Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS

In this episode, I address the hesitation many therapists feel about incorporating yoga into their practice. I will provide five foundational steps to help therapists confidently and ethically integrate yoga into their sessions. This episode covers the importance of understanding your why, ensuring practices are within the scope of practice, starting small, building confidence through practice, and investing in ongoing education and support. I will also share personal experiences and demonstrate simple yoga practices for therapists to try. The episode aims to empower therapists with the tools and knowledge needed to incorporate yoga into their therapy sessions safely and effectively.

Tummee: Yoga Teaching Made Easy, From Start to Finish

Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions

Instagram: @chris_mcdonald58

Facebook: Yoga In The Therapy Podcast

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TikTok: @YogaChris58

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How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS

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

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS

In this episode, we discuss practical ways to integrate yoga and somatic practices into trauma-informed therapy sessions. Jaclyn shares her journey into yoga, how she incorporates it into her clinical work, and offers a grounding practice for listeners. We discuss topics such as keeping yoga trauma-informed, utilizing mindful movement, breathwork, and body awareness to support clients’ healing, and provide practical tips for therapists looking to integrate these practices. We look at the importance of body-based therapies in achieving deep healing that talk therapy alone may not achieve.

MEET Jaclyn Sappah

Jaclyn Sappah, LCSW, C-IAYT, is a trauma therapist, certified yoga therapist, and founder of Wildflower Therapy Group—a North Carolina-based virtual group practice specializing in holistic trauma therapy for women and teen girls. Through a holistic, mind-body-spirit approach, Jaclyn helps clients release trauma, process stuck emotions, and regulate their nervous systems. Her work blends traditional psychotherapy with integrative healing practices, including EMDR, somatic therapy, yoga therapy, mindfulness, and Reiki energy work. Jaclyn believes true healing happens when we address not just the mind, but the body and spirit, too. She’s passionate about helping women reconnect with themselves and create space for more peace, ease, and self-trust. She is licensed in North Carolina, New York, and California, and offers virtual therapy to clients in all three states.

Find out more at Wildflower Therapy Group and connect with Jaclyn on Instagram

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• Incorporating yoga into clinical sessions
• Defining and utilizing Somatic Therapy
• Practical somatic tools and techniques
• Making yoga fun and accessible
• Introducing movement practices in therapy
• Restorative practices and trauma-informed yoga
• Overcoming initial fears and starting small
• Guided yoga practice for listeners

Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions

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,

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS

In this episode, we explore the benefits of Qigong, an ancient mind-body practice that helps release stress and restore inner balance through gentle, flowing movements. This yoga snack offers a brief yet powerful practice to help integrate Qigong into personal self-care routines or therapy sessions.

Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions

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

How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS

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

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS

In this coaching episode, we explore creative ways to support neurodiverse clients, particularly those with ADHD, in staying present and engaged during yoga practices. Joined by Kimberly Hagar, we go over mindful cues, pacing, and specific yoga practices beneficial for this demographic. The episode covers strategies to integrate yoga effectively and ethically into therapy sessions, emphasizing the importance of crystal-clear instructions, movement variety, and client-centered approaches. This episode also features a practical Qigong exercise designed to enhance focus.

MEET Kimberleigh Hagar

Kimberleigh Hagar, LCSW ​a mental health therapist​, yoga teacher, and Reiki Master. She provides individual holistic therapy online, specializing in women experiencing overthinking, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and struggling with self-compassion. In therapy, she incorporates​ holistic practices including: yoga, EFT Tapping (acupressure), tarot/oracle cards as a self-reflective tool, ​mindfulness, and ​R​eiki-assisted therapy.

Find out more at Mindfully Balanced Therapy and connect with Kimberleigh on Instagram

• Coaching Session: Strategies for Neurodiverse Clients
• Qigong Practice for Focus

Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions

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

How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS

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)

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of gratitude in yoga practice. Joined by Sohale Sizar, founder of Soul, we discuss how to make gratitude a deeply spiritual practice that nourishes both therapists and clients. We also explore how gratitude can impact the nervous system, support emotional regulation, and deepen connections with self and others. Sohale shares personal insights and strategies for maintaining gratitude, especially on challenging days, and talks about the scientific and spiritual benefits. The episode also introduces Soul, an innovative tool that sends spontaneous gratitude prompts to help build sustainable gratitude habits.

