Kayko clearly identified her client's issues and goals via verbal discussion, visual observation & client feedback. Kayko then completed background research to help understand how she could best use yoga therapy tools to support her client's desire to reduce pain from plantar fasciitis (R foot), improve balance (especially via awareness of knee & foot alignment), improve core strength, and become more aware of how her client's obesity impacts her physical health. Kayko also assessed her clients mental, emotional, and spiritual needs & goals. She helped her client become more mindful of her senses, increase awareness of her thoughts & actions, and remain connected to her Higher Power. The agreed upon action plan provided a summary of how yoga therapy could assist her client in reaching goals & provided details that addressed multiple layers of the Kosha model for health. Very well done.

Kayko demonstrates an exception understanding of the core concepts of Yoga Therapy. I am pleased with Kayko's understanding of the Kosha model & how she has expanded her yogic tools to address the physical, energetic, intellectual/emotional, intuitive, and spiritual levels of health. For example, the action plan for her client includes asana practices (standing, chair, floor) to help her client increase her energy flow & gain strength, flexibility & balance. Kayko includes pranayama & energy practices to elevate her client's energy while remaining calm and at peace. Mindfulness & meditation practices helped her client become much more "aware" of her thoughts, emotions and actions with greater compassion for herself and others. In addition, Kayko highlighted several Yogic Sutras to help her client deal with stress, anxiety and conflict with other people. Throughout the entire care plan, Kayko linked the "what", "how" and "why" of what she was offering her client, which enabled her client to incorporate the practices more successfully in her life.

Kayko provided an exceptional analysis of her client's needs, abilities, desires, and willingness to engage. At each session, she checked in with her client about her goals to discover whether or not the yoga therapy practices were aiding her client in reaching her goals. Sessions were logically sequenced with discussion (e.g. introducing the concept of pratyahara to help her client become more aware). This was followed by movement (standing, chair, kneeling, supine) to help her client gain more strength, flexibility & balance. When needed, Kayko offered props or alternative poses to help her client gain confidence. Sessions also included breathing practices to balance energy and various meditation practices to help her client improve her self-awareness & self-compassion. Kayko was thoughtful & caring with her client. Kayko observed how her client's obesity impacted her & how her client was uncomfortable about speaking about it. Kayko demonstrated compassion -- taking care to be thoughtful in her speech to support her client in becoming more aware in her thoughts & actions. Very well done.

Kayko applied yoga therapy skills very effectively with her client. She developed a strong action plan to help her client reduce pain & gain mobility (Annamaya), increase energy flow (Pranamaya), cultivate greater awareness to guide a healthier relationship with food & navigate difficult/stressful relationships (Manomaya), increase self-reflection & awareness (Vijnamaya), and develop greater self-compassion for herself & others (Annadamaya). Yogic tools included accessible asana, pranayama & meditation practices. Kayko also introduced Yoga philosophy and encouraged journaling to support her client in her journey. Very well done.

Kayko did excellent research to prepare and address her client's unique needs. She also discovered useful resources that she shared with her client to support her client's home practices. Examples include: research on plantar fasciitis & weight, restless leg syndrome, varicose veins and pain. Resources included yoga videos, articles, and handouts as supporting content to her client.

Kayko exhibits both critical thinking and an individualized approach to yoga therapy. She gathers input by speaking with her client, observing her client's movements, and assessing her client's feedback. Kayko has the ability to sense the importance of both what is said & left unsaid. She uncovers and offers unique practices to support her client's well-being. For example, she offered her client several types of meditation / mindfulness practices to help her client become more aware of her thoughts, emotions, and actions. Some examples include: witness practice (Jnana yoga), 5-senses meditation practice, pratyahara practice (including mindful eating), loving kindness, and more. Kayko's reasoning is well-interpreted, presented and applied in her yoga therapy sessions.

Kayko is a keen observer and she quickly adjusts when needed. Examples include: adding props to support downward dog to help her client increase hamstring flexibility, removing resting pigeon which was too difficult, adding a block between the knees in chair and bridge pose to help her client gain strength, etc.

Kayko also helped her client make subtle, but significant, changes through yogic practices. Examples include: listening to soothing music rather than TV while eating to enhance awareness, discussing how the 4 locks and keys are useful when dealing with a difficult person, etc.

Kayko's case studies have become a joy to read. They are very well-organized with a brief introduction, an assessment, an initial care plan (that is modified as needed throughout the case study), specific yogic tools to support the Kosha model of healing, a list of research and resources, and short summaries of each session. Kayko is great at observing and provides excellent summaries at the end of each session on her client's progress. Kayko's reflections on her own growth (at the end of each session & use case) demonstrate a maturity & confidence in Kayko as a yoga therapist. It's beautiful to witness.