Apply yoga techniques to support common psychological conditions.
Gallegos, A. M., Crean, H. F., Pigeon, W. R., & Heffner, K. L. (2017). Meditation and yoga for posttraumatic stress disorder: A meta-analytic review of randomized controlled trials. Clinical psychology review, 58, 115–124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2017.10.004

Due to PTSD symptoms and recent MST (military sexual trauma), improve relaxation response (parasympathetic nervous system function) and reduce the stress response (sympathetic nervous system function) through relaxing pranayama, yoga nidra, and guided "safe space" meditation that will help re-balance the autonomic nervous system.

20 y/o female, recently experienced MST

Give client the safe space worksheet to develop their own personal safe space (may include place, sounds, smells, people, objects, etc. that are positive for them. After client develops their safe space, provide guidance on how to use it, similar to pratipaksha bhavana, where there picture themself in that space instead of where they are facing anxiety, restlessness, or other stress responses. Teach client deerga swasam breathing technique to use separately and in conjunction with the meditation.

Primarily used hatha yoga: relaxation/meditation techniques, pranayama - deerga swasam, asana - sukhasana. This combination of techniques from hatha yoga reduced client's stress response and increased relaxation response.

Client made a restricted report which provides confidentiality and some support services such as counseling, but is experiencing reduced sleep quality and anxiety in stressful situations. Client was optimistic and attentive during the initial session with learning and practicing the techniques. At the follow-up session by phone the next day, client stated she slept better and woke up less times that night. She was optimistic that the techniques will help her.

Since safe space has been very effective per client follow-up after session, continue to use as needed.
Continue using relaxing pranayama. Offered to teach nadhi suddhi at the next session.

Yes, the plan was used as initially intended. The goal was achieved based on client's report at next day follow-up of being able to fall asleep quicker than past nights and returning to sleep using the techniques much quicker.

The plan worked as expected reinforcing my trust in the research-based trauma practices. I wondered how the female client might feel having a male assisting her after the assailant being male, but I remained mindful of the client remaining in control and it worked and the client accepted a follow-on session. I did adapt the plan to offer the option of savasana instead of just sukhasa as the client needed the techniques while waking up at night.

The basic yoga teacher in me wanted to round out the practice with some asanas and additional pranayama, but the 300-hour and yoga therapy trained teacher in me provided a great lesson in tailoring to the client and not using a one-size fits all approach which seemed to work well. I would definitely continue to trust this instinct based on client response and feedback.