MEET Sohale Sizar

Sohale Sizar is the founder of Soul, with the mission to illuminate the daily practice of gratitude for his rapidly growing online community. An entrepreneur since the age of nine with 15 years of dedicated practice in meditation and gratitude, Sohale translated his experiences into earning a Stanford MBA and building ventures spanning non-profit charities, education, and consumer technology. Soahle is now an excited entrepreneur on a mission to facilitate access to one's inner light through his gratitude teachings.

Find out more at Soul, and connect with Sohale on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn

Learn more about Sohale HERE

• The science and spirituality of gratitude
• Gratitude in yoga practices
• Exploring everlasting gratitude
• The power of gratitude
• Understanding toxic positivity
• The importance of self-compassion
• Building sustainable gratitude practices

Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions

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

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS

In this episode, we discuss the significant role of touch in psychotherapy and yoga with somatic therapist Sarah Levant. We explore how safe, intentional touch can support the healing process for clients with developmental trauma, aid in nervous system regulation, and offer transformative therapeutic benefits. We go over practical and ethical considerations, informed consent, and various training programs that integrate touch and somatic practices. Sarah shares her journey into somatic therapy, the impact of early attachment on the body, and her methods for integrating touch into therapy sessions to help clients achieve lasting healing.

MEET Sarah Levant

Sarah Levant believes that change is possible. Sarah brings years of experience and a deep passion for helping people heal from trauma—whether it’s the single event of a car accident, or recurring events like chronic inflammation, the pain of childhood experiences, toxic workplaces, racial trauma, or the weight of chronic stress. With advanced training in both complex and single-event trauma, Sarah also assists in national and international trainings on trauma and somatic healing. Sarah is also writing a somatic workbook/coloring book to ease overwhelm, anxiety, and trauma. Sarah helps ease symptoms like anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, disordered eating, substance use, rage, and dissociation by fostering regulation in the body.

Connect with Sarah at somatichealingconsults@gmail.com

• The power of touch in therapy
• Training and techniques for therapeutic touch
• Practical applications and client experiences
• Impact of early attachment on touch and healing
• Impact of ACEs on health
• The role of touch in healing
• Internal Family Systems and touch
• Ethics and informed consent in touch therapy
• Legalities and case documentation

Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions

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

How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS

In this episode, we look at practical vagal toning exercises to help regulate the nervous system. Listeners are guided through techniques such as breathwork, sound and vibration, self-touch, and mindful movement. This episode offers trauma-informed, accessible practices for both therapists and their clients. Key exercises include the 4-2-4 and 6-3-6 breathing techniques, as well as stimulating the ear's vagus nerve connections. I also share a trauma-informed approach to introducing these practices to clients, emphasizing the importance of gradual integration and client autonomy.

Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions

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

How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS

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

Soul: Build a Gratitude Habit USE CODE CHRISYOGA 30 for 30 DAYS FREE FOR LISTENERS

In this episode, we discuss how to help clients who overthink by bringing them back into their bodies through yoga and holistic practices. Kimberleigh shares her yoga journey, her weekly routines, and how she integrates yoga, Reiki, and other holistic tools into her therapy sessions. Listeners are guided through practical exercises to help reconnect the mind and body, and Kimberleigh offers insights into the benefits of combining these practices for overall mental well-being.

MEET Kimberleigh Hagar

Kimberleigh Hagar, LCSW ​, is a mental health therapist​, yoga teacher, and Reiki Master. She provides individual holistic therapy online, specializing in women experiencing overthinking, perfectionism, imposter syndrome and struggling with self-compassion. In therapy, she incorporates​ holistic practices including: yoga, EFT Tapping (acupressure), tarot/oracle cards as a self-reflective tool, ​mindfulness, and ​R​eiki-assisted therapy.

Find out more at Mindfully Balanced Therapy and connect with Kimberleigh on Instagram

• Understanding overthinking and its challenges
• The connection between overthinking and anxiety
• Reconnecting with the body through yoga
• Practical yoga techniques for therapists
• Guided grounding exercise

Yoga Basics: The Therapist's Guide to Integrating Trauma-Informed Yoga into Sessions

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

How To Build Competence and Confidence in Integrating Yoga Into the Therapy Room

Holistic Mindful Check-Ins by Chris McDonald, LCMHCS

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...