• Check in, centering, balanced hatha yoga set considering contraindications, relaxation (with imagery as appropriate),
• Balanced pranayama considering contraindications, meditation/centering.
• Include at least one suggestion from Karma, Bhakti, Raja, or Jnana Yoga tailored for this client.

Discussed the benefits of 3-Part Breath in times when feeling overwhelmed and stressed. I asked my client to take note of any times during the week when she felt overwhelmed and stressed, and to try using the breath work she learned as a tool to slow the mind, quiet the noise and center herself before her emotions got the best of her. I asked her to write a few instances down to use for discussion for the next session.

Centering (5-8 min): grounding the client, seated w/ eyes closed....

Breathwork (10 min): demonstrated 3-Part Breath as well as Nadi Suddhi. Spent several minutes going over the benefits of pranayama, explanation of the techniques, then trying them w/ discussion following on how it landed for my client.

Yoga Philosophy (10-15 min): started off w/ a basic explanation of the 8-Fold Path and discussion around the 10 Yamas and Niyamas. Kept it brief as these concepts were very new to my client.

Asana (20-30 min): Began w/ very gentle movements in Sukhasana (side stretches, forward folds etc). Came into table top, cat/cow, and incorporated other movements into the practice leading from table top. Came up to downward dog into a high plank x 3 to assess client's strength. Ended practice on the back coming into happy baby, spinal twist, waterfall and then onto back for final relaxation.

Relaxation (10 min): Used a "Letting Go" guided meditation for client.

Closing (5 min): discussion around the session and as well homework.

Today was only our first official session so no process to track yet.

I do believe that this client is highly motivated and has mentioned being a "blank slate" for me to work with. She is eager to learn what yoga therapy has to offer and is open to anything we try together.

I'm happy with the relationship I've already created with this client. We have a good rapport and I believe she feel very comfortable in my presence. I look forward to working with her more and seeing where it takes us.

Looking back and to future sessions, I would like to be more prepared in terms of how I present yoga philosophy tools. For instance, I would like to have some journal prompts to use, or questions for thought prepared to use for discussion and for homework assignments. I learned a lot from our first session.

For my next session I plan to maintain the same format I used this time, but also including a discussion at the start to see how the week went and if she was able to use the breathwork at any point during the week.

I also plan on having a more detailed yoga philosophy section more prepared around Ishvaraprahidhana - a thorough discussion about what it means as well as some prepared questions for discussion to facilitate deeper learning on the concept.

For the asana portion, I plan to challenge her a little deeper to help improve her strength and to keep her physically engaged.