Yoga in Tampa Bay Florida & Beyond: Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, and Couples Yoga
I discovered yoga over 10 years ago and have found myself rediscovering it through different phases in my life. In ancient traditions, yoga is a spiritual practice. Today, many see it as a fitness exercise. Research has shown its great benefits in multiple markers of physical and mental health. For me, it is a gentle way to connect with my body and slow down my mind. Breath awareness and techniques have improved my quality of life in so many ways…
My training as a yoga teacher includes different schools, all providing a round perspective of its impact in fitness and physical health, spiritual practice, and in trauma settings. Yoga is a wonderful practice of acceptance, self-care, challenge, and integration. It can be whatever you need right there and then!
As a yoga instructor, my approach is trauma-informed. I guide my clients through a gentle connection with all parts of their experience and growing awareness. Through mind, body, and relationship exploration. Being able to expand your awareness enhances your focus, presence, and peace. It ultimately allows you to have more choices, rather than running on autopilot. To slow down and recharge, rather than burn down. To be fully present and loving, feeling safe and connected.
Here's a brief description of the types of classes/approaches I offer:
Gentle Yoga
Gentle yoga is a wonderful practice that focuses on slow, soothing movements, deep breathing, and relaxation. It's designed to be accessible to all ages and abilities, making it perfect for beginners or those recovering from injuries. Gentle yoga poses are typically held for longer periods, allowing for a deeper stretch and a chance to connect with your breath and body. This practice can help reduce stress, improve flexibility, and promote a sense of calm and well-being.
How is it different from other types of yoga?
Intensity: It's significantly less intense compared to more vigorous styles like Vinyasa or Power Yoga. Gentle yoga involves slower movements and softer transitions between poses, making it accessible to people of various fitness levels, including beginners, seniors, or those with limited mobility.
Focus on Relaxation: This practice prioritizes relaxation and stress relief. Poses are often held for a longer duration, allowing practitioners to sink deeper into relaxation and experience a greater sense of calmness.
Breath Awareness: There's a strong emphasis on breath awareness and control. Breathing exercises (pranayama) are integrated into the practice, helping to reduce stress and anxiety while promoting a mindful connection between movement and breath.
Adaptability: Gentle yoga is highly adaptable. We can offer modifications and props (such as blankets, blocks, or straps) to support individuals with physical limitations or injuries, making it a safe and inclusive practice.
Mindfulness and Meditation: It often incorporates elements of mindfulness and meditation, encouraging practitioners to be present and focused on the current moment. This can enhance mental clarity and relaxation.
Physical Benefits: While it's gentle, it still offers physical benefits like improved flexibility, better joint mobility, increased circulation, and muscle relaxation without the strain or intensity found in other yoga styles.
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga
Trauma-sensitive Yoga is an approach that emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals who have experienced trauma. It recognizes that trauma can be held in the body and aims to address its effects through mindful and gentle practice. Yoga could be a great adjunctive treatment to counseling and medication management…
Key aspects of trauma-sensitive yoga include:
Safety and Choice: Practitioners are empowered to make choices throughout the practice. They're encouraged to opt-out of poses or adjust them to ensure a sense of safety and control.
Body Awareness: Focus is placed on body sensations rather than physical appearance or performance. Participants are guided to notice how their bodies feel and to make choices based on their comfort.
Breath and Mindfulness: Breathwork and mindfulness practices are integrated to help regulate the nervous system and develop tools for managing stress and overwhelming emotions.
Gentle Movements: Poses and movements are often slow, gentle, and mindful. This allows individuals to explore physical sensations and movements without triggering distress.
Language and Environment: Instructors use language that is inclusive, non-coercive, and trauma-informed. The environment is structured to be supportive, non-judgmental, and respectful of personal boundaries.
Trauma-sensitive yoga’s primary goal is to create a healing space where individuals can reconnect with their bodies in a way that feels safe and empowering. This practice is guided by the understanding that trauma affects individuals differently, and the approach should be adaptable and sensitive to each person's unique experiences and needs.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is a deeply relaxing and nurturing practice that focuses on complete relaxation of the body, mind, and nervous system. It involves holding gentle, supported poses for extended periods, typically 5 to 20 minutes or more, allowing the body to fully surrender into each posture.
