The Integral Yoga Basic Teacher's Manual (pg. 75) describes Balasana or Child's Pose as calming to the mind and stress-reducing. The key teaching I the modified Child's Pose, to be incorporated into the client's nightly sleep routine.

The goal for implementation is to help calm the mind before sleep, as part of the client's nightly sleep routine. I will teach supported Balasana in 1 online session and then after 3 weeks, I will follow up with the client about his experience. The props which can be used include bolsters and blankets to support the abdominal area and head.

The client is a 75 year old male who has recently lost his wife. He is healthy except for Osteoarthritis; he is not kyphotic. He has been lonely and overwhelmed, now that his wife is not around to help him. He has difficulty winding down before bed. He is an established patient in a mental health clinic.

I plan to meet the client online, during his usual mental health appointment. I will teach supported Balasana. The client has done yoga in the past and has props in his home. I will then see the client in 3 weeks to follow up. I will ask about his experience doing supported Balasana nightly as part of his sleep routine. I will answer any questions that arise.

I will use Hatha Yoga, as Supported Balasana is a physical posture. As stated above, Balasana can facilitate a state of calmness. As such, it can facilitate calmness that could help the client prepare for sleep.

The time with the client, during the first session, lasted about 20 minutes. The client learned the pose easily. He used a large rectangular bolster underneath his abdominal area, which was long enough to support his head. He did not require any blankets or additional props. He reported that the pose felt comfortable. The session was recorded, so the client could review it in case he forgot how to do the pose. During the follow up session, he reported that the pose was helpful, as it helped him wind down after his stressful day. He found it was easier to fall asleep.

My follow up suggestion is for the client to continue to practice the pose nightly. After doing this regularly, for a few months, he can consider adding a regular breathing practice at night as well.

Yes, I applied the intended plan and the goal was achieved. The client was easy to work with and had some prior knowledge of yoga, and also had props in his home.

The adaptations done involved the use of props. I remained aware that the client may need props and that this need would have to be determined in the session. I learned to stay flexible regarding the plan.

I will continue to remain flexible regarding the use of props and adaptations, allowing for the client's needs to direct what changes should be made. Additionally, I was very fortunate to have a client who has props at home. This would be difficult to achieve if the client does not have props, though many clients would have pillows which could be used instead of bolsters.