What is Group Yoga Therapy?

 Yoga therapy can be experienced privately through one-on-one sessions or in a small group setting.

Group yoga therapy brings together individuals who share similar health concerns. 

Sessions are guided by a qualified yoga therapist and are thoughtfully structured to provide therapeutic tools that support healing—physically, mentally, and emotionally—within a safe, inclusive space.

This approach proves effective as participants recognize that they are not alone in their struggles, and the shared strength of the group becomes an integral aspect of the healing journey.

Yoga Therapy can support a wide range of physical and emotional conditions, including (but not limited to):

• Insomnia and sleep disturbances
• Alcohol dependancy & substance addiction
• Chronic pain
• Joint and back issues
• Infertility and women’s reproductive health (fibroids, endometriosis, menopause)
• Cancer support
• Eating disorders
• Arthritis and Parkinson’s disease
• Diabetes and heart disease
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Symptoms associated with chronic viruses
• Caregiver support and burnout
• PTSD and intergenerational trauma
• Grief, depression, and anxiety
• Orthopedic and neurological concerns
• Palliative care

Programmes typically span 8 weeks and require a commitment to allow enough time for real shifts in body and mind.

They are generally tailored around a central theme. For example, Behind the Noise: A Journey into Calm is a programme I designed for those experiencing stress and anxiety. Each weekly session then explores a related sub-theme to support this overarching focus—such as Week 1: Regulating the nervous system, Week 2: Mindfulness etc.
 

 With my extensive training, I thoughtfully structure each session to meet the group’s shared needs while allowing space for individual attention and modifications. Even within a communal setting, the experience remains deeply personal—each participant is encouraged to tune into their own body, adapt the practices to suit their unique experience, connect inward, and move at their own pace.

Groups are intentionally small—typically 8 to 10 people—to ensure everyone feels seen and supported. This intimate setting fosters a unique sense of community, where participants benefit not only from the therapeutic tools offered but also from the connection, encouragement, and mutual understanding that arise when walking a similar path with their peers.

Not to worry if you’ve never done yoga before!

The sessions are designed to be accessible to people of all abilities, with no prior yoga experience required.

It is my job as a yoga therapist to meet you exactly where you are—physically, emotionally, and energetically. 

There is no expectation, judgment, or limitation based on the severity of a condition.

During each session, I’ll guide you carefully through the practices, providing detailed instructions and I'll offer adjustments or modifications based on your comfort level and physical condition.

Props, chairs, and variations are always available to ensure accessibility for all bodies and abilities. 

With an additional 20 hours of specialized training in Chair-specific Yoga, I can adapt all practices for use with chairs or wheelchairs, should you prefer to be seated rather than standing. 

What Does a Group Yoga Therapy Session Look Like?

Before the programme begins, I’ll gather information about your health history and goals. Combined with relevant health details from other participants, this allows me to design a tailored 8-week programme that blends evidence-based science with the time-tested tools of yoga. Each session is thoughtfully structured to support both individual needs and the group as a whole.

You’ll also be asked to complete a brief questionnaire to help assess your current state. This gives me a clearer picture of where you're starting from, and we’ll revisit the same questionnaire at the end of the programme to reflect on your progress and the benefits you’ve gained.

 Once all relevant information is gathered and your personalized group programme is designed, we’ll begin.

The programme includes:

• 60 minute weekly group sessions
• Mindfulness- Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
• Gentle physical postures (asana)
• Breathing techniques (pranayama)
• Meditation, visualisation and relaxation techniques
• Somatic movement
• Sound healing
• Joint-freeing sequences and fascial release techniques
• Vagus nerve stimulation
• Nervous sytem downregulation
• Ayurveda-informed lifestyle and dietary recommendations
• Home based practices
• Shared external resources and materials relevant to your group / condition
• Tools that you can keep in your toolbox for life
   

At the end of the programme, we’ll revisit your initial questionnaire so you can reflect on your progress and the benefits you’ve experienced throughout the journey.

You’ll leave with practical tools to support long-term self-management and greater agency in your own health. From there, we say goodbye—or, if you wish to continue, you’re warmly invited to join one of my weekly, general yoga classes.

Benefits of Yoga Therapy

Participants often experience wide-ranging benefits from Yoga Therapy, such as:

• Reduced pain, stress, and anxiety
• Nervous system downregulation
• Improved quality and quantity of sleep
• Enhanced digestion, circulation, hormone balance, respiration, and joint health
• Increased strength, flexibility, resilience, and energy
• Reduced impact of medication side effects
• Promotion of deep relaxation, emotional healing, and even spontaneous joy

Pricing- 

• Free  30 minute initial consultation- on the phone or in person
• 8-week in-person group programme:
  • $180 NZD per person 
  • or drop in for $25 a session

Choosing Between Group and Private Yoga Therapy - what's right for you?

To help you decide which option is best for you, here’s a breakdown of the differences between group and private yoga therapy.

Private Yoga Therapy is the right option for you if:

• You prefer individualized attention and a private space
• You have complex medical needs or specific conditions that require a highly tailored plan
• You want a session completely customized to your physical, mental, and emotional needs
• You need more frequent or flexible scheduling options
• You want a fully personalized therapeutic journey at your own pace

Group Yoga Therapy is the right option for you if:

• You enjoy the energy and support of a small group setting
• Your goals include general stress reduction, improved strength/flexibility, or connecting with community
• You feel comforted by sharing space with others facing similar challenges
• You are looking for an affordable way to access therapeutic yoga
• You appreciate a structured, theme-based programme over several weeks

If you're interested in how yoga therapy can support you, I’d be honored to guide you on your journey. 

Whether you’re a non-profit organization looking to offer a therapeutic programme to your clients, a business owner wanting to enhance the well-being of your employees, or an individual eager to join a group, I offer multiple programmes throughout the year. 

Feel free to reach out, and let's explore how we can create a personalized approach that supports your unique circumstances .