To me, yoga therapy is the best therapy. It's a well-rounded approach to assessing & assisting the whole person in all aspects of life, including addressing specific concerns such as grief. Yoga therapy is so much more than just yoga poses. Modalities used in yoga therapy include: postures, breathing techniques, mindfulness, meditation, the wisdom of Ayurveda (the 5,000 year-old 'sister science' of yoga that focuses on the balance of systems within the body), and more. These practices are simple yet profound & in times of grief, they help us manage our symptoms, regain a sense of control & balance, & move toward re-identification with the Self, which is compromised following any important loss. Click the link below for more information about the role & functions of yoga therapists. (Courtesy of the International Association of Yoga Therapists.)
Guided Drawing® is an art therapy modality created by psychologist Maria Hippius. In alignment with the yogic focus on introspection (reflection of our inner experience), Guided Drawing® encourages exploration of sensations felt within the body rather than focusing on the stories held in our minds. This shift allows the client to engage in art as process, not art as product. Once a sensation is adequately expressed on the page, the client discerns how to bring the sensation (of grief or trauma, for example) to a manageable level of intensity to find relief. Releasing highly-charged sensations from the body through rhythmic, repeated movements on paper allows highly-charged sensations & feelings to dissipate. The intuitive, tactile nature of Guided Drawing® adds another layer of understanding & self-knowledge as clients process grief. Click the link below to watch a clip of the process. (Courtesy of the Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy.)
Through the loss of something external, such as a partner/spouse, a pet, a job, a home, etc., we often feel we have lost part of our Self. And while it is true that almost any type of yoga may help with emotional dysregulation, the Yoga for Grief Relief sadhana (practice) I offer my clients was developed by my mentor, Antonio Sausys, over 30 years ago and specifically addresses the physical, mental, & emotional symptoms associated with grief such as sadness, anger, sleep disturbances, negative anticipatory thinking, etc. and helps clients develop greater self-knowledge and re-establish a sense of Self following any significant loss.
The practical, effective tools & techniques of the sadhana give clients a way to navigate their unique experience of grief as they accept, process, & move forward following an important loss.
AJ Sullivan, MA, C-IAYT, CPC, RYT-500 is a Certified Yoga Therapist & a certified Guided Drawing® facilitator.
Her initial training in the field of psychotherapy required an emphasis on the mind that often overlooked the wisdom of the body. Seeking a whole-person approach to assessing and addressing client concerns, AJ was drawn study & embrace yoga therapy. Her own experiences with traumatic losses and grief inspired her to specialize in working with grievers.
Understanding the connection between grief & its symptoms in the physical body, she completed her Advanced Pain Care (PCA) certification in 2023 and works closely with medical professionals & other holistic practitioners to provide the best possible care for clients who are grieving.
Coming soon.
Find additional information related to yoga therapy & grief here.