Here are some key aspects:
Supportive Props: Restorative yoga uses an array of props such as bolsters, blankets, blocks, and straps to fully support the body in each pose. This support promotes a sense of ease and comfort, allowing muscles to relax deeply.
Deep Relaxation: The extended hold of poses facilitates a state of deep relaxation. It triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calmness and inner peace.
Gentle Poses: Poses in restorative yoga are gentle, often involving reclining or seated positions that encourage the body to let go of tension. Examples include supported forward folds, gentle backbends, and twists.
Mindful Breathing: Conscious breathing is integral. Practitioners are encouraged to focus on slow, deep breaths, using the breath to release tension and deepen relaxation.
Stress Relief: This practice is particularly effective in relieving stress, anxiety, and fatigue. It can also aid in improving sleep quality and enhancing overall well-being.
Healing and Recovery: Restorative yoga is beneficial for individuals recovering from injuries, illness, or experiencing chronic pain. It promotes healing by allowing the body to rest and restore its natural balance.
Mind-Body Connection: It encourages a deeper connection between the mind and body, promoting mindfulness and self-awareness.
Restorative yoga is accessible to all levels and can be especially beneficial for those seeking relaxation, stress relief, or a gentle practice to balance a more active lifestyle. It's a practice that nourishes and rejuvenates both the body and mind, offering a sanctuary for deep relaxation and restoration.
Couples Yoga
Couples yoga is a delightful practice that focuses on enhancing connection, trust, and communication between partners through shared yoga poses and exercises. It's a beautiful way to deepen your bond while also reaping the benefits of yoga together. Here's what makes couples yoga special:
Shared Experience: Couples yoga fosters a shared experience, allowing partners to synchronize their movements, breath, and energy. It builds a sense of togetherness and unity.
Trust and Communication: Sharing your experience with each other and any thoughts, images, or emotions that come up during your practice might be a great way to get to know each other’s inside worlds. The potential relaxation that comes with yoga practice can help you feel more comfortable and open towards each other. Sometimes just showing up to share something sends the right message to your partner!
Playfulness and Fun: Couples yoga can be playful and fun! Although most times my couple’s yoga classes are usually designed to be a gentle or restorative practice, we might from time to time practice poses that require balance and teamwork. It's a lighthearted way to enjoy each other's company.
Physical Connection: Through touch and proximity, couples yoga promotes physical closeness and intimacy. It allows partners to connect on a deeper level while exploring movement and touch in a safe and supportive environment. I incorporate elements from a common Sex Counseling protocol called Sensate Focus. Special classes might include ‘pleasure mapping’, helping individuals find the areas of their body they most enjoy being touched by their partner(s); which can be expanded at home to include more areas.
Mutual Support: Practicing together encourages mutual support and encouragement. It's a space where partners can motivate and assist each other, fostering a sense of partnership and encouragement. At times it is hard to do things even when we know they are very good for us… Having each other as an accountability partner to show up is a great way to take care of each other.
Relationship Enrichment: Beyond the physical aspects, couples’ yoga can enrich the relationship by fostering understanding, patience, and shared goals. It can deepen the emotional connection between partners. Practices included in yoga classes include focusing the mind, growing your ability to focus your attention, and becoming more aware of different things that influence your experience. This can greatly help in your communication. Additionally, yoga practices can foster your capacity for self- and co-regulation.
Whether you're both seasoned yogis or new to the practice, couples yoga offers a unique way to connect, communicate, and grow together. It's a beautiful journey of shared movement and mutual support that can strengthen the emotional and physical bond between partners. The goal of my couples yoga practices is to feel more connected with yourself and your partner.
If you’re interested in finding a class near you (in-person Couples Yoga classes are in Tampa Bay Area, Florida but I can also offer private virtual sessions), click here to reach out.
I am a PhD in Clinical Sexology candidate at Modern Sex Therapy Institutes and have a Master of Science in Educational Psychology. I work with individuals, couples, non-monogamous relationships, and groups in topics related to sexuality, emotional regulation, communication dynamics, and changing behaviors.
I am bilingual! (Spanish/English)
