Hello everyone, my name is Stevie and I am a cognitive behavioural therapist
working for First Step in Carlisle and Eden.
I am also a member of the Yoga
Studio Carlisle!
My path into yoga started with a few 1-1s with Emma back in
2016 as I was struggling with some lower back pain. I wasn’t looking for
anything more than a good stretch out in all honesty and I didn’t see myself as
the sort of person who would be able to… well… relax!
Fast forward to the end of
my first class with Emma and I surprised myself by crying. Not with sadness or
pain, but relief and gratitude as the tension I was carrying started to release.
Now yoga is a part of my life and something I recommend to my patients who are
receiving therapy for depression, anxiety disorders and trauma.
I have written a
summary of some of the reasons why I would recommend yoga to anyone – but
specifically those who are aiming to improve their self-care and wellbeing, and
why the Yoga Studio Carlisle is the perfect setting for this; Yoga has a small
but growing evidence base supporting the view that it can improve the symptoms
associated with stress, anxiety, depression and trauma, including post-traumatic
stress disorder.
I have included some links to research papers at the end if
this floats your boat. (Disclaimer – Yoga does not take the place of, and should
be used alongside side of and to compliment, evidence-based treatments such as
psychological therapies and medication if these have been prescribed to you by
your GP or a mental health professional)
Yoga focuses on the present moment. By
being present, we can get used to letting go of the things we cannot control, or
things that haven’t and may never happen…worriers, this is aimed at you! Being
present and non-judgemental can also help us to reduce ruminating over the past,
once again learning a life-long skill of being able to let go of things that no
longer serve to help us.
Our emotions are said to be regulated by different
motivational systems (how human beings have survived and thrived from day dot!).
We have Threat (To detect and protect us from threats), Drive (Motivating us
towards the things we need) and Soothe (Allowing us to bond, connect with
others, manage and calm distress).
Compassion Focused Therapy follows the idea
that emotional distress is caused by an imbalance of the systems – most
typically that the soothing system is underdeveloped.
The good news? We can
improve that balance by improving the soothing system.
Examples of soothing
activities include being among nature, meditation, relaxed breathing, having a
bath, and of course – yoga. To put it simply – breathing and relaxation
activates the soothing system.
The soothing system can help us to relax, feel
safe and contained, and treat ourselves with compassion.
Attending The Yoga
Studio Carlisle encourages your soothing system due to its relaxed environment,
supportive and knowledgeable teachers and ethos of non-judgement. You can work
towards a goal within your practice whilst also respecting and being proud of
exactly where you are right now – some days that might mean challenging
yourself, others it may be about taking rest – but always prioritises
maintaining the breath. For some, yoga will a central focus for managing their
mental health and wellbeing.
For many others, it will be a vital part of
recovery and management – typically alongside a talking therapy and medication.
If you are seeking further support with your mental health in Cumbria, I would
recommend that you speak to your GP and make use of the fantastic local and
national services available; Samaritans 0330 094 5717 Carlisle Mind 01228 543354
First Step 0300 1239122 or via self-referral online at
www.cntw.nhs.uk/services/first-step/ This is not an exhaustive list and there
are many other wonderful services available.
Everyone is different – what works
for one person may not work for another. I found an interview with Dr. Bessel
van der Kolk who is considered one of the world’s leading authorities on
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Have a read through for his take on the
use of Yoga as a therapy that can help individuals working through their PTSD
including precautions for trauma-sensitive Yoga students (link below)
See you on
the mat! Stevie x
Further Reading;
Yoga Therapy in Practice – Trauma-sensitive yoga: Principles, Practice and
Research. International Journal of Yoga Therapy (2009)
A Review of Published Research and Implications for Healthcare Providers
(2016)
Warriors at Peace. Combat veterans take refuge in yoga, discovering its
ability to soothe and repair war-torn minds and spirits (2010)
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