I first discovered the benefits of mindfulness in clinical practice while working as a mental health therapist in northern Alberta. The evidence supporting the therapeutic effects of yoga, meditation, and exercise for treating a wide variety of physical and mental ailments is vast and compelling. As my personal practice waxed and waned I followed my yoga journey to Bali, Indonesia where I studied traditional yoga philosophy and its connections to western psychotherapy. Now, as a daily practitioner, I have learned to practice what I preach by cultivating moments of formal and informal mindfulness into life's stressful times as well as seemingly mundane events. The effects have been personally transformative. As such, I spend much of my time teaching classes in local studios, schools, office settings, treatment centers, day cares, and even on the water during summer months. By creating awareness of and opportunities for yoga/mindfulness, I hope to share the gifts of presence, compassion, and joy that I've found in my own practice. As a psychologist, I embrace the fusion of eastern philosophy with western psychology, employing evidence-based models such as mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. Honoring the marriage of these fields allows for new, and effective ways of healing from trauma, managing chronic illness/pain, preparing for the challenges of labor and delivery, and regulating the full spectrum of human emotion.
Couples Yoga
Take time to connect with your romantic partner in a flow style yoga class. Participants experience opportunities for play, trust, and support during 90 minutes of mindful movement. Classes occur monthly at Core Elements. Space are limited. Register by phone 403-331-1925 for an upcoming class.
Book a yoga class or a mindfulness-based stress reduction workshop for students, staff, or parents at your school. What an excellent way to bring people together as a professional development activity, to promote self-care, reduce academic anxiety, or simply to have some fun. Appropriate for all ages. Click here for more information.
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga is a relatively new and growing experience combining the beauty of nature with the experience of mindful movement, breath, and guided meditation on water. Private and community classes are available. 2016 schedule to be published soon. Click here for more information. 2017 schedule is here!
Private Yoga Therapy
Following a complete assessment of their physical and psychological needs, clients experience grounding movements, meditation, visualization, and breath awareness exercises. These sessions are held in a private studio setting. Book a private yoga therapy session here.
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga
Trauma-sensitive yoga is a therapeutic experience for individuals with a history of complex trauma or PTSD. It may be integrated into private counselling sessions, or offered to small groups in residential settings (e.g., prisons, addictions centers, shelters), or workplace support for emergency responders facing direct or vicarious trauma. Inquire here.
"Through practice, I’ve come to see that the deepest source of my misery is not wanting things to be the way they are. Not wanting myself to be the way I am. Not wanting the world to be the way it is. Not wanting others to be the way they are. Whenever I’m suffering, I find this war with reality to be at the heart of the problem.” ~ Stephen Cope