Kayko delivered a clear, complete and purposeful case study. She documented the client intake, provided a thorough assessment (from verbal and visual observations), identified how yoga therapy could assist her client, worked with her client to identify short term & long term goals, performed & documented supporting research, and developed a comprehensive care plan.

As this client was challenging to work with, Kayko spent a significant time explaining concepts & adjusting the care plan to meet the client's comfort level & needs.

Kayko provided useful summaries of each session, highlighting discussions, activities, homework, resources, summary of client's progress, plan for next session and reflection/self-evaluation. I appreciate how willing Kayko is to learn from each client, and in this case, she learned that meeting a client where they are is particularly important for a Yoga therapist.

Kayko demonstrates exceptional comprehension of the core concepts of Yoga Therapy and how they can be applied to aid a client. I appreciate how Kayko is able to discern the breath & depth of information, to connect the what, how & why, to form thoughtful insights and drawn useful conclusions. Examples of these connections include:

* Client has withdrawn from an active physical life after a diagnosis of osteoporosis, creating stagnation & imbalance in the physcial and energetic body. Fear of OP progression and bone fracture are impacting the integrity of Manomaya Kosha.
* Strong attachment to old self suggests klesha's coloring over Manomaya and Vijnaanamaya.
* Dislike of change & impermanence (Raga)
* Aversion to addressing the root cause of stress and opting for distraction (dvesha)
* Misidentification with outer layer obstructs understanding of True self
* Swings between over-functioning mind and under-functioning body impact the gunas (rajas / tamas)
* Depression and fear point to derangement of apana vayu

Kayko is demonstrating that she has a strong understanding of the core modules, enabling her to develop a useful Yoga Therapy action plan.

Kayko faced a challenging client whose short term goal was to address stress & emotional pain using Yoga to release stagnant energy and physical tension. The approach of physical practice should be gentle and slow, while taking great care of the major joints susceptive to osteoporotic fracture and pain in the neck, upper back & rib cage. The client's long-term goal is to find balance between the body/mind/spirit and to connect with the True Self to experience peace.

To address these goals, Kayko gathered initial measurements (e.g. client's pain level), completed research, and developed a detailed care plan. She was challenged by her client's lack of commitment and resistance to asana practice (i.e. didn't feel safe, pain, etc.)

I appreciated the resilience Kayko showed as she adapted the care plan (removing postures, adding different types of mediation, and encouraging journaling) to meet her client's needs.

Kayko clearly addressed her client's needs with a thoughtful care plan that she adapted to address her client's concerns, worries, and fears. She offered accessible & safe postures to release tension, postures & breathing practices to improve energy flow, offered meditation & self-inquiry practices to uncover the root cause of stress & emotional pain, introduced contemplative practices (yoga nidra, So Hum, etc.) to direct mental activities, and encouraged self-study of ahimsa, satya, aparigraha, and Ishwaraparnidharna) through reading & journaling. These Yogic tools helped her client reduce anxiety & stress, as well as improve energy.

Kayko did research on osteoporosis, neuroma, ocular migraines and muscular pucker to gain a better understanding of her client's physical experience. She identified useful Yoga resources for osteoporosis, stress & anxiety, energy, emotional regulation & resilience, and connection with a higher self.

In addition, she provided her client with access to many useful resources via shared Googled Drive, including handouts for joint-freeing exercises, yoga for osteoporosis, breathing practices, meditation practices, and how to build a regular home practice.

Kayko also included references to Yoga for Arthritis, which surprised me a little. While both conditions cause pain around the bones & joints, they are different conditions. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, while osteoporosis is caused by low mineral density.

After completing several sessions & receiving feedback from her client, Kayko removed postures that caused fear, awkwardness, or discomfort in her client. This included Sun Salutations for arthritis (with use of chair), triangle pose, and spinal twists.

Kayko's empathy & ability to communicate with her clients is some of her greatest strengths as a Yoga therapist. By checking in with her client at ease session, asking questions, and listening to her client's verbal (and non-verbal) feedback, Kayko was able to assess what Yogic tools were working for her client versus those that didn't work. Some examples of the individualized approach included:
* Breath meditation, imagery meditation, moving meditation, witness practice, Yoga nidra & So Hum contemplation = to reduce stress
* Self-study of Yamas (Ahimsa, Satya, Aparigraha), Pratipaksha Bhavana, etc. = to reduce suffering
* Breathing practices (Belly, 3-part, ujjayi, kapalabhati, alternate nostril), mudras (jnana, prana) & bandha (mula) = increase energy

Because Kayko was sensitive to her client's needs and comfort, she tailored each session so that her client felt at ease -- receiving the benefits of Yoga practices that suited her best.

I was very impressed with Kayko's patience & resilience. She adjusted the care plan to remove poses that her client was not comfortable, added poses that were more easeful, added So Hum practice to provide a more somatic experience, & encouraged journaling to promote self-inquiry, reflection, and compassion.

Kayko's care plan offered practices to address her client's short-term & long-term goals. Realistic time frames were offered via SMART goal setting, and she encouraged her client to gain her husband's support to make her accountable.

Kayko patiently explained why she prescribed certain yoga techniques to her client whose strong personality and opinions made her demanding. This paid off, as at the end of the sessions, her client commented that Kayko did an excellent job of being patient & kind.

This case study was presented in an exceptional manner. Well-organized, clearly written, thoughtful analysis, reflection & self evaluation. Well done.