My Journey with Yoga
My first yoga class was at sixth form college in 1988. From then on yoga became a life-long practice. I practised at home avidly with the help of Iyengar’s Light on Yoga. I also had a Lynn Marshall Yoga record (yes a yoga LP!) which I discovered in a charity shop. Apparently, Lynn did a lot to spread the word about yoga in the 1970s. She had a programme on ITV, which I missed, unfortunately, I was probably watching Scooby Doo instead!
I continued my regular practice of yoga throughout my teens and twenties. Yoga became my main support for creating comfort in my body and mind. However, it didn’t occur to me to become a yoga teacher until my early thirties. By this time I had developed a keen interest in natural health therapies. I was deeply inspired by naturopathy, which enabled me to recover completely from chronic asthma and bronchitis.
Consequently, this led me to work full-time in the Haelan Centre, a whole food store and complementary health clinic. However, I couldn’t decide on which complementary therapy to study and practice full time. Finally, one day it dawned on me that yoga is my therapy.
Teaching Yoga
In 2003 I took the 3-year training with the Inner Yoga Trust with Jenny Beeken. Aged 31, I was the youngest person on the course. As many of my fellow yogis were also working with stiffness, pain and ailments I learnt to teach yoga in a way that way that was very sensitive and adaptable to each individual’s needs. Through self-reflection and group work (which felt like group therapy at times) we developed the capacity to teach yoga in it’s widest sense. The Inner Yoga Teacher Training is accredited by the British Wheel of Yoga, which demands the highest standard in yoga teacher training.
Yoga Therapy and Integrative Yoga Psychotherapy
My first studies in Yoga Therapy began in 2008 (with the Yoga Biomedical Trust) and I’ve studied Yoga Therapy ever since that time. However, in 2022 I embarked on the gold standard in yoga therapy training, the 675 hour Diploma in Yoga Therapy with The Minded Institute a level 6 qualifications, which is accredited by the NCIP (National Council for Integrative Psychotherapists). This course enabled me to resolve the gaps in my knowledge, particularly those to do with clinical skills and practice, which is not covered on other yoga therapy courses.
In 2024, I began my studies in Integrative Yoga Psychotherapy. This is a new modality that integrates Yoga Therapy with Client Centred Psychotherapy and other modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Internal Family Systems (IFS); Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) and others. This enables me to work with people with depression, anxiety, and complex trauma (C-PTSD) in a safe and appropriate way. I have readiness to practice, and am having regular supervision.
These deeper trainings, and ongoing private and peer supervision, enable me to work in a safe and appropriate way with clients with a diverse range of needs, experiences and sensitivities.
Qualifications and Studies in Yoga and Somatic Movement
- Readiness to Practice Diploma in Integrated Yoga Psychotherapy (NCIP) October 2024 – ongoing
- Professional Diploma in Yoga Therapy, (Level 6; NCIP; BCYT), Minded Institute: October 2022 – Feb 2025
- Yoga Therapy for Chronic Pain, Minded Institute: June 2021
- Yoga Therapy for PTSD, Minded Institute: May 2021
- Yoga Therapy for Anxiety, Minded Institute: October 2020
- One Week Intensive Anatomy In Motion, Gary Ward: October 2018
- Sleep Recovery, Lisa Sanfilippo, Minded Institute: January 2017
- Pregnancy, Post Natal and Mums and Bubs Yoga Teacher Training, Ana Davis, Bliss Baby: November 2015
- Hanna Somatic Coach – Level I and II, Tanya Fitzpatrick, Align Somatics: August 2015,
- Teaching Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs, Alison Trewhela, YHLB Institute: August 2013
- Yoga Nidra Teacher Training – Uma and Nirlipta Dinsmore-Tuli, Total Yoga Nidra: November 2013
- Meditation Teacher’s Certificate Swami Saradananda (British Yoga Teachers’ Association): June 2010
- Yoga as Therapy Intensive Teacher Training “Understanding and Addressing the Sources of Pain” (Doug Keller in association with Yoga Campus): December 2009
- Yoga Therapy Advanced Modules – Cardio Vascular System; Respiratory System; Teaching Yoga to People with Cancer; Musculoskeletal Problems. Yoga Campus: September 2008 – November 2009
- Yoga Therapy Foundation Course, Yoga Biomedical Trust: June 2008
-
Inner Yoga Trust Teachers Awareness Programme Certificate, Accredited by the BWY; Level 3 Yoga Teacher (REPs): August 2006 plus the Teachers Awareness Foundation Course, Inner Yoga Trust: June 2004 (these two courses comprise my 500+ hours of original teacher training course),
Other Related Training
The above list is not the whole story. I regularly attend numerous classes, workshops, retreats and teacher training courses. In addition, the following courses influence my approach to teaching yoga:
- ITEC course in Massage, Anatomy and Physiology
- Holistic Lifestyle Coach training with the CHEK Institute
- Ainsworth’s Level Two Bach Flower Remedy Practitioner
- Reiki Level I and II
