• 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.

There were no actual adjustments or adaptations to the care plan in particular, though a lot of time was left in sessions for things to progress organically.

I believe my client has made meaningful progress toward all of her goals since beginning her yoga journey with me in September 2024. Through consistent attendance at my studio—coming to class 2–3 times each week—and integrating her practice into daily life (even using poses while cooking dinner), she’s built both physical strength and emotional resilience. She’s shared how breathwork helps her navigate moments of frustration in her relationship, pausing to simply breathe rather than react. I truly believe the tools she’s learned have supported her path toward greater self-acceptance, and her growth in outward confidence is a successful reflection of her commitment and inner work.

I've witnessed MM becoming stronger in her physical practice, more flexible and mobile and she repeated expresses how much she loves coming to class. She's even told me that her husband has made comments to her about how much happier and fulfilled she seems since starting to practice yoga. I personally instruct 2 classes she currently takes weekly so I've seen her physical progress dramatically since September 2024 in strength, determination with poses and dedication.

When I first met MM, she mentioned several times her frustration with her husband and one son, and how she finds herself getting very stressed out when dealing with them. I do believe with the tools learned, she will be able to manage these stressors better and perhaps have less of a sympathetic response as she once did, improving her overall peace. I also feel that she has found something for herself, the practice of yoga, and for this I see an improvement in her energetic layer. She always comes to class positive, has created a group of ladies at my studio that all take the same classes and are all in the same age bracket, and seeing her embrace that sense of community through yoga has definitely raised her vibration and it's a real joy to see.

I haven't seen too much change necessarily in the emotional side. From what I observe, she still derives much of her joy from baby-sitting her grandchildren and being of service to both her sons and their families. If anything, she's developed a better relationship with herself so on that end, there is improvement.

I think this kosha might be the hardest layer. While she is improving in her sense of self, and learning to maintain boundaries with her own needs, in this layer lies all the "stuff" that she holds onto with her relationship with her mother and this will take time, perhaps therapy, etc. I do think we started to chip away at the iceberg here and planted a seed for her of areas in which she needs more healing.

As MM has reported in her initial intake, she is not particularly religious, but I do think she has taken some of the teachings I've presented to her in sessions to heart, and has integrated them into her day to day. I think she most importantly has learned how to prioritize her own needs and uses the yoga practice as her "time" in the studio, as well as at home when she takes time and space for herself and goes into a quiet room to breath. Whereas we only got to touch on a few yoga philosophy concepts, I do believe it was eye-opening for her to be introduced to a new lens of how to look at and reflect on her life, relationships, reactions, etc., I plan to support her as a member of my studio and yoga community in any way she needs moving forward.

MM has been nothing short of appreciative of our time together and has shown a deep level of openness and trust throughout our sessions. From the very beginning, she approached our work with sincerity and a genuine desire to grow—both emotionally and physically. She’s consistently engaged in the process, sharing honestly about her experiences, challenges, and reflections. Her willingness to be vulnerable has allowed us to explore meaningful areas of healing, and it’s been truly rewarding to witness her begin to shift old patterns, embrace new tools, and step more confidently into her sense of self.

Throughout our sessions, I regularly incorporated journal prompts as a way for MM to begin gently exploring her past experiences and emotional patterns. Writing gave her the space to reflect and express things she hadn’t previously put into words, which became an important part of her healing process. At one point, she remarked that she had never told anyone all the things about her life that she’s shared with me, which speaks to the depth of trust that was built and the importance of having a safe, supportive space to open up.

See above.

I'm wondering if getting into the stuff w/ her mom is out of scope? I'm wondering about ways to navigate through that from a yoga therapy lens.

Absolutely. MM is a gem and now a regular member of my studio and I feel honored that I was a part of her yoga journey. Every time she comes to class, I'm reminded of why I started the yoga therapy program in the first place.