• 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.

Practice conscious listening in each life encounter and observe its effect on the level of anxiety of listener.

Did opening breath and sound bowl sequence, diaphragmatic breathing and heel breathing while seated.
Check in with teddy bear as object use hold when speaking.
Clients expressed their gratitude for our sessions. State that they have had easier interactions with one another. Mother was very grateful; she has attended work for about 3 weeks without calling out sick.

Even Julia was less fidgety in her seat.
House has some small changes now to make it a more healing space; mother has cleared out some old items that were meant to be given to other family members. Sara helped her with keeping kitchen and living spaces cleaned.
Julia was allowed to buy a small pot of flowers that she keeps in the home and waters.

Discussed practices and any questions which arose. They expressed that there were many practices and discussed with them that these are tools in a toolbox which can be use but were not meant to overwhelmed.

Took brief break.

Started again with breaths, and then explained the concept of conscious speaking and listening. Explained that when we feel anxious, it is common to have many thoughts that are in the mind while another is talking. Discussed the practice of concentration while another is talking and not interrupting. Increasing concentration in one's life may be helpful to reduce mental chatter/anxious thoughts which is associated with anxiety.

Each up into pairs Marta and Giovanni, Julia and Sara. Each was assigned to think of a scenario where they didn't speak consciously and share it with the other partner. The other partner's job is to listen consciously and not interrupt or other solutions. Afterwards, we switch so that each gets a chance to share. Then they each give each other feedback about how each speaker felt to have someone pay attention. Also the listener is to observe how frequently he/sh gets interrupted by his/her own thoughts.

We got back together after this practice and shared the experience. It felts calming to the speakers to feel they were being heard by someone else.

Ended with sequence of breaths and sound bowls.

The group has done very well together; overall, the amount of anxiety they are reported is lower. Mother and Sara are attending work and school more. Giovanni has decreased angry outbursts. And Julia seems much calmer. The concept of being safe has been very important to them. They are so very grateful.

I feel a lot more confident about being effective using these practices.

1. plan to do active meditation practice and end with alternate nostril breathing, breathing in safe and exhaling (breathing out fear); similar practice of alternate nostril breathing taught by Swami Karunananda in Raja Yoga.