareness, acceptance and appreciation of my body, and undoubtedly makes me a more compassionate human being – to myself and those around me. My relationship wth yoga is not an end goal, the more I learn the more I realise there is an abundance to discover.
Lauren, Lauren Fraser Wellbeing
Yoga has played a big part in contributing to my mental health. Initially, Yoga gave me space away from my thoughts, a time on my mat where I wasn’t worrying or overthinking. It was a welcomed distraction, and I noticed how I would feel more relaxed after a yoga class.
As time has progressed, I now see yoga as a lifeline. It has helped me to connect with who I am, it has helped me to accept my body and mind, build my confidence and given me incredible tools for dealing with anxiety, stress, depression and body image. It is always there, and more importantly it has shown me that I am always there, for me.
Now, I support others with their mental health using yogic tools. Through my extensive training in his field and personal experience, I believe wholeheartedly in the importance of yoga for supporting our mental health.
Sian, Psychologist
I began practising yoga regularly during a particularly stressful period of my working and personal life. A close friend brought me to a yoga class during a particularly stressful period in my work and personal life. The sense of community, containing teacher and invitation to breath, move and give time to myself felt so nourishing and soothing. Since that time yoga has been a way to check in with myself, transition from work to home, be with and become curious about the comings and goings of thoughts and feelings and share in beautiful teachings.
About Dr Stephanie Minchin
Dr Stephanie Minchin is a Clinical Psychologist working with children, young people and families in the NHS alongside private therapy at The Oak Tree Practice; Stephanie also teaches yoga and is training in Yoga Therapy at the Minded Institute. Steph’s therapeutic work is informed by third-wave CBT as well as systemic and narrative practices in clinical psychology; she has an interest in cultural and diversity issues in considerations of wider socio-political contexts and is passionate about community psychology approaches with creative and holistic practices. Steph discovered the power of yoga amidst her psychology training, learning that yoga was not only about physical fitness yet it became a tool for grounding, self-acceptance, greater self-awareness and broader perspectives on life as well as serving as her own ‘therapy’. Throughout her practice and teaching, Steph advocates for a deep connection on the mat to be carried forward in one’s life beyond the practice. The talk guides us through thinking how mental health is part of the human experience and exists on a continuum; we don’t live in black and white, and neither is our mood. We constantly navigate the world through grey areas – some days are bright and shining of positive experiences, other days are dark and full of clouds in which we face challenges and obstacles. Steph considers different causes of mental health difficulties, critiques categorising people in boxes through associated stigma and encourages us to move beyond discriminating ideas. The talk highlights why it is ok to reach out for help and how yoga is supportive of a positive mental and emotional wellbeing. In future, Steph aspires to integrate yoga and psychology through the use of yoga as a therapeutic intervention in mental health.