Yoga in the Therapy Room: Strategies for Mental Health Therapists

By: Chris McDonald LCMHCS
  • Summary

  • Welcome to "Yoga in the Therapy Room: The Nontraditional Therapist's Guide to Integrating Yoga into Your Therapy Practice." This podcast is designed to empower mental health therapists with the knowledge and confidence to integrate yoga into their sessions safely and ethically. Whether you're new to yoga or looking to enhance your therapeutic toolkit, our trauma-informed approach ensures that you can incorporate simple, easy-to-use yoga practices tailored to your clients' needs. Join us as we explore practical techniques, discuss the latest research, yoga philosophies, and share expert insights to help you seamlessly blend yoga with traditional therapy methods. Discover how yoga can support trauma recovery, reduce anxiety and depression, and foster a deeper connection with your clients, enhancing therapeutic rapport. Additionally, learn how these practices can serve as a powerful form of self-care for therapists, enhancing your own well-being and resilience. Deepen your knowledge of different yoga traditions and practices, and learn how to keep these practices accessible for all clients, regardless of their physical abilities, diverse backgrounds, or experience with yoga. Experience the added benefit of personal and professional transformation, enriching both your therapy practice and your own life. Tune in to "Yoga in the Therapy Room" and start your journey towards a more holistic and effective therapy practice today.
    Copyright 2024 Chris McDonald, LCMHCS
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Episodes
  • 208 How Yoga In The Therapy Room Can Help With Nervous System Regulation: Interview With Amanda Baker
    Nov 6 2024

    In this episode, we discuss how yoga can be a powerful tool for nervous system regulation, particularly for therapists and their clients dealing with trauma and anxiety. Amanda, a mental health therapist and yoga instructor, shares her journey into yoga and offers practical insights into bringing yoga into the therapy room. She highlights the importance of an intuitive approach and provides a hands-on yoga practice to help you experience the benefits firsthand. Amanda also discusses the integration of various therapeutic theories with yoga, emphasizing the role of self-care and the therapist's own nervous system regulation.

    MEET Amanda Baker

    Amanda believes that we are more authentic as our child-like selves than we are as an adult. We are more likely to share our truth and live our truth as children, but who says we have to stop? Amanda is a mental health therapist, 500hr yoga instructor, and poet. She integrates mental health, yoga, creativity, and writing into her work and daily life. Amanda has worked in the clinical field of social work for over 10 years and in the last five she has utilized yoga psychology as a framework for treating mental health diagnoses, symptoms, and mind-body restoration. Amanda came back to her child-like passions just before the pandemic as she embarked on basic yoga teaching training and writing poetry daily. She loved music, dance, and writing as a kid. In coming back to self with her interests she stumbled on the healing benefits of these inner resources in self. Your mind, your body, and your heart. Amanda offers therapeutic yoga workshops, classes, and one-on-one therapy in Baltimore, MD. She also has two published poetry books, entitled ASK: A Collection of Poetry, Lyrics, and Words as well as "What Is Another Word for Intimacy" which can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Yellow Arrow Publishing. Apply

    Find out more at Amanda Baker Writes and connect with Amanda on Instagram and at Fire Fly Counseling Collective

    ASK: A Collection of Poetry, Lyrics, and Words by Amanda Baker

    Amanda Baker Patreon

    • Integrating Yoga into Therapy
    • Nervous System Regulation through Yoga
    • Clinical Theories and Yoga
    • Practical Applications and Techniques
    • Embodying Confidence Through Yoga Practice
    • Therapist Self-Care and Client Connection
    • Trauma-Informed Yoga Practices
    • Guided Yoga Practice for Listeners

    Connect With Me

    Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

    Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast

    Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room

    TikTok: @YogaChris58

    Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts,

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    41 mins
  • 207 Helpful Strategies For Slowing Down With Yoga: Interview With Addie deHilster
    Oct 30 2024

    In this episode, we explore the transformative power of slowing down in a fast-paced world. Joined by yoga therapist Addie deHilster, we delve into practical strategies using yoga, mindfulness, and everyday activities to reduce stress and cultivate calm. We also talk about the significance of breath control, gradual movements, and integrating slow practices like restorative and yin yoga into daily life. We look at the importance of self-care, intentional pauses, and playful spontaneity, the conversation highlights the benefits for those dealing with anxiety, stress, and trauma. Listeners are encouraged to connect with their body, heart, and mind, and approach transitions with curiosity.

    MEET Addie deHilster

    Addie deHilster is a C-IAYT Yoga Therapist and a trained Mindfulness Meditation teacher. She draws from her long-term experience practicing Buddhist Insight Meditation and Yoga, Qigong, and Somatic movement modalities. Addie owned and operated a community yoga studio for over 5 years, and she has taught accessible movement practices for students with challenges such as chronic pain, arthritis, cancer, and insomnia. These days, she is most interested in de-compartmentalizing movement and meditation practices, and finding creative ways to make mindfulness more accessible to those struggling with traditional sitting practices. Addie is the host of the Moved To Meditate Podcast and leads an online Mindful Movement Teacher Training.

    Find out more at Move To Meditate and connect with Addie on Instagram and the Move To Meditate Podcast

    https://www.youtube.com/@TerryLittlefieldPBJ

    • The Challenge of Slowing Down
    • The Importance of Slowing Down
    • Practical Yoga Practices for Slowing Down
    • The Power of Slow Movements
    • Co-Regulation and Creating a Calm Environment

    Connect With Me

    Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

    Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast

    Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room

    TikTok: @YogaChris58

    Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify

    Sign up for my FREE email course: How to Build Confidence As A Holistic Counselor

    Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A...

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    41 mins
  • 206 The Ethics of Scope of Practice & Scope of Competence With Yoga In Therapy: Episode By Chris McDonald
    Oct 23 2024

    In this episode, I discuss the ethical and practical considerations of integrating yoga into therapy sessions. Emphasizing the importance of adhering to one's scope of practice and competence. I share insights from consultations with the American Counseling Association's ethics committee and my own extensive research. I also discuss the need for specialized training, informed consent, and cultural competence to ensure safe and effective therapeutic practices. It features practical examples and a case study.

    "Scope of competence is more of an ethical concern, and the definition refers to the specific areas or interventions in which a therapist has appropriate education, training, supervision, and experience." -Chris McDonald

    • Understanding Scope of Practice
    • Scope of Competence and Ethical Considerations
    • Case Study: Ethical Issues in Yoga Integration
    • Informed Consent in Yoga Therapy
    • Understanding Informed Consent
    • Competence and Ongoing Development
    • Building Confidence in Integrating Yoga
    • The Importance of Supervision and Consultation
    • Adapting Yoga for Individual Needs
    • Practical Tips for Integrating Yoga

    Connect With Me

    Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

    Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast

    Join the private Facebook Group: Bringing Yoga Into the Therapy Room

    TikTok: @YogaChris58

    Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Spotify

    Sign up for my FREE email course: How to Build Confidence As A Holistic Counselor

    Self-Care for the Counselor: A Companion Workbook: An Easy to Use Workbook to Support you on Your Holistic Healing and Counselor Self-Care Journey ... A Holistic Guide for Helping Professionals)

    Claim your 30-Day Aura Guest Pass from Chris McDonald

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    34 mins

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