Utilize the Kosha and Kleshas in Raja Yoga as a guide to help client out of suffering. The Koshas help me to understand how to asses and intervene and Kleshas bring light to the obstacles to overcome.

Their goal is to feel less reactive, I will guide them through asanas to connect them to the body and then share with them visualizations, pranayama and guided meditation practices to connect them with the inner Self. I'll also share journal prompts for them to fill out in between sessions along with 5-10 minutes of pranayama and meditation daily.

Female, 23, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, prescribed by doctor for Klonopin. Has also experienced anxiety and depression and mild eating disorders.

This session will incorporate key teachings by primarily focusing on and drawing inspiration from the teachings of Annamaya Kosha, Purusha, and Prakti while also following the session outline and bringing in quotes from Swami Satchidananda. I intend on weaving these teachings throughout the session by first drawing their awareness to the sensations of the physical body, and guiding them through various practices and poses. Reminding them to continue to witness the mind and body. I am also devoting time to focus on meditation, pranayama, and chanting. Introducing these practices in a way that is manageable and feasible for the client to explore on their own time as well. The client is also a singer and connects deeply with expression through the throat chakra. Therefore, an emphasis on Japa Yoga will be used to connect the client with spirit and the power within them in a way that they ar

I focused on the branches of Raja, Hatha, and Japa Yoga. Bhakti Yoga also naturally came up as the session progressed. Raja Yoga particularly, Purusha and Prakti, helped guide interactions with the client, particularly during times of meditation or when the client would feel emotional recalling past experiences or sharing realizations. When she felt thoughts begin to spiral, we would take a moment to observe the thought, notice what triggered it, and respond rather than react. This practice of witnessing was a powerful tool for the client to have an opportunity to practice in a safe environment. The client was naturally gravitating toward Bhakti Yoga by leaning into chanting, dancing, and singing to channel their emotions into humility and self-surrender. These branches supported one another and the client throughout the class and helped them stay grounded and connect to the Self.

Very open in expressing emotional and mental state and history of abuse - Reminding client that it is okay to express their emotions and that I am comfortable with their emotions being expressed.
Love the use of song and dance as self-expression - creative.
Rajasic and overactive. Uses substances and other distractions to avoid coping. "High highs and very low lows."
Awareness of the cycle of addiction and co-dependency (in various types of relationships).
Recently went through a break-up of their first long-term relationship and health issues with her mother causing a change in relationships and roles in her life - more responsibility and less co-dependent. Questioning purpose in life. Believes she can't change but is also doubtful and looking for a "quick fix."
Self-concept is self-deprecating but also immensely passionate about love in all forms.

Practice 5 minutes of pranayama and meditation a day: Insight Timer to record progress and use as a timer. Chanting as another form of meditation, if needed. Hari Om, Om Shanti, and Closing Sloka chants shared.

Journal prompt: Record how you feel before meditation then after meditation.

Youtube video of Swami Satchidananda's Yoga Nidra to explore when feeling overwhelmed or overly-energized: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw2LJur4e-0&t=2s

Reference material for this and future sessions: Koshas and Kleshas for Raja Yoga Therapy with Swami Vidyananda Presentation and Powerpoint Slides

I was able to achieve the intended goal but through different means than what I originally planned. The client came into the session with very rajasic energy from the day so we took our time with the beginning centering to create calm energy. We then had fun exploring a couple of extra rounds of sun salutations, taking the time to focus on each pose in the sequence. We then skipped the standing and seated asanas and added in some restorative poses to help balance out the overactive energy such as Gentle Mountain Brook (heart-opening), Resting Forward Fold, and Flowing Waterfall. From there we moved into a supported relaxation pose, Yoga Nidra, and Pranayama that focused on calming and relaxation through the lens of Pursha and Prakti and closed the session with a long discussion about what she had experienced.

The class was heavily adapted throughout the entire session because I realized as soon as it started that what I had planned wouldn't work for the client's needs today. I was also making an effort to be more open to allowing the client to guide where we go in the session. By doing so, the class felt more organic and created a natural environment for healing to take place. We started with a longer centering than intended and then when we moved into Sun Salutations the client was very interested so we took our time exploring each pose in the sequence. After that, the client felt ready to explore some more restorative poses so we blended the beginning of a classic Hatha class with the poses of restorative yoga. I learned that it's good to have a balance between preparation, and giving the client what they want, and what they need.

If I was faced with the same situation in the future, I would hope to improve my comfortability and fluidity of changing between each practice. With that being said, including some tweaks, I would approach it similarly throughout the session with the client. However, I would change the aftercare techniques used post-session. I think having some sort of post-session self-care routine would be helpful after heavier sessions like this one in minimizing the energetic toll. I did do a brief guided relaxation, meditation, and energy clearing but I can tell it is going to be important for me to maintain regularly to remain consistent and replenished in my energy field. I would also love to become more comfortable and confident in energy healing as I think it will be beneficial to a client like this one. The overall session went well because the client reported feeling significantly better, more grounded, and "lighter" after the session. But, this session also showed me areas where there are holes in my knowledge or technique that I need to focus and work on for future sessions, like energy healing. I look forward to deepening my knowledge and refining the tools in the YT toolbelt.